Gorge Creek finished.

I've done it. Finished the first draft of my current book, tentatively titled "Gorge Creek". There's still heaps of editing to go, stuff to cut out, parts to rewrite so they  make sense, awkward bits to cut and lyrical bits to add. But the first draft is done. The story is ended. It's taken nearly 4 years, from that first idea but the story is now all done. And that feels brilliant!!!
    The way I look at it is this. In the first draft, you write down What you want to say. The remaining drafts are where you figure out How you are going to say it. And that is so much easier.

What to do between submission replies?

I am in waiting territory at the moment. I have a number of agent and publisher queries pending. Replies to some of them are due soonish - but not soon enough. The usual advice is that you should send away a query, then get on with writing or editing the next WIP. It's good advice. Very good - in theory. In practice, you can't help being on edge until that answer comes back. Maybe this time - in the words of the old song. It's what all writers hope for. It does happen to some people. The trick is to keep up the belief that it will happen to you, one day.

Climax of Gorge Creek

I have finally started it. I am now writing the climactic chapter of Gorge Creek, my NZ historical romance. I first saw this scene over 3 years ago and it has taken me this long to get my hero and heroine here. Very exciting. It's also a bit scary. In my head, I know exactly what happens now. But can I get that on paper?I once read something a well known NZ writer said about being amazed at what her fingers produced when it came to writing. I know what she means. In your head, you have one story. But when you start writing - and I handwrite, then type onto the computer later - your fingers, characters and story take over, and you never quite know what is going to come out on paper. But that's half the fun of writing.

Query letter

Another rejection today. I had sent a query letter to an American agent, and they came back with a form rejection letter within 24 hrs. That's fast! And very dispiriting, even though I had not really expected this agency to be interested.
    Truth to tell, I'm coming to think my writing doesn't work in the US market, full stop. The example query letters on agent websites are just so chatty. It's supposed to be a business query letter, not a gushing outpouring of self praise. At least, that's how it feels to little ol kiwi me. NZers just don't do that kind of self promotion. At least, not one's of my generation.
    That's the problem with rejection letters. They make you start questioning everything about yourself, your entire system of self worth. You have to go into mantra territory - keep repeating inside, over and over again. 'I can write'  But maybe it's not true? I hate the business side of this writing passion. Who gets published - the best writers or the best self marketers? Is there an alternative way of doing it? If anyone has a better system of getting good writers out there, it would be great to hear from you.