My characters hate me (?)

[tengraceapples]

I wanted to know if anyone ever felt this way:

All these characters came to me and trusted me with their story. They trusted that
I would be skilled and talented enough to be a good conduit for them. They came despite the fact that I have never written one word of fantasy before this; only plays.

But despite over 2o partial requests and fulls, I have yet to get rep. I have 11 agencies I'm waiting on. That's all fine and well but
I "see" my characters everyday (Most are Angels) they sit on top of skyscrapers and lamp posts, with their wings hoovering above them. I look up at them and wonder if they regret coming to me.
I wonder if I have failed them...

[Leanan-Sidhe]

20 partial and full requests is nothing to sneeze at. You're doing great. Remember that it only takes one "yes" to make it. Keep querying. The only way you'll fail them is if you give up.

Your characters should be grateful for your hard work. ;) And while you're waiting on agents, create some new characters and write a new book.

[peachiemkey]

I've never queried so I don't know what to say, but I have to let you know that I just laughed for a full minute straight at your signature quote. :)

Let's see... it will all work out in the end! You'll get the call before you know it. You have a great request rate.

[dragonkid]

If I ever meet my characters, I’m pretty sure they will drag me into a dark alley and beat me to a bloody pulp as revenge for everything I’ve put them through.

On a serious note, I wonder if you might be a little too close to the manuscript. Can you still see the plot and characters as entities that you might have to edit and change to make the novel stronger overall, or have they taken on too much of a “life of their own”? Twenty partials and fulls is a fantastic request rate, so obviously you have a stunning idea, but something in the execution might not be working. Have you tried posting the first chapter in SYW to see if other people can give you feedback on it?

[Leanan-Sidhe]

If I ever meet my characters, I’m pretty sure they will drag me into a dark alley and beat me to a bloody pulp as revenge for everything I’ve put them through.

Lol! :roll: Oh, man. Isn't that the truth?

[tengraceapples]

I'm telling you, it's a wonder they still talk to me ; )

[tengraceapples]

If I ever meet my characters, I’m pretty sure they will drag me into a dark alley and beat me to a bloody pulp as revenge for everything I’ve put them through.

On a serious note, I wonder if you might be a little too close to the manuscript. Can you still see the plot and characters as entities that you might have to edit and change to make the novel stronger overall, or have they taken on too much of a “life of their own”? Have you tried posting the first chapter in SYW to see if other people can give you feedback on it?

hey!

I dont think any of my characters are perfect. They need me to edit them. I have no problem telling them to speak up or to stop talking and let another character talk. I'm pretty sure I'm projecting my issues on to them (i think)

As far as posting on SYW, I don't think I can do that. I am hope I can explain this an not sound like I'm being kind of a witch (with a B)

Writing is so relative, I try to take advice from writers I know personally and agents. I'm sure eveyone on here is amazing, it's just that after a while you tend to lose your voice. Does that make sense?

[dragonkid]

hey!

I dont think any of my characters are perfect. They need me to edit them. I have no problem telling them to speak up or to stop talking and let another character talk. I'm pretty sure I'm projecting my issues on to them (i think)

As far as posting on SYW, I don't think I can do that. I am hope I can explain this an not sound like I'm being kind of a witch (with a B)

Writing is so relative, I try to take advice from writers I know personally and agents. I'm sure eveyone on here is amazing, it's just that after a while you tend to lose your voice. Does that make sense?

Glad to hear you feel comfortable editing your characters. As for SYW, I do understand. We all have different tastes as readers and writers, and when a dozen of us start messing with a piece all at once it sometimes does more harm than good. Getting advice from writers you know personally is a great alternative.

Would you be comfortable telling us what kind of feedback you’ve been getting from agents? While a few partial rejections aren’t indicative of anything (I had a few agents tell me my MC was too unsympathetic, while the offering agents connected with him immediately), it would be helpful to know if you are getting all form rejections, rejections that share a common theme, or personal notes inviting you to submit new projects in the future.

[Repartee]

If I ever meet my characters, I’m pretty sure they will drag me into a dark alley and beat me to a bloody pulp as revenge for everything I’ve put them through.

Me too. Especially poor Jason.
I know for a fact Don hates me, lol.

[timewaster]

You sound to be doing well. IMHO If you want a career you have to develop a thick skin and an ability to distance yourself from your work. This is only one book - some people will like it others won't. You may sell it or you may not. When it is finished it is over and you write another. A book is not a child - it's just a book and it's best not to be too precious about it.

[Ctairo]

I wanted to know if anyone ever felt this way:

All these characters came to me and trusted me with their story. They trusted that
I would be skilled and talented enough to be a good conduit for them. They came despite the fact that I have never written one word of fantasy before this; only plays.

But despite over 2o partial requests and fulls, I have yet to get rep. I have 11 agencies I'm waiting on. That's all fine and well but
I "see" my characters everyday (Most are Angels) they sit on top of skyscrapers and lamp posts, with their wings hoovering above them. I look up at them and wonder if they regret coming to me.
I wonder if I have failed them...

Oh, you are Little Miss Mary There Ain't No Sunshine aren't you? :tongue

You're sweating the small stuff. Don't. Unless you like sweating. In which case, I'd suggest a sauna or steam room in lieu of angst.

But seriously, why are you so hard on yourself? I'm sensing unrealistic expectations. Loose them--ASAP. Why? Because you're on a wonderful journey, and you don't seem to be enjoying any of it.

Here's hoping the next post is all about the WOOT!

[tengraceapples]

Oh, you are Little Miss Mary There Ain't No Sunshine aren't you? :tongue

You're sweating the small stuff. Don't. Unless you like sweating. In which case, I'd suggest a sauna or steam room in lieu of angst.

But seriously, why are you so hard on yourself? I'm sensing unrealistic expectations. Loose them--ASAP. Why? Because you're on a wonderful journey, and you don't seem to be enjoying any of it.

Here's hoping the next post is all about the WOOT!

Yeah, never been the "enjoy the journey" kind of girl.
Always been very result orientated. I was the only kid in my class who would not go out and play until Waldo was located.: ))))



Seriously, having made it out of a third world country
and into the USA, I feel I don't have right to fail at anything.If I dont succeed, it will be all a mistake. So many other artist in my country and they will never get the chance I have. Instead of doing temp gigs and writing novels, they are literally trying to keep from starving. I can't call back home and say "I got close". Thats just not enough. I am already taking a chance by following my heart and being in the arts, I can not fail at this.

But here, I will put some happy faces below just so you know I'm trying to relax. It's a small step: ) Oh, and thanks


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