I keep telling myself that the agent wanting my novel to be 'simpler' ought to be better news than if she'd say, 'This needs to be more complex,' but honestly? I'm struggling. A fellow writer told me today that I have a mind like a corkscrew and I'm beginning to fear she may be right. Ever tried untwisting a stick of barley sugar? If so, tips please!
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No offence meant, Sarah, but untwisting barley sugar? Suck it!...
You have a sound analysis of the work and some good 'criticism'... I think you probably know the solution... so do it and then test it by showing someone you trust and whose opinion you value.
Stay positive, stay positive, stay positive.
Best
D
Are you sure this agent knows what she's talking about? Or even if she does, should you try to change your natural bent as a writer to suit her ideas of what will sell? Lots of crime novels are all twisty and turny, aren't they?
Hi Douglas, I like that: Suck It! That's going on a post-it note near my laptop. Thank you!
Hi Frances, you raise a fair point but the answer is Yes, she does know. Everything she said chimed with me, touched a nerve or worm of doubt I had about bits of the story. She's all about going deep into the psychology of the characters, what moves them and makes them act. Well, that's what makes a good story for me, too. And she loves my heroine. Honestly and truly, I feel her advice is gold dust and worth pursuing. I'm not just jumping through hoops to please her - I'm jumping through them because I want this to be the best possible story.
Well that sounds good, Sarah! Keep at it. I'm looking forward to seeing the book cover.
Thanks, Frances. Maybe I can even persuade you to look inside the book itself!! (Sorry, I'm in a silly mood this morning.)
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