Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Progress Is As Progress Does

Or something like that, anyway...

I'm pleased to report I made good on my efforts yesterday. I did more agency research and sent my query off to five agents. This means I have 17 queries out - more than I really thought I wanted at one time. But my search needed a little boost. Or maybe I did. Either way, I'll leave that corner of my writing world alone again for awhile.

I (finally) got the beginning of Novel 2 transferred from AlphaSmart files to Word document. Having it on the monitor in front of me, able to look at it again, roused excitement in me. And reading the premise I'd written up reminded me of a few plot points I'd lost sight of. Because of that, I really feel encouraged to pursue the story. Soon it will be naptime for my preschooler, and I plan to pull it up, maybe get a little work done.

I also want to come up with a working title; I'm tiring of referring to it as Novel 2 all the time. Will you help me? Of course, I know in the long run it doesn't matter, since (were it ever to get to that point) a publisher would likely change it anyway, but I like giving my WIPs names. Makes them real, attainable. As a reminder, here's my premise:


A man's world is turned upside-down when his wife reveals well-hidden secrets. But while she exhibits behavior that would end most relationships, he tries to uphold his marriage vows and Christian values, hoping for the day she'll see the error of her ways and return to the life they once had. But how far will his wife's behaviors lead her, and how much will he put up with? What will happen when a new woman, one who's everything his wife is not, enters the picture? How will he choose the path his life should take?

Right now I'm thinkin' about something like For Love or Faith. Or, because of the way he meets the "new woman," Love For Sale. What do you suggest?

12 rejections, 17 out

Oh! And the English Toffee cappuccino isn't too bad. I added some milk to the water it called for and drank it over ice. I'm gonna give it another taste today. ;)

13 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

I've got a chunk of queries out as well and seems to me response time is very slow right now.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Well, I have heard the same thing from a few others. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one. :)

And best of luck to you, Travis.

Joanne said...

Congrats on getting back into the writing groove. Sounds like you've got all the bases covered. I like the novel premise. Let me give the title a shot ... A Test of Faith, or Faith's Test? (Particularly if the wife's name is Faith?) Oy, titles are so tough! Let us know what you decide on!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Hmm, I really like Test of Faith! I'll give that one some thought. Thanks, Joanne. :)

WendyCinNYC said...

Love for Sale is a Cole Porter song about a prostitute. I doubt that's what you are going for, unless that's the wife's secret. I like the idea of using "faith" in the title.

Congrats on your productivity!

WendyCinNYC said...

Oh, and your premise sounds interesting!

Janna Leadbetter said...

lol! That's something I did not know. Must keep it in mind. :D

WendyCinNYC said...

Yep--Here's Billie's version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTqrcZrkPs0

colbymarshall said...

Ok, this has nothing to do with the word faith, but it's what popped into my head when I read your blurb, so I'll throw it out there: Fork in the Road. Oh, or perhaps, The Paths of Faith? Hm, I don't know...

Janet said...

Um, how about How Long, O Lord?

Or These Three Remain

Joshua said...

grooves are good :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Listening to it now, Wendy. Thanks! I'm loving it... despite its intent. ;)

Colby and Janet, I really appreciate your suggestions, and I'll put them into consideration, too!

I love me a good groove, Josh. :D

Angie Ledbetter said...

It's gonna be a great story. A few title suggestions (taken from traditional wedding vows or ceremonies, but have good double meanings):

In Good Times and in Bad
I Take Thee
To Join Together
Who Gives this Woman?
Holy Estate
As Long as You Both Shall
Put Asunder

....you get the idea! ;)