" ... one man loved the pilgrim soul in you ... "
William Butler Yeats


About This Blog

Pilgrim Soul offers reflections about my fiction, culture, religion, Puerto Rican identity, and writing craft. It also includes a series called A Hero’s Journey featuring individuals who have shown great courage or who have changed the world significantly. A common theme is that of pilgrimage; secular and spiritual, individual and collective. I often will cite short stories to express my views.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Met My Goal!



My goal for my novel’s current revision was to reduce it by 10%, what I call the Stephen King rule. Well, I am happy to report I have met my goal. More importantly, I also believe that my novel is much improved. Now, I’m farming it out to my critique partners. Next stop, incorporating their feedback. Next stop beyond that, start sending queries out.


All I can say is that this feels a whole lot better than wondering if I was even going to finish the novel. Thank you, Phillip Roth, Jimi Hendrix, Stephen King, and those who have been my cheering squad along the way. And that includes all those who read my blog and comment. Special thanks to you.

9 comments:

Sun Singer said...

Things moving forward: that's exciting. Naturally, your critique partners will skip all the holiday celebrations and send you back some wise comments ASAP. :-)

Malcolm

Mayowa said...

Congratulations!

Judith Mercado said...

Thank you, Malcolm and Mayowa. Your encouragement means a great deal.

A Cuban In London said...

Congrats! I can only imagine what it must feel like. Well done.

And thanks for your comment. Indeed, that's what those columns are, sketches. :-)

Greetings from London.

Judith Mercado said...

Gracias, Cubano.

Anne R. Allen said...

Congrats on cutting that magic 10% I use that number, too. And how lovely your muses include Jimi Hendrix!

Just read your lovely review of Food of Love. I can't tell how happy it makes me that you liked it and took the time to review. It means a lot. Thanks!

Judith Mercado said...

Anne, I'm glad you saw the review and felt good about it. Your characters were alive! As for my revision, the input from my readers is starting to come in and so the saga continues.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

Now that's a good feeling to have! Well done! And good luck with the next step in the l-o-n-g process! :)

Judy, South Africa

Judith Mercado said...

Thank you, Judy. It is good to be here instead of not being quite finished.