Reading between the lines of the second one, it's clear that the agent believes your book is worthwhile, but doesn't think it will sell in a bad market -- it's not you who is failing, the market isn't there at this time. Which may or may not be true.

Susan, insent to your profile addy.

Beverly, would you mind resending to my gmail address? My profile addy seems to have gone wonky today--no sign of your message, and I didn't get one deb sent last night either.

I thought about that after I hit post...um, without a rain of toads? Hang in there, Susan.

Ok, just got back online. Will resend as soon as I re-find the sent message. Heh. May have to reconstruct. Working.

Okay, it's disappeared into the ether. Basically, it was just a keep your chin up-don't let the bastards get you down sort of thing. Which I entirely mean, but I can't accurately reconstruct, the moment's passed. But yeah. I believe in you, and I take a sort of sisterly pride in your perserverance.

Thanks, Beverly!

I'm feeling a bit better this morning. Nothing like your first proper 7-hour sleep in over a week to restore humanity and courage. But I am bothered by the incessant buzz on how the historical romance is in trouble. And I'm especially bothered that the publisher reaction seems to be, "Let's turn out even more imitations of what already works," instead of, "I wonder if the readers would like more variety and some fresh voices."

Well, keep your chin up, and don't let the bastards get you down. Um, or words to, you know, that effect.

In other news, I have had to cancel my residency at Weymouth this week. At least two, possibly three, of my writers group is going tomorrow, staying through Friday. The weather promises to be glorious, and my mind's eye can see the heron fountain and the formal gardens from the wavy-glass windows of "my" room. However, my MIL is having surgery this week and has asked me to stay with her for a few days. As there's no one else she can ask, I feel I must, as well as being pleased that she asked and that I can do something for her.

On the other hand, she's an overactive control freak sort of person, so there are personal trepidations about my stay. Thank dog my BIL has internet access there for his visits from NYC, even if it is dialup.

My mom and her friends aare big fans of historical romances, Susan. Keep plugging. Your time, it will come.

There are some editors out there who want new and different voices. And plenty of readers as well. You'll find them Susan, eventually.

I thought just the length of the second letter was encouraging, and the fact that she, personally, is being cautious, but does encourage you to keep going means, to me, that she believes you'll sell too.

Susan, clearly they need you to save the genre. I mean it.

In other news, I have had to cancel my residency at Weymouth this week.

Beverly, was this Weymouth, Massachusetts? If so, I will cry at the thought that you could have been so near. I'm sorry you have to cancel it, regardless--just double sorry if it means you would have been in the area.

You're good to help your m-i-l. I hope her surgery goes well, and her recovery, too, and that the time together will be good for the two of you.