heard back from penguin today. i'm happy, very happy that they get what i'm trying to do with the book - they love the main character - they described her as 'a delight - loveable, infuriating, funny and flawed'. they love the story, they love the funny ('a terrific feel for dialogue'), they've used the words 'real strengths', 'wonderfully evocative' and 'delicate balance' . they have asked for a re-draft. i have decided i will be doing a re-draft.
i am happy, but i feel like i should feel happier. after all, i have received a detailed written report which shows that they have read and spent time with my manuscript, and that they respect what i am trying to do. but all i can seem to focus on right now is the huge challenge that lies ahead, the re-working and re-writing bit. it's taken me two years to get it to where it is now. i don't want it to take me six more months to get it to where it needs to be. but then again i want it to be better, because all the feedback they have given me re: areas that need attention, is reasonable. the changes they are suggesting will not change the essence of the story, they will enhance it. but it ain't gunna be easy, thats for sure.
here's the plan. i will try and get it done before uni starts. nothing like a short term goal.
tell me i can do it. leave me messages. i can do it. i can do it. i will do it.