​The Journey to Publication : Investing in my writing.

I am learning that the pathway to publishing is never straight! I thought I was ready but after some further feedback on my manuscript I have slightly changed the structure of Vivaldi’s Lost Concerto bringing forward the final scene so that the reader gets (I hope!) a better sense from the start of the “story problem” that ties my three characters together. Having read Beth Hills’ Editorblog  http://theeditorsblog.net/2016/10/15/the-story-question-is-vital/   I realised I needed to create more buy in for my reader. K.M> Weiland also talk about framing. "Frames bookend a story with a definitive opening scene (that introduces readers to pertinent characters, settings, and themes) and a closing scene (that brings the story to a resonant full circle by mirroring or returning to the opening scene)"www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/strengthen-your-story-with-proper/?platform=hootsuite#.

Can you think of a novel that uses this technique? 

Having made these changes and after much hand wringing, I am also invested in getting a manuscript assessment before approaching more publishers. As a self-funded retiree, it’s not easy to justify spending money but, then again, (can you hear the chimes of a justification about to happen?) writing is a very cheap retirement past time (not putting a dollar value on my time of course!) compared say to playing golf or horse-riding or caravanning or sailing (pursuits of other retirees that I know). So, super fund – here I come!!


​Does anybody else have a story about the dilemmas of when and how to invest in your retirement past time/ hobby?