Kage Baker had an enormous confidence in my ability to take up her pen and continue her stories. I have wavered between bounding enthusiastic determination, and the soul-sinking certainty that there was no chance in hell. Somewhere between these two extremes, I actually managed to finish the sequel to The Ladies of Nell Gwynne.
Now it turns out there was a contract for, and considerable publisher’s interest in, a book of Martian stories. Kage only did three or four … but she left two plots and titles (with attendant notes) for further tales. I had them down as “someday, when I have proven myself a little more …”. But one thing I have learned that when a publisher is interested, you had damn well better find something to show him. Fast.
My agent would like to have one of these in hand, at a 10,000 or so word length, like, last month. I can easily write a story of that length in 10 days to 2 weeks – but the question is, are we talking Shakespeare and the monkeys here?
I did 2,200 words on “Marswife” today. I like it, but cannot for the life of me tell if it is any good; and, if it is, is it sufficiently Kage-esque? Kagelike? Kage-i-form? The two patient ladies to whom I usually bring my whining plaints – Kimberly and Neassa – are as willing as ever to advise me. But not only do I feel a dim guilt-like feeling at so constantly abusing their generosity (which will not, however, stop me from doing it), there is also the fact that this is a further reach from completing one of Kage’s Victorian romps.
So I am going to take advantage of a few of you. Who wants to be drafted into an impromptu reading group? You, Dear Readers, have come with this far because you loved Kage and her work: you know her in that special way that only dedicated and intelligent audiences know a writer. Would any of you be willing to have a look at the first draft of the first fifth of a story I am trying to complete at light speed?
And tell me if I wasting all our time? I’d rather waste a little of yours, good friends that you have been, than foist something nasty off on a larger audience. So if you are willing, to potentially take one for Team Kage – tell me where to send it and I shall inflict my insecurities and palpitations on you.
Kathleen, Kage and the Company 
I would be happy to read. If you’d like you can email me.
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Would be glad to take a look and follow you and Kage to Mars again.
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Absolutely! I claim my place in this endeavor
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I would also be happy to read it – haven’t read the Mars novel yet, so could come to it with few preconceptions…
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Would be happy to take a look at it.
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Kate, I’d be delighted to read it. And I promise to be honest, even if it means telling you that you sell yourself short.
Carol
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I would very much like to be included! Will email work or is mail better?
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I’d be pleased to help with the project. Is email okay, or would you prefer comments on paper?
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This will be coming out via email, folks, with my email attached for responses. Thank you all so much!
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You know my answer, and you know where to find me.
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and me, too. I’ve been told I give good crit.
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Kate,
1. I love your blog, read it religiously (candles, incense, Gregorian chant music, etc.)
2. Be the first fan of what you do. It’s not egotistical to like it, you should.
3. I don’t show works in progress as they “leak” the steam in the boilers. You, however, may if you wish.
4. I’ll wait because I know it will be worth waiting for.
Peace,
Mike Bennett / Zimiamvian Night
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Thanks, Mike. Don’t worry – I know I’m taking advantage of people’s time here, and am shameless about it. I don’t usually show works in progress either, but this time is slightly different: to me, anyway, and I must continue to placate the inner doubter to keep going! Having a daily audiance like you is, has been, and will doubtless continue to be a Godsend.
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i would looove to read and give my 2cents worth. I have just read 6 of Kage’s books (inc Empress) in the last few months and am hungry for more. So since Im on a Kage diet i may be tuned in… Please email me. Thanx.
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I would be happy to help. You have been amazing with both the consistency and the well crafted words on diverse subjects you put up here every single day. Please email me anything you like for review!
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Everything you’ve written has already impressed me, so I’m sure it will be a worthwhile read. I’d be happy to help.
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Me! Me7 pleeeeeeease? Rtfcsm@gmail.com
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Would be more than happy to be part of the team.
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IF it’s not too late, I would be honored to attempt a critique.
-Brad
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A lot of people have already volunteered, but if you want to send out your rough draft to a few more readers I would be happy to be among them. 🙂
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Oh humbug, I have missed the boat. Too much time at Faire site.
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Well, count me in! I can’t edit but I can enjoy.
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ooh. I hope I am not too late. I would LOVE to read/edit!!!
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