I got my rejection back on that partial to an agent yesterday.  As I’d mentioned, I kind of expected it.  I like the book, but it doesn’t have any WOW factor.  It’s just a solid story.  But that’s not really enough to break through with.

As far as rejections go, it was actually quite nice.  He said it was well-written AND said he’d be interested in seeing the first 50 pages of the next book I write.  Which, given how awful I am at writing queries, is a Godsend.

Problem?  I don’t know when that will be.

See, I had this fantastic New Year’s resolution to write the first draft of two speculative fiction novels this year.  And then I went and wrote a different non-genre novel instead,  (which is currently with an editor at a small publisher, so not a complete waste of effort) and put too much effort into short stories (I hit my short story NY resolutions back in August).

Which means I may not be able to capitalize on this opportunity.  (Due to that pesky thing that pays my bills sucking up a lot of my time next year.)  And THAT sucks.

If I’d kept to my plan, I’d have that second novel almost ready to go by now.

All is not lost.  I have the beginning of a novel and two short stories I want to expand into novels that I’ve put a lot of thought into.  I could probably knock out a first draft before I move if I really push it.  (And work leaves me alone until then.)  And probably have a solid fourth or fifth draft ready to submit by June.

(I believe in letting my writing sit long enough for me to truly hate it between drafts.)

So, the lesson here:  Always be writing the next novel.

Always have something more in your back pocket.  You never know when you’ll need it.