I haven’t bitten off my fingernails or worn a path in the carpet yet, but I sent out the latest draft of Summer at the Crossroads to beta readers this week.
Yep, this is what sending out a manuscript feels like.
image credit: Microsoft clip art
The manuscript went through a major overhaul since it went nowhere with querying in early 2011. For the better? I sure hope so. But when you live with a story for so long, it’s hard to be objective after a while. You need unbiased, fresh eyes to read it and objective comments to show where work is still needed. Of course, you also hope some parts really are good. So we’ll see what happens when comments come back. Until then, I’m switching gears and trying to finish those last major revisions for Death Out of Time.
You might be tired of this, but I was tagged again for the Next Big Thing by Gemma at topoftheslushpile. Thank you, Gemma! I also passed on forwarding this a few weeks ago when Scott at kindredspirit23 nominated me soon after my last award. Many of you might already follow these two bloggers, but if you haven’t yet visited their sites, I encourage you to do so.
In honor of the manuscript going out for beta review, I thought I’d answer this round of questions one more time. I’ve added new details to keep the answers fresh. (Not that I expect you to have remembered what I said before—your brains have more important thing to store!)
What is the working title of your book?
Say it with me 
— Summer at the Crossroads
Where did the idea for the book come from?
In late 2008, I started thinking about string theory, the multiverse, and alternate selves and how it might be interesting to take a character through a slice of life in several universes. I had a few “alternates” in mind but wanted one that was really different. Then, on Easter Sunday, my mom told a family story I had never heard before. Two days later, on 14 April 2009, I knew what my “really different” life for the character could be. I started writing the story that day.
What genre does it fall under?
Don’t let the multiverse and string theory fool you. This is mainstream/general/commercial fiction—whichever term you’d like to use.
What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
No one famous please. Maybe a Russian actor for Mikhail and a Serbian one for Mihailo? I’d like their accents to be real.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
I’m still working on that. Condensing this book to one sentence may be impossible. Instead, here’s my draft “blurb” for the back cover. The emphasis is on draft.
One Woman — Infinite Lives
When circumstances push an archaeologist into the government bureaucracy rather than academia, her intellect and creativity find another outlet. Daydreaming about “what if?” isn’t enough for Catherine Donnelly. Add her lay interest in string theory and the multiverse, and she can explain not only these fantasies but also déjà vu and vivid dreams. Catherine thinks these intense images are glimpses of our lives in parallel universes.
Against the backdrop of a visit between Catherine and her best friend, an eventful summer unfolds for three of her other selves. Maya archaeologist Katharine Donnelly has a clandestine sideline. Mid-level State Department officer Kathryn Donnellan has a Russian husband. Serbian/Irish-American graduate student Katarina O’Donnell has meddling grandparents. All three women confront the challenges raised by political instability, diplomatic intrigue, and an unexpected meeting in their respective worlds.
Will your book be self-published or be represented by an agency?
A year ago, I would’ve explained how I was concentrating on Death Out of Time, a more easily pitched book, in hopes of attracting an agent and press. I’d realized that Crossroads would be too different and thus too “risky” for the traditional presses. Now, as I see many excellent writers with great first novels getting nowhere in the traditional realm, I’m seriously leaning toward publishing both books myself.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Six months, working part-time. The revisions have taken “a bit” longer.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve asked my betas to let me know if they can think of any comparisons after they read it.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
A period of thinking “What if” while also watching documentaries on string theory and the multiverse. I think that’s all my Muse and characters needed. They decided I was the person to write this book in this universe.
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
We’ve all thought “What if I’d….?” and fantasized about different lives for ourselves. So has Catherine Donnelly. This book might make you believe you really are that other self “somewhere else.”
Nominees
This particular game has made the rounds, I think. But if you have a new WIP you’d like to showcase on your blog, please consider this your tag. 
If you’re interested, you can read the opening scenes to each of the four alternate universes in their current draft form under the “Summer at the Crossroads” tab on my blog’s header. And next Saturday, I’ll try to post something less specific to writing.
mskatykins
/ February 9, 2013I’m sold and need a copy as soon as possible! Congrats on all your hard work, JM, lovely to see it all coming to fruition!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013Thanks, mskatykins! I know it still needs work. The question is how much. I need those beta comments to answer it.
I hope the next revision will be the last one so I can start polishing for publication. 
4amWriter
/ February 9, 2013I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this.
I have my reading schedule all mapped out so that I can devote time daily. I figured I’d make your ms the book I’m reading for pleasure. That way I won’t be trying to read too many different things at once. Besides, I have a feeling I will really enjoy reading your book. It won’t feel like work, so it’s a win-win. 
How are you faring with the blizzard? We’re expected to get 31 inches of snow by the end of the day today! Ack!!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013My fingers are crossed that it is truly an enjoyable read.
I’m sure you understand what I mean when I say it’s hard to know what we’ve written when we’ve lived with a work for so long. We need those fresh, objective critiques! I know this draft still needs work—some of the revisions are still very new. But I need help identifying all the rough spots. 
31 inches???!!! Yikes, that’s our old Snowpocalypse and Snowmageddon territory! I hope you don’t lose power! We’re very windy and cold (30s for a high), but sunny. We dodged this one I’m happy to say. Stay inside and be safe!
Vanessa-Jane Chapman
/ February 9, 2013Good luck with this J, like I mentioned previously (at some point on one of your posts somewhere!), I find all this stuff fascinating, so I know I would love your book. I know you didn’t ask for opinions on your draft back cover blurb, but if you don’t mind me suggesting a couple of things?
- I think it’s a little too direct and detailed, i.e. tease us a bit more. Less is more.
- You say that the book is mainstream, but the blurb sounds very sciencey, I would maybe drop some of the scientific language from that. Mentioning parallel universes is great and sounds exciting, but mentioning string theory could be a bit scary and off-putting.
Just my initial thoughts, take ‘em or leave ‘em!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013Hey, Vanessa, constructive comments are always welcome.
There’s no better way to help me improve. The blurb is based on my original query letter, which to me needs to do the often impossible—”hook” the agent with a tease but also provide him or her with the gist of the story through some details. Ugh. I think a big part of my leanings toward indie publishing comes from my distaste for query letters and synopses.
We’re thinking on the same lines. When I did this post, I thought about dropping the string theory reference, too. Now, I will.
And I need to find some attention-grabbing wording for the plot. Something I struggle with!
Vanessa-Jane Chapman
/ February 9, 2013Ok, this is literally a 5 minute attempt, and it’s not going to be right because I obviously haven’t read the book, but this is the type of language I think would be better –
Archaeologist Catherine Donnelly always wondered what path her life could have taken if she had made different choices along the way. What if she found out that she actually had made those other choices? All of them. Not here, but in other parallel universes. And what if she was able to catch glimpses of herself in those other lives?
Against the backdrop of a visit between Catherine and her best friend, an eventful summer unfolds for three of her other selves. Political instability, diplomatic intrigue, and an unexpected meeting in their respective worlds threatens to shake everything Catherine has ever believed in.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 20135 minutes? Yours sounds a heck of a lot more interesting than mine, which took a heck of a lot longer for me to write! Have you thought about a sideline writing marketing/cover blurbs and query letters for authors?! Seriously, I think you could help out a lot of writers with a task that many view as more difficult than writing the novel. Yours is a great angle to take with this!
Vanessa-Jane Chapman
/ February 10, 2013Thank you for saying that!
I really like doing that sort of thing actually. Helping people with their job applications and resumes too which is a similar thing. All under the general umbrella of ‘pitching yourself’ A sideline…hmmm…
philosophermouseofthehedge
/ February 10, 2013I have to agree – your blurb is interesting to me – but for the back of the book, the average reader is going to be more intrigued by Vanessa-Jane’s 5 minute rewrite.
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013Yep, the plot isn’t quite what she wrote, but I need to rewrite the blurb from her take. Or hire her to write it!
Carrie Rubin
/ February 9, 2013That’s a great premise, and I think its unique nature might interest an agent. Although they like pitches in specific genres, they’re always looking for something fresh, too.
I hope the beta reads for your other manuscript go well. You’re making great progress!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013What concerns me is that many agents and traditional publishers often shy away from “unique” or “different” books from new writers even though they say they want something new. I’ve seen that happen for some fellow bloggers in the responses they’ve gotten in rejections from agents and presses.
This story probably needs to go the indie route if I send it into the world before Death Out of Time. Of course, I can always hope that it would do well enough to spark agents to contact me about representation and taking it to traditional publishers.
Carrie Rubin
/ February 9, 2013That’s true. And with all the changes in publishing now, there are several routes one can take. I think the concept of self-publishing AND having an agent is intriguing (like August McLaughlin did). I still want to try traditional publishing with my next one, but these are certainly things to keep in mind.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013If my betas all came back and said this was the coolest idea they’d ever seen, the story is fantastic, and it’s really well-written, I’d consider shopping it again. I honestly don’t see that happening.
I also don’t really know how good a job I did in selecting agents to query. Only one responded that the idea sounded interesting in her pass. Of the other responses I got, no one said anything more than a form-reply “no thanks,” so I don’t know what they thought of the concept. Maybe there is an agent out there who would love it as much as I do. But right now, I don’t know who s/he is.
No one said this would be easy!
Carrie Rubin
/ February 9, 2013Very true.
philosophermouseofthehedge
/ February 10, 2013I understand what you are saying here – and have had similar experience. But still a lot has to do with hitting the right person at the right time…everyone’s trying to guess what the next big thing will be to grab reader’s attention. (Hard to know how to pitch considering that)
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013It’s so hard to do. We can’t say “this is really unique and I think there’s an audience for it” in a query letter. I honestly don’t know what would work in a query for this book. If it ever finds a good audience, I’d love to ask an agent or two to take a stab at writing a query for it.
kindredspirit23
/ February 9, 2013Sounds like an excellent premise for a novel.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013I think it is. The question is whether I can do it justice. Fingers crossed that I can!
kindredspirit23
/ February 9, 2013You will.
char
/ February 9, 2013I love the idea of this novel. It’s so cool. I’m very interested in seeing how you depict the three Catharine’s and how they meet.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013Well, they don’t actually get to meet. But with our knowledge of Catherine’s ideas, we can see how she may be right about what those vivid dreams, favorite fantasies of alternate lives, and déjà vu really are.
char
/ February 9, 2013Oooo! Sounds great.
Margarita
/ February 9, 2013I KNOW this is one sweet husband and I will enjoy reading together, JM. Right up both our alleys. Hurry up! xoxoM
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013I’m hurrying!
After that rather lengthy break, the characters are pushing me again to get moving on finalizing their story. They’re even threatening to kidnap Meghan if necessary. And Kat probably has the connections to do it! 
Margarita
/ February 9, 2013lol!!! xoxoM
Pete Denton
/ February 9, 2013Sounds a good idea. I like these blog hop posts as you get a good sense of what went into the writing of the book and a glimpse into what its about. Good luck with it whether you pitch or publish yourself.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013Thanks, Pete! The main characters may be women, but the book is not “chick lit.” Not with clandestine sidelines and diplomatic crises as core elements.
As a writer, these “interview-like” tags are a lot more fun. I see some interesting tidbits that make me want to read the full work. And I hope others feel the same about mine.
Pete Denton
/ February 10, 2013It’s certainly got me intrigued
annewoodman
/ February 9, 2013Yay, JM! Always nice to feel that you’ve made another step towards publication. ; )
Can’t wait to read your book… on my future e-reader!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013Your beta comments will help bring that day about.
I really like this idea and want to do the best work possible for the characters!
Elliot
/ February 9, 2013Heres hoping that you get good feedback and can get it out for us to read soon
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013I know the feedback will be good—in the sense of letting me know what’s working and what still needs improvement.
I’m still hoping to be at least well on the way to publication by year’s end. I’d love to have it out before then, but I won’t rush it and put it out before it’s ready.
Kourtney Heintz
/ February 9, 2013Very intriguing story JM! I think it’s always worth trying the traditional route but if you aren’t making headway but getting good feedback it may be that the writing is there but the market isn’t.
Self-publishing is an exciting experience. Especially if you enjoy the business side of things.
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013I really hope the idea is as good as I think it is.
It’s so different, though, and maybe I’ll find it’s too much so. Maybe there’s only a small, niche market for it. But that’s part of the beauty of indie publishing, right? Readers aren’t forced to choose from only those books considered “sure bets” and “safe” by publishers.
I can’t say I’m enamored of the business side of things, but I did spend a few years working as an independent contractor. I think I could enjoy being “Out of Time Books” or “Out of Time Publishing.”
robincoyle
/ February 9, 2013Excuse my ignorance, but what is string theory and multiverse? Have I lead a sheltered life?
Good luck with your betas . . . not that you need it!
jmmcdowell
/ February 9, 2013This is why I should have Vanessa write my “cover blurb.” (See her comment.) In the book, Catherine explains these ideas to her friend Susan in a simple way. And that’s all readers will need to follow the story.
For the multiverse, think parallel universes from science fiction. And string theory is one that’s current in physics and cosmology for explaining the origin of our universe. To the initial surprise of those who formulated and study it, the theory works best when you allow for the existence of eleven dimensions and multiple universes.
It’s no longer “just science fiction” to suggest that there are other universes out there and that there could be other versions of us in them. So maybe that last vivid dream you had where you woke up and weren’t sure where you were at first wasn’t just a dream. And maybe that fantasy of being a rock star or famous author is real in another universe….
Madame Weebles
/ February 9, 2013You need to finish up this puppy soon so I can read it!
jmmcdowell
/ February 10, 2013Certain characters agree with you—they want to get going on the sequel. I’m not sure they want to wait for me to finish “that other book” first.
diannegray
/ February 9, 2013I’m sure I’ve told you this before, but I absolutely love the idea of this novel. I really hope your beta readers get it back to you soon so it can be published and I can read it
jmmcdowell
/ February 10, 2013Even if the comments show mega work is still needed, I want to focus on this manuscript. But until the comments come back, I’ll work on revisions to Death Out of Time. I don’t want to move forward too much on a sequel until I know for sure how the first book is going!
I HAVE A VOICE
/ February 10, 2013congradulations! I’m really happy for you ~ Deborah
jmmcdowell
/ February 10, 2013Thanks, Deborah! This story is near and dear to my heart, and I hope it’s soon ready to share.
Subtlekate
/ February 10, 2013I’m excited, it’s just my kind of thing. Hurry up hurry up.
jmmcdowell
/ February 10, 2013I’m trying!
The break while it’s with betas will be good for me, and I’ll keep busy with Meghan and Madeleine and Jack. 
philosophermouseofthehedge
/ February 10, 2013As you can tell, people are interested in this book. (String theory rocks)
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013I wonder what Sheldon Cooper would think of it….
For now, I have to set it aside while the betas go through it. At this stage, I always get a feeling of “What have I done? This isn’t good enough for someone else to read!” I need to switch gears and concentrate on the other WIP now.
philosophermouseofthehedge
/ February 12, 2013yes. Redirect! Distract. Those negative energy draining thoughts will stop you in your tracks. Besides any work of art is never totally complete…there’s always something that could be done…best throw it far away and let it live rather than smoother it forever with unnecessary nitpicking and tweaking?
Glad you can disengage and more on
Christi
/ February 11, 2013That sounds fascinating! I’ll have to check out your excerpts.
Your talk about string theory reminds me that I’ve always meant to read some Michio Kaku (sp?) — I’ve heard he’s very good at explaining science-y things like string theory in layman’s terms. Have you read any of his books?
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013I haven’t read any of Kaku’s, but I have read some of Brian Greene’s. Those are good for normal folks like me, too. And trust me—I’m no physicist! But the basic ideas of multiple universes and alternate versions of us sure struck a creative chord in me. After drafting this book, I don’t look at things like vivid dreams the way I used to do.
Mayumi-H
/ February 11, 2013I certainly don’t mind these writing-specific posts (it’s one of the reasons I follow you!). I like the way you parlayed the award questions into discussing your writing, too. The insights into Summer and Death are quite valuable, at least to someone like me, who’s vacillating between publishing options, too.
I, too, find those synopses frustrating. You pour your heart into a complex story full of twists and turns, and then they want you to summarize it in 200 words or less! Ack! But, I certainly get a strong feel for where your story is.
Good luck with your betas! (How did you find them, any way? I’m searching for a few, but it always feels awkward to ask friends….)
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013I really want to mix things up a bit more this year on the blog, just to keep things fresh for me and readers.
I’ve gone back and forth in my mind so many times about publishing. Part of me still wants that “traditional” deal. But an ever-growing part sees how hard it is to break into that world. One advantage to the indie route is that we can pull the book anytime if an agent or publisher sees it and thinks it would do well with them.
I honestly believe the query letter and synopsis are harder to write than the novel. Maybe we should have someone else read the manuscript and then write them for us. I was stunned when I saw Vanessa’s “5-minute” entry above. While it’s not quite the plot line, I really like the spin she put on it. Maybe someone who hasn’t lived with the manuscript for a year or two or five can give it the fresh angle it needs.
You can find some awesome beta readers here among fellow bloggers. I’ve done a couple of posts where I’ve asked if anyone’s interested and gotten good responses. Or, if there’s someone you think would be a good match, you can always contact them privately and see if they’d be interested. I think it’s a great place to look.
Sheila
/ February 11, 2013Your book sounds really interesting. I love thinking about these kinds of things (and even string theory!). Your answer to that last question could be a good pitch to work into the query letter. Seriously, I can’t believe how hard it is to write a query letter. You’d think if we can write an exciting book, and exciting query letter would be easy but for some reason they’re impossible.
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2013You’re right, that last question and Vanessa’s “5-minute” attempt make a good jumping-off point for my next draft. As I just mentioned to Mayumi above, it might be easier for someone else to write our queries and synopses. We’ve lived with the manuscripts for so long, I think it’s harder for us to create the “hook” that will catch the eyes of agents and the reading public. I wish I could remember who it was, but I read an interview with one agent who said she also hates synopses and doesn’t require them!
Carol Wuenschell
/ February 11, 2013Crossroads sounds intriguing and unique. I liked your blurb except for the specifics about the alternate lives. I’d cut those. I think you could possibly get the right agent interested in this. The trick, of course, would be to find the right agent.
jmmcdowell
/ February 12, 2013There will definitely be revisions to the blurb. And I believe finding the right agent is as much a factor of luck as it is writing a “killer query letter.” What if the right agent is having an off day when the query crosses her desk? Or the new assistant doesn’t realize this would appeal to her? Or the agent decided the day before that she couldn’t take on any more new clients because she found out she’s pregnant with twins? So many things have to fall in place at the right time. And so I’m preparing to go it on my own if that’s what it takes to get the books into readers’ hands.
Jagoda Perich-Anderson, M.A.
/ February 11, 2013Having been there myself before, I know how ‘nail-biting’ it is to wait to hear back from your beta readers. So, as one of your beta readers, I can reassure you that so far, I’m enjoying the read enough to want to take it to bed with me (where I usually read the fun stuff). As for more specific feedback, alas, you’ll have to bite another nail or two. I’ll try not to keep you waiting too long.
jmmcdowell
/ February 12, 2013In some ways, my personality isn’t the best for trying to become a published writer—introverted, shy, too much self-doubt and self-consciousness…. But then again, I’ve just described a number of successful authors, haven’t I?
I’ll try not to bite my nails while I wait and hope you enjoy the story. But despite my somewhat tongue-in-cheek posts about nervousness, don’t be afraid to tell me what you honestly think! I need that critical feedback to make the book the best it can be.
Clowie
/ February 15, 2013Your “blurb”, draft or not, has me wanting to read it. It sounds fascinating.
jmmcdowell
/ February 15, 2013I hope it will be.
As always, I’m nervous about what my betas will say. But I know their comments will help me write it as best as I can.
Denise Hisey
/ February 18, 2013You are brave and quite an inspiration!
Looking forward to reading the real deal when it’s published!
jmmcdowell
/ February 18, 2013Thanks, Denise! Although, brave is one of the last words I’d use to describe myself.
Objectively, I know it takes guts to publish a story—who really knows how it will be perceived? But I tend to think, “If I can do something, then anyone can do it.” 
We’ll see how much work it needs to reach publication when my betas send it back to me….
Andrea
/ February 25, 2013Sounds SO interesting… And I can’t believe I started you other posts and your up to #12 and I missed all of them. All caught up here, now Time to start keeping up.