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Welcome to The Literary Pig's blog - a safe haven for all those afflicted with
the unbearable urge to write.

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Shrӧdinger’s Agent

Sometimes over dinner it feels like I live with the characters of The Big Bang Theory as the conversation often turns to mathematics or physics (Handsome Hubby and the Tame Teenager are both engineers). One topic I do enjoy is discussing Shrӧdinger’s Cat - a theorectical experiment often used to explain  quantum mechanics (read here for a Wikipedia explanation). In a short play of mine called 'Pandora's Cat' a character gives a simpler explanation: "Schrödinger was a physicist. To explain quantum mechanics he came up with a paradoxical question where a cat is put in a box containing a vial of poison. The poison can be released at any time, but without opening the box you can’t be certain if the cat is alive or dead. At any given moment you have to consider both states of existence are plausible: the cat is both alive and dead."

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you will know that I've recently completed a final draft of my novel. I've edited and reworked after feedback and comments from several beta readers (all great writers I've met at Chichester University on my MA in Creative Writing). I've also been lucky enough to get some constructive and helpful comments from a couple of agents (gold dust!). In the last week I've started the painful task of contacting literary agents to gauge if anyone is interested in taking on the novel. This got me thinking that once I'd emailed or posted the sample chapters then the concept of Shrӧdinger’s Agent kicks in. At any given moment the agent could be reading or not reading my novel. At any given moment the agent could be considering to offer representation or not and until you get 'that' email then both states of existence are plausible: they both love and hate the novel! Not much to cling to but it's cheered me up.

We don't have a cat, but my lovely friend Sarah Thompson has kindly given permission for me to use a photo of her gorgeous boy, Morpheus. He is of course posing in a box ...

Poor Morph is not too well at present and being treated by the Supervet, so sending lots of love and best wishes from me and LitPig xxx
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12 comments:

  1. Joanna22 July 2015 at 03:06

    I love this post, Tracy. What an exciting time for you. I'm sure good news will come soon and that Schrödinger's Agent is ensconced in a box-room with a cup of non-toxic tea, nodding and smiling with approval at your ms at this very moment.
    Wishing you great success and sending warm wishes for a swift recovery to the lovely Morph. xxx

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    Replies
    1. TracyFells22 July 2015 at 08:06

      Thank you, Joanna. I love the 'non-toxic tea', let's hope so!

      Delete
  2. Debz Hobbs-Wyatt22 July 2015 at 03:55

    Great post. I have faith you will get an agent! Looking forward to reading your novel!

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    Replies
    1. TracyFells22 July 2015 at 08:07

      Thank you, Debz. Plenty of faith required :)

      Delete
  3. Julia Thorley22 July 2015 at 09:33

    Keep thinking positive thoughts, Tracy. We're all crossing our fingers and toes for you.

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  4. Wendy's Writing23 July 2015 at 23:37

    Of course, if they had any sense all the agents would be fighting over the novel - Shrodinger or no Shrodinger. Wishing you masses of luck (and Bob is upset you didn't use a pic of him!)

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    1. TracyFells24 July 2015 at 03:01

      Ah, thank you, Wendy! Didn't think Bob would be prepared to pose in a box for me. Will definitely think of casting him for my next cat related post though.

      Delete
  5. Patsy24 July 2015 at 01:47

    A submitted story does indeed feel both alive and dead.

    Good luck with your novel.

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    Replies
    1. TracyFells24 July 2015 at 03:02

      Yes, this applies to all writing submissions I think, Patsy. Thank you :)

      Delete
  6. Rosemary Gemmell25 July 2015 at 01:29

    Great post, Tracy. How exciting to be at that stage now and, going by the quality of your short story writing, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see your novel for sale!

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  7. Anonymous25 August 2015 at 12:02

    Of course it will be snapped up soon, Tracy, and can't wait to read it as well.

    ReplyDelete

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