Sorry for not answering sooner, guys. End of the year and all.
Siri Kirpal - good advice, thanks. I'll try to keep it in mind.
Ken - Thank you!
Wheelwriter - Unless I'm very much mistaken you were one of those who first encouraged me to keep working on Socrates. It's partially thanks to you that this happened!
Filigree - Thanks so much for your kind words, Filigree. That's exactly how I feel. "Now what" coupled with "Can I deliver" and a dash or three of "Will my next novel measure up to the one that got picked up?"
I think the only way to stay sane is to take things one day at a time, one page at a time.
Smiley - Thanks very much.
I'm a bit of a recluse on campus, ha, so your friends probably won't know me, but I really appreciate your enthusiasm.
Guilmond - Thanks! Gotta love those dancing snoopies!