Back to square one. Again.

After corresponding with WNA, and submitting some ideas, I think we have agreed on a plot (working title 'Basic Theology for Fallen Women'). I can use some of my old (rejected)characters (or at least allow them to fall and learn theology) which is nice, and for the first time for ages, I feel really positive. Which is dangerous, I know - hubris and nemesis and all that - but November is my least favourite month, and I need to cheer myself up. I even hate fireworks.

I am not a crime writer. Definitely.

I've just had an hour's chat with WNA (see below), and the crime idea has gone out of the window. For good. Lovely Graham at the police station will be terribly disappointed, as he was coming to see it as a joint venture, but I'll give him a signed copy of something (Graham collects signed copies) and hope he understands.

But - having an agent is WONDERFUL! A whole hour just to talk about my ideas, my book, and (even better) her ideas, without feeling I was taking up too much of her time; a whole new experience. (Which is not to say that Will isn't hugely helpful - he is - but this is different).

So it's back to square one, although I may recycle some of my characters. Square one and I are getting rather used to each other, although we have an uneasy relationship, but that can't be helped. Please wish me luck!

I am not a crime writer. Probably.

I saw it coming, but ignored it, and now I have irrefutable evidence that I am almost certainly not a crime writer. I sent the WIP (about half a novel) to Wonderful New Agent, and she sees in it all the flaws I'd hoped she wouldn't notice. Too many characters, not enough tension, much too much personal stuff about the characters etc etc. She liked lots of it, but. Oh, that word 'but'! We are speaking about it tomorrow ("lots to talk about" says WNA) but I think the writing's on the wall. Or my crime writing's on the wall. Which is not to say that I can't still use the characters and the setting. I suppose all I have to do is not kill them off, and keep them alive to do something else. Pole dancing, German classes, extreme ironing or whatever.

WNA hasn't exactly said I'm not a crime writer. Not yet. But I think she's going to. In a way it will be a relief (I'm getting rather good at being relieved at bad writing news), but I am also fed up. THIS HAS NOT BEEN MY YEAR!