Rajnar Vajra and Jerry Wright discuss...

Rajnar Vajra’s manuscript “Opening Wonders”

Jerry: This exchange of letters started because of a comment Rajnar Vajra, one of my favorite new writers, made on the Analog SF magazine forum, in regards to a new book he was close to finishing. He told me that when he got done, he’d send me a pre-publication copy. And then on the forum he told me he was sending it, and I got this:

Rajnar: The time, effort, and heart that went into this makes my work on Shootout seem like something I churned out between lunchtime and dinner one lazy Sunday.

I’d always intended to become a writer, planning to begin at about age 50 (in September, I’ll be 58). But I started working out the plot and various details of “Wonders” about 35 years ago. Somewhere, I still have notebooks with sketches of Chybris and descriptions of what, at the time, seemed like remarkable technical innovations.

If I could’ve written and published the book back then, I can’t imagine what kind of reputation I’d have now. Under other names, I’d thought of nanotechnology and virtual reality! Ah well. In truth, I couldn’t have written this book back then. In fact, I tried writing it about nine years ago (my very first SF project) and produced a 180,000-word mess. Then I rewrote it a few years later into a 160,000-word mess. This is my third try, so it’s taken me almost nine years to learn how to write at this level, and I’m sure there’s a far, far way to go.

The manuscript here is basically for your eyes only, but if you know someone that simply has to read it, I’ll leave the decision up to you; wouldn’t have sent it if I didn’t trust you. The formatting is important and I hope it converts over properly to your Palm Pilot. You should find two fonts (some version of Courier and Bookman Old Style) plus sections in small caps.

My intent in “Wonders,” Jerry, was to write the sort of book I’ve always wanted to read, plus share some of what I’ve gained through considerable work on myself. But, as I’m sure you know, it’s nearly impossible to judge your own work. So your feedback would be most appreciated. And I can’t see how reviewing “Wonders” could hurt — unless, of course, despite all my efforts, I’ve produced a 130,000+ word mess. But I have a feeling you’re going to get a kick out of this!

Please let me know you received it.

Blessings, Raj

Jerry: Oh wow! Oh Wow! OH WOW!

Thank you Raj. Woot! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. However, since it’s midnight (cause I spent the day out of town, and got back just a bit ago...) I’ll download it and read it tomorrow!!!

Well, I couldn’t resist, and so I’ve read the first 25 pages of “Wonders.” If you can’t find a publisher for this I’ll scream! Totally unfair!

So far so great. And it is 12:48 AM.

In between our exchanges, we chatted a bit on the Analog forum about the difficulty of finding a publisher for Shootout at the Nokai Corral, which was serialized in Analog magazine. So I sent him this e-mail.

Sigh...

I just sent an e-mail to Meisha Merlin — publisher of Janny Wurts and the Liaden Novels by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. They will be opening up for new submissions in late summer, and so I’ll trying to do a bit of pre-footwork.

I see you don’t have a website. Want one?

Rajnar: Yes, I do want a website. I started teaching myself web-design two years ago and got sidetracked with writing projects. This is an area where you know so much more than me I’m not even ready to learn at your feet, I’d have to start learning at your little toe.

I also an ignoramus when it comes to Meisha Merlin, but I’m going to tell my agent you liked “Wonders” enough to send them a note about it, and if you write a review of it, I’ll also send her that — perhaps minus such words as “slow parts” and “problems.”

Reading between lines, it sounds as if “Wonders” wasn’t quite your cup of tea and you preferred Shootout, but I could easily be wrong. And in any case, “Wonders” might start growing on you. It’s actually a very sneaky book.

Thanks!

Raj

Jerry: No, no... I loved “Opening Wonders” and I read (present tense) enough that I see slow parts in a lot of books I love. In fact, sometimes the reader needs to slow down. Anything I saw as a “problem” is quite miniscule. I found a few typos... Hah! But not many.

I would need to go back “ground zero” to learn what is necessary to become an agent, and frankly, talking to some agents at cons, I’m not sure my stress levels are up to it. Anything I can do as a friend and a fan, though, I’m more than willing to do.

I would be pleased to set up a site for you, say “rajnarvajra.com”. I would imagine that that particular name is still available. It would, at this point, cost you nothing, (although when you become rich, that could change).

And the initial webpages would be clean, fast, and interesting. We could also put up snippets of Shootout and “Wonders” to whet people’s appetites. Also, links to your e-books, as well as anything forthcoming in the magazines.

There are a number of tools to make this something you could easily access and update as frequently or infrequently as you care to.

Rajnar: Yes, yes! Your note was most cheering and I’m excited about the prospect of my own website, which I’ve always intended to get around to. Of course, you’d do a vastly better job than I could with my limited experience. Very much appreciated indeed! And if I actually become successful, I would love to pay you retroactively and for future projects. Even as is, you’ve already earned a mention in my those-I-am-grateful-to dedication.

And your positive report about “Wonders” is truly heartening. I’m too close to the book to see it and the last time I rewrote it, I thought, mistakenly, that it was ready for prime time. It so wasn’t. And of course, like most authors I’m in love with my characters. I can’t imagine life without having experienced the Blenn or the Watergod or....

I hereby confess to varying “Wonders’” pace deliberately to make the action parts hit harder (and I kept the writing just enough toned down so sections such as David’s experience with the Swan would really sing), but perhaps I overdid it. Although reading the thing on a Palm Pilot must make anything slow really drag. As to typos — oh yeah. As much as I go over my stuff, I always miss a few... hundred typos. Of course, I’d like to know more about your reactions and those problems you found whenever you’re up to it. Even consciously, I put more thought into the details of “Wonders” than all my other writings combined. And God alone knows what my subconscious snuck in there.

You might be interested to know that several Analog stories published in the past, aside from “Of Kings,” have been secretly set in the Pan-cosmos: “Jake, Me, and the Zipper” mentions someone having gone to Crossroad World and returned with eyes in the back of his head; and “Sidehunter” mentions Muuti as even more dangerous than Parson’s Planet. As I told you, I’ve been planning this for a long time.

Helping Hands centers, initially, on the proto-god developing on Earth: an Hispanic lawyer whose terrible attitude toward his own natal culture results in some very painful and dramatic consequences. And wait till you find out what those helping hands can do! David returns, of course, and we get to meet Chybris, Seris, the Bloodmage, and Maanza up close and very personal.

Again, I thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart!

Blessings,
Raj