... just when I was about to write that ScriptDoctor website (just to remind them that they have my query letter & that I'm chomping at the bit to send out my submissions) they write me back.

The new draft of my query letter is even more succinct and a lot of the changes/suggestions make sense.

I made some revisions, which I'm proud of, and sent it back.

Hopefully, now that the ball is rolling, the momentum will carry. I want to have a fully functional query letter by Monday and to start (digitally) pounding the pavement that same evening.

And as soon as I have an edited and perfect copy of my 6th novel (Urban Prairie) in my hands, I can start submitting on that front as well... Making this an even more productive, relaxing and enjoyable summer than it's already been.

I like balancing out my days with both the business (submissions) side of writing with the creative (the actual writing) side... It helps one to feel that they're making strides towards something other than self-fulfillment (which is important... but, as Bill Burroughs said (and I'm parphrasing here): publication, and having an audience, is infinitely important to a writer. Burroughs said he might not have kept on writing, had Junky not been published when he was 39.

The fact that Burroughs was several years older than me when he was first published gives me hope that I will make this happen in the near future... Persistence and, obviously talent, but above all heart is the key...