Whether because of panic over a looming deadline or sheer will, that moment has happened wherein a novel takes over my life. That’s good news (deadline!) and bad news (takes over my life!). E-mail will languish, phones will go unanswered, Tom will get stuck doing even more around the house, and people will be neglected (though never dogs; they’ve got it made, those dogs). Because these phantom people are with me from the time I wake up until I fall asleep–even longer, really, since they are in my dreams, and I am constantly working and reworking their stories on the computer and in my head.
I will end up with a manuscript that I will finally, with indescribable apprehension, hand over to Tom and Tim for comment and criticism. By the time it’s revised and sent away, I’ll be thoroughly sick of it, second-guessing everything I liked about it, thinking of great lines that I should have used in it, and certain that this will be the one that makes my editor say, “Hack! Give us back our money!”
Mechanics don’t go through this, do they? Maybe it’s not too late to learn what a carburetor is.
Hack?! I think not — you are brillant!
I SWEAR I wasn’t fishing for compliments, but what the hell, I’m not turning one down. Thank you!
I hope your snot goes away soon.
It sounds like maybe her snot is coming to visit Timothy, lucky guy.
How long does this process usually take? Hope it passes quickly and fruitfully. Best of luck my dear!