Oh, babe. I'm so sorry. It sounds a little like Baby Editor got told to run with something she wasn't entirely trusted to handle, in the end. You never know what kind of office politics are behind stuff like this, either.

::hugs Barb hard::

Nora, I forgot to mention how sorry I was to hear about Tom. Man, grownup life really sucks hard so much of the time. I hope he finds something quickly.

{{{Barb}}} That just sucks. I'm outraged on your behalf, and a little bit on mine, because I want to read that book!

Seconding the recommendation of a stiff drink....

{{{{{Barb}}}}} I'm so sorry.

Thanks guys-- I just veer wildly between being relieved because yes, I was frustrated, mostly because more than anything, I hate limbo. Tell me you want it or don't, but tell me something, dammit.

But at the same time, I feel like such a fucking failure.

NOT a failure. I would bet lots and lots of good money that this has nothing to do with the manuscript at all.

Probably not, Amy, but I'll never really know that for sure. And that insecurity will live with me for a while. I mean, empirically, I know it's a good manuscript-- it's a good story and I gave it everything I've got.

But right now, the manuscript is the fall guy for everything else and I just... right now, I'm tired of kicking at the football. (To keep going with the Charlie Brown references.)

Oh, Barb. What a kick to the stomach.

NOT a failure, or anywhere close.

Wish you were still here so we could drown your temporary (and yes, it's temporary because wild success WILL be yours, dammit) sorrow and frustration in mojitos at Annabel's.

Oh Barb. {{{Barb}}} I am so sorry. I am thirding and/or fourthing that call for a stiff, hard cabana boy drink.

And a new dress.

Oh, shit, Barb, I'm sorry. How disheartening, after all that work and all those damn revisions--and, like Susan, I wanted to read it, damnit!

You mean, they don't tell you why they're not pleased? They just wave it off and mutter obscurely?

Can you now sell the thing to someone else?