Hard? Me?

Unemployed C writes back.

"Yes, what a coincidence. I hope you haven't been too hard on her in your blog."

Have I? You be the judge.

I start to email ZSAC the first 3 chapters again but something occurrs to me. I e Unemployed C:

"quick question- with sally's agent, when i email the book to her,
u reckon i should mention she's already got it or not??"

Don't want to embarrass the lady.

Notoriously bad. No, not me :)

Get an email from Unemployed C:

"Dear Rob,
I thought you might be interested...don't hold your breath though!!"

He encloses an email from his friend Sally:

"Dear Unemployed C,
Have written to my agent XXX at J C Plopp re your pal Rob's thriller. She is notoriously bad at getting back but will let you know as soon as she does.
Regards
Sally"

XXX happens to be ZSAC. (See September 20th, September 27th, October 12th, October 16th, October 24th, November 17th, November 24th etc... ad nauseum) ZSAC has had the first 3 chapters for four months and is apparently ignoring my emails and phone calls.

What a pain that I've got a good 'In' with an agent but it's an agent who is a superflake :( balls.

(However, as said before, if she takes me on and gets me a book deal I will respect and admire her hugely, be extremely grateful and delete this blog immediately).

Russell Crowe again

Sitting outside Cafe Coluzzi in Sydney with a mate when I recognise a chubby guy in a long-sleeved top (It's 28 degrees C) and a baseball cap sitting a couple of metres away from us.

'That's Russell Crowe,' I say.

It is. Again. (See November 7th) I think Russell is following me around the world.

When he left Harry suggested grabbing his cup. 'We can auction it on ebay.'

But the waitress was too quick. I think we would've needed a photo of him drinking out of it anyway.

Off 2 Oz

Decided to go to Australia to research next book. (set in Sydney) Flying tomorrow.
Sounds very last-minute and jet-set and indulgent but totally isn't. Honest. But couple of months in sun and on Bondi will go down a treat (while I do stacks of research and start Book 2).
Sent a big pile of letters to agents before I left.

email from Joe

'Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your blog and
extracts. I'm finishing up a book at present and am
about to embark on a similar merry go round.

Having farted around with UK agents in the past I find
them pretty useless. Have you considered America? From
chatting to others I get the feeling they actually
treat it as a business over there rather than a
burden.

I'm sure you're probably aware of it already but
www.everyonewhosanyone.com is a good place to trawl.

Hope it comes together for you soon.'