Those of you who are waiting for my submission - it’s
almost done.
I wanted to read the new version of Into the Snicket several more times to
make certain the chapter by chapter synopsis was up to date and accurate. During
this process, I made sure that the domestic abuse element did not overshadow
the murder. These two elements now drive the plot naturally to the right
conclusion rather than make it seem contrived. The subjects I write about don’t
suit flowery covers, but the sort with daggers soaked in blood. I have achieved
what I set out to achieve. Publishers can’t doubt the genre of this book
anymore.
Transforming Into
the Snicket from literary/crime (with a dash of romance) into
crime/literary (no bullshit) has required a lot of concentration. I’ve worked
my arse off, rewriting, rethinking and, at times, re-inventing the rules. Fortunately,
my brain has managed to handle the pressure of this rewrite. However it can’t
deal with extra burdens. Christmas, for example, has sent my cerebrum into
overload, forcing me to compartmentalise and prioritise. I did wonder if Santa
could re-schedule it to the 1st February 2014, but my kids weren’t
too chuffed about that idea. So something had to give. Not only has my novel
changed, but I have too.
I want publishers to buy Into the Snicket, so I’ve
decided not to waste time writing Christmas cards. I’ve adopted a ‘fuck it’
attitude to this tedious task. If anyone should worry that I’ve not sent one this
year, they need to understand that this unpublished author has endured numerous
trials and she’s not going to let anymore chances pass her by.
I’ve produced a novel that I’m proud to submit. I
can’t delay the process any longer. I don’t want it to get into the wrong hands.
This is MY work, which has been five years in the making. MY ideas have been
drawn from aspects of MY life. It means a lot to me to get this right. Don’t
take it personally if you don’t get a Christmas card. My festive spirit might
return next year.
