My Historical Novel

I've had a first draft of an Historical Fiction novel sitting around for a while.  A harsh critique did me in for quite a while.  So, I let it cool down.  In light of recent events, I considered adding a speculative element and making it into Historical Fantasy--I even started the idea off in a new file.  But, the idea soon faltered, because I truly love the characters and the story taking place.

Cut to this week:  An Historical Fiction writer (Scott Oden, author of Men of Bronze, Memnon and The Lion of Cairo), was down on his luck.  I like the guy and wanted to help him, but could only seem to think of buying a singed copy of The Lion of Cairo direct.  Since I did the artwork for a short story of his, he said he'd just send one.  But, I'd wanted to help him.  I knew his situation was grinding under the millstone, so I racked my brain.  Could I help inspire him?

Then I remembered he tried to start a side business with a site called The Editorial Goblin, where he helped on-the-cusp authors with plot holes, formatting, line editing and an objective critique from a professional whose been a slush reader and new writer.  Originally, he priced by the hour.  I'm going to move in about a month, so I couldn't afford an hourly rate, but asked for a flat rate and got one.  It was affordable to me--$300--for the full range. 

So I sent it off. 

Now, of course, I'm between nail-biting and inflated-hopes.  Oh, the wait is the mind-killer.