In 2015, I got an idea for a YA superhero novel, and I sat down and wrote the first three pages. It was in first person and introduced Antony Melville – who wanted to be good despite coming from a long line of villains. I really loved writing the voice of it, and the idea excited me. And then I didn’t touch it for five years.
In fact, I wrote two other books before returning to this one. I honestly think I was a bit intimidated by the world I wanted to create. I am not a super techy person. (I mean, I use a lot of tech, but I don’t know how it works – nor have I ever really cared to understand it so long as it continued working.) But this character I had created is an inventor.
I did finally tackle writing a draft of the book near the end of 2020, and I asked my dear friend Cody if he wouldn’t mind reading it and letting me know what I might have gotten wrong (he did, thankfully!). I had intended to pay an homage to him in the story, and I thought I had removed all references in the draft I sent so that it could be a surprise upon publication. Turns out, I missed a couple. Oops. [facepalm]
I did query the manuscript for a bit, and while I did get some interest, nothing took hold. I knew the book still needed some work, but I had felt as though I had taken it as far as I could on my own. This was before I had decided to self-publish my second book, Wherever Would I Be. After I received and worked through the edits from Elizabeth Buege, I asked if she would be interested in working on another manuscript of mine – this one. She said yes, to let her know whenever I was ready for it. (Seriously, if you are looking for a thoughtful editor who is going to champion your characters, look no further!)
At the start of June this year, I reached out to Elizabeth, and she just happened to have had a cancelation for that month. I sent the manuscript right over. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I would opt to query again or self-publish. Since then, I’ve decided to go the latter route. I thoroughly enjoyed the process with Lucy’s story, and I wanted that same experience with this one. I’m hoping that the second time around will have a fewer hiccups…
Goode versus Meville will be out in the world in 2024. If you need me, I’ll be breathing into a paper bag until further notice.
Ami Maxine 