Criticism

Yesterday meet with the Contessa to talk about draft of book. First of all, she says, she Loves it. Parts very scary, parts funny, and she couldn't help turning the pages. Am pleased with self and feel that when go hom will find check waiting in mailbox. Am glad that we can just enjoy ourselves now. Even think about ordering second espresso (but only if heart stops beating quite so quickly.) The Contessa clears her throat. She may have a few suggestions, tiny ones. Say, Go ahead. Take out notebook and pen. The Contessa says she imagines it can be tidied up no time at all. Ask, In a week or so? The Contessa will not commit to a week even when pressed. Mood becomes black. The Contessa forges ahead. She does not think the flashbacks work (Easy to take care of, snip, snip! she says in a cheerful voice) and also the Judy character seems not quite as finely drawn as I might wish. Maybe revisit her. Also, the chonology of the thing seems a bit off--can everythign happen as fast as it does? For example, how long does it take Mold to grow? Reply briskly, mold can grow very fast. The Contessa says, now don't get discouraged--I also Marked Up your manuscript to fix typos and the like. On subway home sigh again and again. Along with book on improving concentration, really ought to find book on taking criticism well.