Scrivengale: the best/worst time in my writing career

The past week has constituted the best time in my six-year creative writing career.

Did I mention that it's also the worst time in my writing career?

Yes, best and worst together. What am I bi-polar?

Not medically speaking. Maybe metaphorically speaking, and here's why.

My opera novel was accepted for publication by Booktrope Publications, and I've begun work in depth with the editor of my novel. We are contracted to complete our work together by the end of the month.

For a debut novelist, having an editorial meeting regarding a book that someone independent from me plans to publish at their expense is a high point--the highest so far. It reminds me of how I used to feel as a stage actress just after I'd landed a big part and showed up for the first music rehearsal?to sing my solos from?a?big, fat principal's score. Both accomplishments resulted from hard work.?That being said, I think I have more natural talent as an actress and have worked (a lot) harder and suffered more rejection to get to this pinnacle in my writing career.

There just aren't any higher stakes?when you are?revising?a manuscript that will next be in reader's hands. Depending on whether you do a good job will determine when it gets ignored or scooped up, lauded or panned.

This?opportunity to have a talented editor comment on my work with the aim of helping me succeed when it's most critical??This is the best moment, and I am savoring the singular privilege this whole situation affords. Feeling the weight of the task ahead--having an edited manuscript by the end of the month--is probably the worst moment. There are only so many hours in my day. Good writing takes distance away a manuscript. I won't have distance from the new copy.

In short, everything I've struggled to learn, to do, to achieve as a writer in the last six years will be measured by whatever I produce in the next two and a half weeks because?it's going out there for public consumption--next.

No wonder I feel a pit in my stomach the size of a coconut.

(Is it too early for a stiff drink?) Yes it is. Plus, I've got to bet back to work.

(Bull whip heard cracking in the distance as lights?up on empty keyboard?. . . )

Source: http://scrivengale.blogspot.com/2011/09/bestworst-time-in-my-writing-career.html

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