This book was a long time coming because it was more than I expected it to be and I wanted to be worthy of the task. I wanted a strong sci-fi element, strong expressions of Catholic faith, complex characters, and a plot that moved. I had to overcome some intimidation especially where my knowledge of science and my own Catholic faith weren't as sure as I needed them to be. Sometimes, the sheer complexity of handling almost a dozen important characters and 30 named characters overwhelmed me. However, in August, I finished, and I love the result.
I knew exactly who I wanted to publish it: Ignatius Press. They are one of the top Catholic publishers in the United States, possibly the world, and they are just starting to break into genre fiction. I'd been telling the publisher, Mark Brumley, about this book for years at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show, where the Catholic Writers' Guild holds its annual live conference. It was kind of embarrassing to tell him, "I'll get it to you this year," only to have another year pass. What a relief as well as a joy to print it up and send it their way.
Mid September, I got a facebook message from Mark: Can you send me an e-copy? Fr. Fessio has the print copy and I want to read it on my Kindle. What a way to make my day! So I know Ignatius is looking at it, and even (dare I assume?) eager to consider it. Now, it's up to the story to impress them.
If Ignatius decides it's not right for them, I'll of course be sad, but I'll also know that I reached for that brass ring and almost made it. I'll try again with them with something else, I'm sure, and in the meantime find another home. If they DO accept it, be ready to hear the squeals across the nation.
In the meantime, I'm resisting the urge to bite my nails and make deals with God. Thy will be done, Lord. it's in Your hands now.
5 comments:
Awesome news. I hope things have progressed in your favor since you posted this! Always good to know your "first choice" is looking over something from you.
Thanks. I'm hopeful and excited, but trying not to check my e-mail too often. Still haven't heard anything from them, but it's only been about 6 weeks.
This is always the most nerve-wracking part for me. All I can do if keep writing new books and promoting old ones. I'm enjoying The Old Man in the Void. Totally different from anything I've done.
I understand the "nerve-wracking" part. I'm waiting on panel review of a submission.
I've enjoyed reading about your progress through the whole adventure! To think you almost completely lost this when the computer died!
I found it interesting that you took notes on the Hemmingway book by hand. I thought everyone except me worked on computers all the way through anymore. :)
This is the second time in my life I outlined a novel--the first time was in college. It's been interesting, but already the pantster in me is coming through. My character is a lot more complex than Hemingway's Santiago. (The ship is named Santiago, though.)
Best of luck and prayers for your submission!
Thank you.
I hope the composition of The Old Man and the Void continues to be enjoyable for you.
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