Will happily send you something if you want, Jeremy Old Bean. I remember you asking before, having talked about it with Angela, but I was in a big “oh let’s just throw this bloody idea out of the window” and sent you a sulky reply. Let me know if you want to see the first three chapters.

Thanks Jayne. 100,000 at this stage is big for a first published novel, I know. It should end up no more than 120,000 which is at the limit. Most first published novels are expected to be around the 70,0000 mark, but a lot of that’s to do with this idea of “market” which I cannot stand. How long’s a piece of string after all? As long or as short as it needs to be, that’s how long. I’ve sent it to two agents so far and it’s been rejected twice. Which I’m not remotely upset about. Quite happy in fact – every rejection letter is like a medal for a tour of duty, and the Rowling woman apparently had her first Potter novel rejected something like 30 times before she was signed. I’m going to get it finished (three more chapters) and then send to another agent I’m really excited about approaching, as she has a very fresh and honest approach to reviewing MSs. Most agents from what I’ve heard seem to just leave it sitting around for three months, have a quick flick, and then send it straight back.

Calm Ani, I got what you meant, luv. I prefer to think of it as a village fete rather than a race though. All of us are doing what we’re best at, be it viscera, irony, heartache or hope. As long as I’m dressed up as a clown and scaring the crap out of small children. It’s a community effort. Writers love community.

I seem to have that exact same problem. You have to go that last mile, though. we’re all waiting at the finish line. :)

Jeremy