Once in Love with Amy

My meeting with Amy, my book doctor/editor began auspiciously...with a hug from her. We met at 1369, a charming, old-style coffee shop in Central Square. After about ten seconds of pleasantries, she cut right to the chase.

Here's the short version:

• The main character needs more compelling reasons- emotionally and tangibly - for everything she does.


• We need to become more invested in her struggle so we worry about her more.


• If a character appears, make sure he or she resurfaces later in a way that's critical to the plot. Otherwise, kill her off.

Together, we worked out a number of character and plot problems. And, citing the Odyssey and Oedipus (good thing I'm reasonably literate), she confirmed what the agents had said - Begin the story when the main character finds her purpose.

Amy is worth every penny. And she agreed to read my rewrite when I'm done. I'm giving myself a month AT THE MOST. But I'm nothing if not fast, so I may be able to finish even sooner.

As I've said before (sigh), back to rewrite.