If nothing else, there may be a phrase that doesn't completely suck that you can use again.

Well, I've got 53 pretty much done, but the end is contingent on 54 and 54 has been trouble. I had a 54, but my wife looked at it and thought it didn't work, the characters went too far too fast. She's totally right, I tried to cram too much into too few words. I working on a slower version now which actually works out as being more dramatic since issues aren't getting solved two paragraphs later.

This brings me back to the dilemma, go big or go small. If I don't compress things in this part and don't compress the conclusion, I'm looking at 140k wc. I also have a subplot that is underdeveloped, and I've been chided for too little detail about the setting and characters (I have to be careful about that, too much detail is not considered a good thing by and large). I could add carefully sprinkle in bits to give the characters a bit more history too.

If I go big, I've got two books, likely cut at chapter 34. The end of 34 with an extra chapter to tie things up is a natural, if unexpected, ending. I think I'd have about two 90-100k books that way.

If I go small, I need to cut, cut , cut. Take a big part out of the beginning, remove the Savin & Rainier characters, remove the journey back to he Imperial City, cut a few more minor scenes, and maybe have a portion of the story that is played out be background. I can't help but think that will not be good for the story.

Erika, never heard of anyone paying for Betas. People pay for editors, but that is a whole new issue. I'm in the midst of something, but will probably have some dead time in the next three weeks. If you send me the thing, at some point I will beta for you. It won't cost you a cent, and will be worth at least what you pay for it.

Chapters 1-34 are 78k so that would make it very viable with a strengthened Savin storyline. I could land that at 100k. I may have to go big.

My offer is still open as well. I just can't be quick at the moment.

Ok, being that the show is so dudely, it couldn't hurt to have some guys read it...insent, shortly. Thanks. (I did decide to pay for the notes...I'll get it back if I ever write the next Big Fat Greek Bitch, right?)

Who did you pay, erika? Because if it's not an editor or someone with a lot of actual publishing experience, I really wouldn't pay for that next time around.

He says that he used to read scripts for a studio...he has a screenwriting website...I know, any asshole can have a website, I have one too, but people actually read his. Ah, well, it was the old man's money...we'll see how good his feedback is.

Five more rejection letters today. Sam is too sweet, too earnest, too weak, has no flair, and basically I suck.

I hate the hurty parts.

I'm so sorry, Allyson.