Writing Status Update

I thought I would give the interested reader a quick update on where I am with my current writing projects.

The Completed Novel: After a number of rounds of edits (the last round being quite brutal), this is currently in beta reading.  When my beta readers have finished with it, I will make one last set of edits based on their feedback–and on things I notice while reading.  It will then be ready for querying.  Dah-dah-daaaah!

The Query Letter: I have attempted a query letter, but I’m not happy with it.  I’ll probably go back and look at this over the weekend.  I also need to take my query pitch and work out a good “elevator pitch”–i.e., the pitch you give an agent if you should meet one in an elevator, at a conference, or some other face-to-face venue (grocery store?  “Hello, Ms. Reid–oh, you use the same brand toilet paper I use!   Can I tell you about my novel…?”)

My WIP (Work In Progress): I am also researching/writing my next novel.  It is set in Victorian London, and, while I have a number of books on British history, it appears my Victorian-era selection is woefully slim.  My past interest has largely been with medieval Britain, so I am hunting down books on Victorian life–particularly late Victorian.  This slows down the writing, but that’s okay.  Getting the setting right is critical to making the work sound authentic.  It will also help me develop plot points.

Other Projects: I’ve also had another idea for a novel, but this one is set in New York.  Since I’ve only ever really been to New York once (aside from airport terminals), and even then I was in a hotel the whole time (The Marriott Marquis, if you must know), I will need to do some research on New York.  Of course, the best research would be to go there, preferably in the company of someone who knows the city.  Ideally, some wonderful New York agent will love my Completed Novel, offer representation, and invite me to NY to show me the sights. 😀  I can dream, can’t I?

So, that’s where I’m at right now.  Later!