I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered. I realize this particular manuscript may never sell. Of course I hope it does, and will continue to market it until I've run out of options, but I can already see from what little I've done on the next novel that it's going to be better-written. Just in my writing group last night, they asked if I'd taken the pacing comments I've gotten into account, and I said, "Not really--why?" And they said the new book is noticeably faster-paced, and tips you right into the action in the first few pages.

I still think Lucy is a very good book, and I'm by no means planning to shred it if I can't sell it. Maybe if I've already improved enough as a writer that my new work shows better mastery of pacing, in another year or three I'll be good enough to take Lucy apart and rebuild it without destroying its soul.

Lucy may also be a novel you can sell after you've sold a later one. Editors/agents may be more open to a slower-paced book when they know you have a track record.

I'm sad. A magazine that was going to print my work has gone on hiatus. Which is sad for a lot of people, not just me. But part of me feels like "Of course they are. Anyone interested in my work would." It has happened a lot. Maybe it is the dark cloud I bring with me wherever I go.(I know...it's really that the economy sucks. Why couldn't I have a useful talent, with numbers in it?

"Of course they are. Anyone interested in my work would." It has happened a lot.

If it's any concellation, I spent a good two years as the king of shutting down literary journals. Seemed everywhere I got accepted eithr shut down or went on hiatus. An anthology project I was working on? Killed three publishers. I felt like a literary grim reaper.

Typhoid Mary here. Want a kiss? That was the one break I got all last year, too.

Welcome to the wonderful world of "this complete lack of funding, not to mention disposable income, brought to you the Bush Economic Recovery Plan".

But I need a clip. Not another reason to hate Bush. Books, reasons to hate Bush, and pet hair are the most plentiful things in this house.

erika, the stuff the magazine had of yours - fiction or reportage?

Why couldn't I have a useful talent, with numbers in it?

I want this for my tag, erika. Badly. Please?

One of those personal essay things. Which is to say, somewhere in the middle.Beverly, yes, of course. Anyone can tag me, anytime. And somebody who compliments my Kay can do it twice. Like voting in Chicago.