luisa_mystery (luisa_mystery) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2014-03-23 13:34:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, flynn rider, luisa rey |
Who: Flynn and Luisa
When: Early March
Where: Baxter Bakery
What: Advice and a helping hand
Rating/Warning: Low/None
Status: Complete
Luisa had a sparkling latte in front of her and a cheeky couple of cookies too, though she was going to share with Flynn which meant she was justified. At least that’s what she was telling herself. While she was waiting for him to arrive she was reading one of his previous books on her kindle and writing down some notes. She hoped he wouldn’t mind her little critiques. He was a good writer, she could tell but she thought he lacked training.
Hey, critiques were good, so long as they were constructive. Flynn ignored the bad reviews. “This sucks” wasn’t exactly good criticism. He had some devout followers, though, who read and re-read his work, and passed along the word. He had enough that he was able to eat, anyway, and that was the goal. At least, the first goal.
He headed to the bakery to meet up with Luisa. He had the rough draft of his next novel in his hands, and glanced around the cafe, looking for the face he’d seen on valarnet.
Constructive feedback was the only kind Luisa ever gave, what was the point otherwise. Looking up she noticed him and waved him over. “Flynn right?” she said smiling as she held out her hand, “Its nice to finally meet you”
“Flynn, yeah.” Flynn put on one of his most charming smiles, reaching out his hand to shake hers. Then he slipped into the seat opposite. “Thanks so much for taking some time to meet with me. I think it’s really important to meet other artists, as well as help each other to further our craft,” he said. It was a practiced speech, something he’d said about a dozen times in the car on the way here.
“Oh it’s not a problem at all” Luisa replied, “It’s very important, you’re right. And anything I can do to help I’m absolutely happy to do” she enthused with a smile. “I’ve read some of your work, but you were wanting someone to look over your new story yes?” she asked.
“Yes, that’s right. I need a beta reader… it’s not quite to that stage yet… I mean, you’re welcome to take a look. It’s really, really rough. But here’s the outline.” It was only two pages long, in the front of the binder with his manuscript behind it. “I’ve been thinking it’s time to send it out. See if I can’t get an agent or a publisher or something.”
Luisa nodded as she took the binder from him, “You’re a good writer, you seem to have a slight tendency to rush things along. Almost like you have so much to say you rush to get it all down and don’t always pace it as well as you could. But a publisher will help with that, you’d get notes back and sections which will need re-writing, that kind of thing” she said with a smile before focusing on the notes.
Flynn nodded. That was a good note. He did rush things. He felt like he had to. He didn’t eat if he didn’t sell books online, and only $1 each wasn’t much of a living. He leaned back a bit in his chair and watched her as she read his notes.
Luisa read more carefully than she would have if they were her own, when she had finished she smiled at him, “You have a great idea here” she said before running through a couple of things she had picked up on. “But if you take a good amount of time to work on it properly it’ll be great. I’m already looking forward to reading it” she added.
Flynn nodded, and enjoyed the conversation. It was nice to talk to someone about his ideas. And this one, unlike some of his other stories, had the potential for a lot more. Sequels, movie deals, that sort of thing. He grinned as he took the paperwork back. “That’s great. Thank you so much for your time and expertise.”
It was nice to talk to someone about writing, someone who understood. And Flynn wasn’t just listening he was explaining things she’d not been clear on and they had a good working relationship developing already. “Oh you’re welcome and I have the contact details as promised for my publisher, they’re expecting your call” she smiled.
“I… I really owe you. I can’t tell you what this means to me.” Flynn said, beaming much more brightly now as he started to pack everything up. “You’ve got to let me make it up to you somehow.”
“You really don’t owe me anything. All I ask is that you keep me appraised on how things are going” Luisa replied, “And seriously if I can help in any way just let me know”
“Hey, I can do that.” Flynn was grinning. “I’m going to dedicate my next book to you.” He added after a moment’s thought. She deserved it. It wasn’t every day he met someone who was so helpful and kind.
Luisa smiled, “That is very sweet of you” she told him, “I’ll be sure to promote you to everybody I know. I’ll pop a little recommendation post on my authors page too”