Saturday was my 20th High School Reunion. I had a blast seeing all the people I haven't seen in so many years. It was great to catch up and see what everyone is up to. I am looking forward to staying in better contact, too!
Sunday we had our weekly writing chat. It was really great. I love when my CP's all find the same thing that I need to fix. It really shows me where I went astray. I also like listening to the brainstorming that comes when we talk about our comments on the chapters. It is so interesting how one persons comments can lead to a totally cool idea for my WIP.
I am making good progress on The Lost Princess, even if there are some things I need to go back and tweak in the first three chapters. I have worked my way up to chapter 18 on my second draft, and hope to have the entire draft finished before the end of August (within my goal timeline!).
In other news, congratulations to Graeme! Yesterday, he announced on his blog that he has a contract with MuseItUp Publishing. Way to go Graeme!!!!
So, how was your weekend? What's new with you? Share in the comments!
Showing posts with label critique group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label critique group. Show all posts
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ready or not?
Last night one of my CP's asked me when I was going to send out my MS for querying. I replied, I want to look through it again to make sure I haven't missed something--there is something off with the ending, but I don't know what (Note: I figured out what just before bed last night, now have to fix it). She laughed and reminded me that I could keep going over it and tweaking it forever.
And she's right. I could. I try to read through and make only the necessary changes, and find myself line editing instead of reading for flow and only stopping when I get pulled out of the story.
So, how do you know when it's time to put down the editing (and the track changes) and polish up that query letter and send it out into the world?
And she's right. I could. I try to read through and make only the necessary changes, and find myself line editing instead of reading for flow and only stopping when I get pulled out of the story.
So, how do you know when it's time to put down the editing (and the track changes) and polish up that query letter and send it out into the world?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
After you reach the end, where do you go?
First, I want to say, you all had such wonderful comments in Wednesday's post. I do agree that while being honest, we should always be kind with our comments. And it is good to point out what was liked and done well- that positive reinforcement thing works quite well!
Now, on to today's post. Currently I am in a waiting pattern- waiting for my CP's to get back to me on my second round of revisions (Yea! I finished them Sunday!) to see there thoughts on where I went. (I know I have some doubts about my ending, so I'm curious about their responses.)
In the meantime, I've picked back up a WIP that was supposed to be a sequel, but is now looking like it will be the first book in a series I am working on. I looked over my outline, and started editing what I had written when it hit me like a brick what was wrong. I was telling my readers what I wanted them to know instead of showing it. As I worked my way through, trying to find a way to show and not tell, I realized I had more wrong than that-- namely some plot holes that the telling was covering up. A new outline (and quite a bit of thinking later) I think I am on the right track with my WIP. The story line is changing a bit, but I think in the end it will be for the better. If not, I'll go back and pull out the older version and brush it up!
So, what do you do when you finished a project and are waiting for feedback? Do you start another one? Take a break? Devour all the books in your To Be Read pile? Share below!
Now, on to today's post. Currently I am in a waiting pattern- waiting for my CP's to get back to me on my second round of revisions (Yea! I finished them Sunday!) to see there thoughts on where I went. (I know I have some doubts about my ending, so I'm curious about their responses.)
In the meantime, I've picked back up a WIP that was supposed to be a sequel, but is now looking like it will be the first book in a series I am working on. I looked over my outline, and started editing what I had written when it hit me like a brick what was wrong. I was telling my readers what I wanted them to know instead of showing it. As I worked my way through, trying to find a way to show and not tell, I realized I had more wrong than that-- namely some plot holes that the telling was covering up. A new outline (and quite a bit of thinking later) I think I am on the right track with my WIP. The story line is changing a bit, but I think in the end it will be for the better. If not, I'll go back and pull out the older version and brush it up!
So, what do you do when you finished a project and are waiting for feedback? Do you start another one? Take a break? Devour all the books in your To Be Read pile? Share below!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Honesty's the Best Policy
When I ask people to read for me, I expect them to be honest with how they feel about what they are reading. I may not like what they have to say, or agree with them but if they can't tell me they got bored reading a chapter, who will?
In return, I am honest with the people I read for. They have asked me to take time to read for them, and I assume they truly want to know my opinion. And I tell them what it is, always letting them know it is just that. My opinion.
So, how honest are you for your readers? Do you hold back because you're afraid you'll hurt their feelings, or do you put it all out there, hoping your words can help them be the best author they can be?
In return, I am honest with the people I read for. They have asked me to take time to read for them, and I assume they truly want to know my opinion. And I tell them what it is, always letting them know it is just that. My opinion.
So, how honest are you for your readers? Do you hold back because you're afraid you'll hurt their feelings, or do you put it all out there, hoping your words can help them be the best author they can be?
Friday, April 8, 2011
To change or not to change
This week one of my critique partners (CP) told me I seemed too willing to make changes offered to me on my WIP. I thought about the comment, then shared how I decide whether to change or not.
If the change is grammar or word usage, quite often it's changed. I am not the best with grammar, and easily over use words (that and then come to mind.)
In the case of bigger changes, it takes more thought. Last week a CP told me they had a hard time keeping two of my characters straight. Their names (even though very dissimilar in my mind) were similar to her. She suggested I change the name. My mind said no, this is ridiculous. One name begins with a K, the other with a V-- they are nothing alike. The next day, as I looked over my WIP, I saw what my CP hadn't said. It wasn't the names that were similar about my characters, it was everything else. I had two people where I only needed one. It meant making major changed throughout the rest of my WIP, but it was worth it.
As I spoke with my CP about my process, I told her two things I always keep in mind. I only want to make changes that will improve my story, and seeing I save all my versions with a new name, I can cut scenes and make all the changes I want without losing anything, except time.
What is your process?
If the change is grammar or word usage, quite often it's changed. I am not the best with grammar, and easily over use words (that and then come to mind.)
In the case of bigger changes, it takes more thought. Last week a CP told me they had a hard time keeping two of my characters straight. Their names (even though very dissimilar in my mind) were similar to her. She suggested I change the name. My mind said no, this is ridiculous. One name begins with a K, the other with a V-- they are nothing alike. The next day, as I looked over my WIP, I saw what my CP hadn't said. It wasn't the names that were similar about my characters, it was everything else. I had two people where I only needed one. It meant making major changed throughout the rest of my WIP, but it was worth it.
As I spoke with my CP about my process, I told her two things I always keep in mind. I only want to make changes that will improve my story, and seeing I save all my versions with a new name, I can cut scenes and make all the changes I want without losing anything, except time.
What is your process?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Even with all the house projects we have going on, I've managed to get some writing time in. I plotted out a good section of the end of my current WIP (and have made changes already!!!). The end is in sight, and I am anxious to get it down, but at the same time I am finding these current chapters more difficult to write.
My critique buddies are all in different stages this week. Trisha is starting a new work, having polished up and sent out her other WIP's. Fiona is re-working sections of her WIP, and Katie just sent me her new version of an old WIP. Jackie made great progress with her outlining and is working on her first chapter.
How are your WIP's going? Have you learned anything new about your characters? Have they taken you in a direction you didn't expect? Right now I have a war going on between two characters as to who is really the bad guy pulling the strings. I think it is one person, but one of the other minor characters keeps trying to tell me he should be the one pulling the strings as it wouldn't be expected. I am letting it play out in my mind to see where I go. What do you do when your characters throw a monkey wrench in your plans?
Next week I am going to change up my Wednesday posts to more specifics on writing. If you have any topics you would like me to focus on, let me know.
My critique buddies are all in different stages this week. Trisha is starting a new work, having polished up and sent out her other WIP's. Fiona is re-working sections of her WIP, and Katie just sent me her new version of an old WIP. Jackie made great progress with her outlining and is working on her first chapter.
How are your WIP's going? Have you learned anything new about your characters? Have they taken you in a direction you didn't expect? Right now I have a war going on between two characters as to who is really the bad guy pulling the strings. I think it is one person, but one of the other minor characters keeps trying to tell me he should be the one pulling the strings as it wouldn't be expected. I am letting it play out in my mind to see where I go. What do you do when your characters throw a monkey wrench in your plans?
Next week I am going to change up my Wednesday posts to more specifics on writing. If you have any topics you would like me to focus on, let me know.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Wow! It's the 16th of February. Where is the year going??? I got some very good feedback for my WIP, The Ruby Dagger this week. I am working at applying the comments, while moving forward in the story. Over the weekend I outlined the rest of the chapters for the story (now, if they stay that way is yet to be seen). I need to have a basic road map of where I am going, but I still let my characters run down those side roads to see what's hiding in the shadows.
Take yesterday, I was writing a scene where they are looking for the male MC, and, with some really cool magic, they found him. As I was writing their entrance into where he was being held, I looked down and saw my notes for the next chapter and had an "Oh, crap!" moment. I had totally forgotten I didn't want him to be there. But, with some quick thinking, I was able to make that happen. The magic was totally not expected, nor was the speed with which they would succeed. But, in the end, I was able to take that side road back to my main road-- a little detour, but one I think will work well.
Trisha and Lindsay have finished their WIP (I still have 3 more chapters to go with it!) and let me just say, Wow! I really loved what they did. What a great tale-- it kept me guessing in parts, and never failed to keep me turning the pages (or hitting the page down button, as is more accurate!)
Fiona is really finding her footing in the center of her WIP. I am anxious to see what the changes are that she has made to parts I've already read.
Jackie is still working through her outline. She is a bit more of a planner than I am-- but hey, differences are what make it all so interesting!
Katie is being incredibly patient. She's working on another WIP while I go through the remainder of her story. I've managed to get another chapter off to her, and hope to get a couple more out this week!
How about you? How have your WIP's gone this week? Are you planning or panstering? If you plan, do you give your characters a chance to stop and smell the roses along the way, or march them down a specific path?
Take yesterday, I was writing a scene where they are looking for the male MC, and, with some really cool magic, they found him. As I was writing their entrance into where he was being held, I looked down and saw my notes for the next chapter and had an "Oh, crap!" moment. I had totally forgotten I didn't want him to be there. But, with some quick thinking, I was able to make that happen. The magic was totally not expected, nor was the speed with which they would succeed. But, in the end, I was able to take that side road back to my main road-- a little detour, but one I think will work well.
Trisha and Lindsay have finished their WIP (I still have 3 more chapters to go with it!) and let me just say, Wow! I really loved what they did. What a great tale-- it kept me guessing in parts, and never failed to keep me turning the pages (or hitting the page down button, as is more accurate!)
Fiona is really finding her footing in the center of her WIP. I am anxious to see what the changes are that she has made to parts I've already read.
Jackie is still working through her outline. She is a bit more of a planner than I am-- but hey, differences are what make it all so interesting!
Katie is being incredibly patient. She's working on another WIP while I go through the remainder of her story. I've managed to get another chapter off to her, and hope to get a couple more out this week!
How about you? How have your WIP's gone this week? Are you planning or panstering? If you plan, do you give your characters a chance to stop and smell the roses along the way, or march them down a specific path?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Brrrr! Is it cold out there! I love winter, but I must admit, I am quite ready for this one to be over and the warmth and greenness of spring to arrive.
This week I have made good progress on my WIP (I almost finished a chapter in one day yesterday-- a far cry from the 4 days it took last week!) I have ideas for where I am going with my re-working of Quest, too (formerly Sleeping Handsome-- I know-- I really didn't like that title either!)
Trisha and Lindsay are making great progress on their dystopian. We all agreed on chat the other night that we eagerly await more from them each week.
Fiona has hit her stride with these latest chapters of her time-slip. They are engaging and make you want to read more!
Jackie is reworking her entire idea, so I am patiently (well, mostly patiently) waiting to see what she does.
The next two days I intend to devote time to reading through Katie's work and getting more of it back to her.
How are you WIP's going this week? Did you finish up? Are you stuck? Have you made goals for yourself? Are you meeting them? (I'm close- my goal was 2-3 chapters a week. And, for the most part, that's where I am!) I'd love to hear from you about yours!
This week I have made good progress on my WIP (I almost finished a chapter in one day yesterday-- a far cry from the 4 days it took last week!) I have ideas for where I am going with my re-working of Quest, too (formerly Sleeping Handsome-- I know-- I really didn't like that title either!)
Trisha and Lindsay are making great progress on their dystopian. We all agreed on chat the other night that we eagerly await more from them each week.
Fiona has hit her stride with these latest chapters of her time-slip. They are engaging and make you want to read more!
Jackie is reworking her entire idea, so I am patiently (well, mostly patiently) waiting to see what she does.
The next two days I intend to devote time to reading through Katie's work and getting more of it back to her.
How are you WIP's going this week? Did you finish up? Are you stuck? Have you made goals for yourself? Are you meeting them? (I'm close- my goal was 2-3 chapters a week. And, for the most part, that's where I am!) I'd love to hear from you about yours!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Too Little Time
Last week I struggled for 4 days to write a chapter of my WIP. I would look at what I had written, and reword it, and delete it (don't worry- I save each days work in a new file name, so it wasn't really gone!) And I still wasn't happy with it, but I decided to move on to the next chapter (which was much easier to write.)
I'm not sure what the problem was with the first chapter-- Was I trying to make my character do something they wouldn't? Was I using the wrong point of view? Whatever it was, I was certain it was horrible and my critique partners would rip it apart.
When I sent it out to them, I told them to take a close look at that chapter as something was off. Then I waited to hear back from them.
Interestingly, not one of them saw it as I did. Sure there were things I need to develop a bit more (it is a first draft, after all), but they didn't see what I was talking about (and had expected it to be really bad, based on my perceptions.)
After we talked about it, I realized it wasn't my writing that had been giving me problems last week (as the chapter I wrote fit where it was, and moved the story along), but it was more that I had been forcing myself to write and get it down in a limited amount of time.
Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever had so much going on that you try to make time for all of it, and feel that your writing isn't moving the way you think it should, even when there's nothing wrong with it? How do you balance it all?
I'm not sure what the problem was with the first chapter-- Was I trying to make my character do something they wouldn't? Was I using the wrong point of view? Whatever it was, I was certain it was horrible and my critique partners would rip it apart.
When I sent it out to them, I told them to take a close look at that chapter as something was off. Then I waited to hear back from them.
Interestingly, not one of them saw it as I did. Sure there were things I need to develop a bit more (it is a first draft, after all), but they didn't see what I was talking about (and had expected it to be really bad, based on my perceptions.)
After we talked about it, I realized it wasn't my writing that had been giving me problems last week (as the chapter I wrote fit where it was, and moved the story along), but it was more that I had been forcing myself to write and get it down in a limited amount of time.
Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever had so much going on that you try to make time for all of it, and feel that your writing isn't moving the way you think it should, even when there's nothing wrong with it? How do you balance it all?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
WCC Wednesday
First- Lindsay at Tiptoe Kisses is holding a contest (sorry for the late mention-- this week has totally gotten away from me and it's only Tuesday right now!) So head over and check it out!
Yes, I write my blogposts the night before- usually. Some go up the morning of, but not most.
We managed to get about 6 inches of snow in the first round yesterday, and this morning we have mixed precip (Yup, I am updating my post before I put it up!)
Now, on to today's regularly scheduled post.
As I mentioned above, I am behind this week. It's my first week as a full time employee at my new job (not that I haven't been working full time, I have been since November :) ). I sat down Monday night to do some writing, and what I managed was to fix some things in my WIP that had been pointed out to me, and read through so I know where I am and what I want to do next. After dinner tonight, I hope to get some more time in on it.
Trisha's (and Lindsay's) project is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see where they take me this week with their characters.
Fiona is working out some issues that we've talked about in our weekly on-line chat (it's like a writer's group, but online-- super cool!) I look forward to seeing how she adapts our comments.
I am still behind with Katie (Sorry Katie!!!) I am hoping to get 2 chapters out to her this week (there-- now all of you can pester me about it to make sure it happens!)
Jackie has started getting her story down, and I look forward to reading more. I've heard her tell me the idea of the story, and am anxious to read it.
How are your WIP's progressing this week? Are you ahead? Behind? Right on schedule?
Yes, I write my blogposts the night before- usually. Some go up the morning of, but not most.
We managed to get about 6 inches of snow in the first round yesterday, and this morning we have mixed precip (Yup, I am updating my post before I put it up!)
Now, on to today's regularly scheduled post.
As I mentioned above, I am behind this week. It's my first week as a full time employee at my new job (not that I haven't been working full time, I have been since November :) ). I sat down Monday night to do some writing, and what I managed was to fix some things in my WIP that had been pointed out to me, and read through so I know where I am and what I want to do next. After dinner tonight, I hope to get some more time in on it.
Trisha's (and Lindsay's) project is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see where they take me this week with their characters.
Fiona is working out some issues that we've talked about in our weekly on-line chat (it's like a writer's group, but online-- super cool!) I look forward to seeing how she adapts our comments.
I am still behind with Katie (Sorry Katie!!!) I am hoping to get 2 chapters out to her this week (there-- now all of you can pester me about it to make sure it happens!)
Jackie has started getting her story down, and I look forward to reading more. I've heard her tell me the idea of the story, and am anxious to read it.
How are your WIP's progressing this week? Are you ahead? Behind? Right on schedule?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Thanks for the helpful comments yesterday. My opinion is you should always have someone who has read your work tell you if it is similar to another author, as they are much more objective about your writing than you are. I'll let you know in the future what I've decided to do in the query letter.
On to today's post.
Over the weekend I sat down and did some plotting for my current WIP The Ruby Dagger. I have a hard time writing without any plan of where I am going. I will say I made it 6 chapters without an outline, but I hit a wall and needed the guidance the loose frame I created will give me. I know where I am going, but haven't sat down to write out the scenes yet. Work and life have been keeping me busy this week. I will get to them in the next few days, though!
Trisha is continuing on with her WIP's and I am enjoying reading her writing and learning from her as I read.
Fiona has listened to our comments (we're doing a weekly internet chat with Trisha and my friend Jackie) and is considering how to adapt them into her WIP.
I've let the ball drop again with Katie. I missed last weeks chapters, but hope to get two out to her this week.
How are your WIP's coming along? Are you making progress? Is life interfering with you?
On to today's post.
Over the weekend I sat down and did some plotting for my current WIP The Ruby Dagger. I have a hard time writing without any plan of where I am going. I will say I made it 6 chapters without an outline, but I hit a wall and needed the guidance the loose frame I created will give me. I know where I am going, but haven't sat down to write out the scenes yet. Work and life have been keeping me busy this week. I will get to them in the next few days, though!
Trisha is continuing on with her WIP's and I am enjoying reading her writing and learning from her as I read.
Fiona has listened to our comments (we're doing a weekly internet chat with Trisha and my friend Jackie) and is considering how to adapt them into her WIP.
I've let the ball drop again with Katie. I missed last weeks chapters, but hope to get two out to her this week.
How are your WIP's coming along? Are you making progress? Is life interfering with you?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
WCC Wednesday
First- I have to give a thank you to my husband for suggesting yesterday's blog topic-- Thanks Honey!
This week, has been an interesting one. I've been working on a new WIP that my readers have been reading, and three of us have done an on-line chat on the weekend-- kind of like a writer's group, but on-line.
The good news was my critique partners like my new WIP, and Trisha told me it starts in a good place-- as close to the end as possible. I am writing this one as it comes- no outline to speak of, and my characters are only loosely based on the sketches I made for NaNo.
Trisha has been doing an amazing job of juggling several WIPs. I am always amazed by her talent. I have learned so much about writing just from reading her work, and the comments she has made on mine.
Fiona is working through another round of edits, and we have been discussing things to improve her story. Looking at it now (after reading the entire work) I can see places I missed commenting on in the beginning that would have helped her more. I realize it is my own growth in writing that is helping me see this now, and wish I could have been of more help to her a few months ago.
I've been working through Katie's WIP, and am pleased to say I have gotten a few chapters back to her. She has been very understanding, and I appreciate it. We have talked at length about word choices and making sure your scenes move your story along.
How have your WIPs been going? Have you had to make major revisions? Started a new writing group? Gained a new critique partner? Have you seen changes in your critiquing as your writing skill has grown? What do you know now that you didn't a month ago?
This week, has been an interesting one. I've been working on a new WIP that my readers have been reading, and three of us have done an on-line chat on the weekend-- kind of like a writer's group, but on-line.
The good news was my critique partners like my new WIP, and Trisha told me it starts in a good place-- as close to the end as possible. I am writing this one as it comes- no outline to speak of, and my characters are only loosely based on the sketches I made for NaNo.
Trisha has been doing an amazing job of juggling several WIPs. I am always amazed by her talent. I have learned so much about writing just from reading her work, and the comments she has made on mine.
Fiona is working through another round of edits, and we have been discussing things to improve her story. Looking at it now (after reading the entire work) I can see places I missed commenting on in the beginning that would have helped her more. I realize it is my own growth in writing that is helping me see this now, and wish I could have been of more help to her a few months ago.
I've been working through Katie's WIP, and am pleased to say I have gotten a few chapters back to her. She has been very understanding, and I appreciate it. We have talked at length about word choices and making sure your scenes move your story along.
How have your WIPs been going? Have you had to make major revisions? Started a new writing group? Gained a new critique partner? Have you seen changes in your critiquing as your writing skill has grown? What do you know now that you didn't a month ago?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Today I am sending a special Thank You to Elana Johnson for the book she wrote, From the Query to the Call. You can download it for free from her website. I read through it last night, and have already seen areas of my query letter that can be improved from her advice.
Now onto my regularly scheduled post!
I have been working on my NaNo project and reworking it. So far this week, most of my writing has been in my head. Work and life have been quite busy, so getting my thoughts onto paper has been a challenge. I was able to get three chapters done and off to my critique partners over the weekend, so here's hoping I can get my next three done before this weekend. I am working this version as a panster, and I find myself second guessing a lot. I enjoy seeing where my characters are taking me, but I had to rein them in as they wanted to rush some things I think need to wait to play out.
Trisha sent of the first chapter of a new work for me to look at (one she's co-authoring which I think is soooo cool!) She is quite a talented author, and I can't wait to read the edits she has been working on for her agent.
Fiona is tweaking her WIP and will be sending me more as soon as she has it ready.
Katie and I have been talking about some changes for her WIP, and I am still getting back to her with edits on the remainder of what I have.
How are your WIP's going? Are you panster-ing it? Or, do you have a detailed plot summary you are following? What are the pros and cons you've found for your writing style?
Now onto my regularly scheduled post!
I have been working on my NaNo project and reworking it. So far this week, most of my writing has been in my head. Work and life have been quite busy, so getting my thoughts onto paper has been a challenge. I was able to get three chapters done and off to my critique partners over the weekend, so here's hoping I can get my next three done before this weekend. I am working this version as a panster, and I find myself second guessing a lot. I enjoy seeing where my characters are taking me, but I had to rein them in as they wanted to rush some things I think need to wait to play out.
Trisha sent of the first chapter of a new work for me to look at (one she's co-authoring which I think is soooo cool!) She is quite a talented author, and I can't wait to read the edits she has been working on for her agent.
Fiona is tweaking her WIP and will be sending me more as soon as she has it ready.
Katie and I have been talking about some changes for her WIP, and I am still getting back to her with edits on the remainder of what I have.
How are your WIP's going? Are you panster-ing it? Or, do you have a detailed plot summary you are following? What are the pros and cons you've found for your writing style?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
WCC Wednesday
With the holidays the last two weeks, I have gotten very little writing done. I am working on The Ruby Dagger (my NaNo project). I still need to get to the end, but first needed to repair some out of character issues and flesh out a few characters a bit more to make their roles more believable. I am having a hard time getting into the mood to do this work though, Part of me wishes it was already done so I can finish telling the tale, but another part of me knows I need to get the foundation right so the rest of the story will stand. In the end, it is a draft, and I will finish it. Hopefully sooner than later!
Trisha is working away on her WIP, and I am anxiously awaiting another installment. Fiona has wrapped up her WIP, and I am waiting for new work from her. Katie is still waiting for me to get back to her on the end of her WIP. I sent out another chapter to her last night, so I am making progress.
How are your works going? Have you hit a rough spot? Lost your way? Did a turn down a side street lead you to a dead end? Maybe there's a trap door waiting there for you. Or a door with a secret knock. You never know what you might find in a dark alley! Hmmm- maybe that's the answer!
Trisha is working away on her WIP, and I am anxiously awaiting another installment. Fiona has wrapped up her WIP, and I am waiting for new work from her. Katie is still waiting for me to get back to her on the end of her WIP. I sent out another chapter to her last night, so I am making progress.
How are your works going? Have you hit a rough spot? Lost your way? Did a turn down a side street lead you to a dead end? Maybe there's a trap door waiting there for you. Or a door with a secret knock. You never know what you might find in a dark alley! Hmmm- maybe that's the answer!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
WCC Wednesday
Wow! It's hard to believe that it's the final Wednesday of the year. Last year at this time, I wasn't working on my MS-- it was sitting, waiting for me to decide what to do with it. I was contemplating self publishing. Then, in May, I started re-working it (I read through and found lots to fix) and found a critique partner on Writer's Digest. I thought I had it all nice and polished, and in September I started querying agents. Then, I took another look at it after one response I received from an agent. That look, and some comments from Trisha, had me pulling back my MS and re-working it. Now, I am anxiously awaiting Trisha and Fiona and Katie's comments on my changes.
In the meantime, I decided I should finish my NaNo project before going on the sequel to Sleeping Handsome. I read through it last night and decided the first chapter has to go, and there are some major character choice issues to deal with (ie: That character would not do what I had them do. I am surprised they didn't stomp their feet and walk of the stage when I wrote it in the first place!)
I jotted down some notes of things to fix, and will do that then continue on to finish the tale.
As for my partners, Trisha is working on a few things for her agent, and I am excited with what I have read. She tells such wonderful stories. Fiona sent me the final chapters of her time slip, and all I can say is Wow! I really enjoyed what she did. I made a few suggestions for some character interactions, but she has a great foundation to work with. Her simple descriptions still amaze me. And I confess to all of you that I have completely dropped the ball on Katie (Sorry, Katie!) She has been very gracious about it, and with the holidays coming to an end (and construction in my home finishing up for now) I hope to get back to her work.
How are all of your projects coming? Are you where you thought you would be at this time last year? What are your goals for next year? Share below.
In the meantime, I decided I should finish my NaNo project before going on the sequel to Sleeping Handsome. I read through it last night and decided the first chapter has to go, and there are some major character choice issues to deal with (ie: That character would not do what I had them do. I am surprised they didn't stomp their feet and walk of the stage when I wrote it in the first place!)
I jotted down some notes of things to fix, and will do that then continue on to finish the tale.
As for my partners, Trisha is working on a few things for her agent, and I am excited with what I have read. She tells such wonderful stories. Fiona sent me the final chapters of her time slip, and all I can say is Wow! I really enjoyed what she did. I made a few suggestions for some character interactions, but she has a great foundation to work with. Her simple descriptions still amaze me. And I confess to all of you that I have completely dropped the ball on Katie (Sorry, Katie!) She has been very gracious about it, and with the holidays coming to an end (and construction in my home finishing up for now) I hope to get back to her work.
How are all of your projects coming? Are you where you thought you would be at this time last year? What are your goals for next year? Share below.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
WCC Wednesday
Last night was my son's first orchestra and chorus concert. He did a great job, as did all the other kids! We had a great time listening to them play and sing. My only regret was that they didn't do more Christmas songs. Oh, well. Maybe next year!
Last week I printed off my MS and did my editing by reading it and circling words I overused (there was a lot of smiling going on!) and by looking for ways to use less words to say the same thing. I tried doing the highlighting, but found I wanted to cheat to get it done faster, so I decided that was not the best method for me! (LOL!!!)
How has you WIP been going? Is it coming along as you had hoped? Are you doing a round of edits? What overused words are you finding? Share below!
Last week I printed off my MS and did my editing by reading it and circling words I overused (there was a lot of smiling going on!) and by looking for ways to use less words to say the same thing. I tried doing the highlighting, but found I wanted to cheat to get it done faster, so I decided that was not the best method for me! (LOL!!!)
How has you WIP been going? Is it coming along as you had hoped? Are you doing a round of edits? What overused words are you finding? Share below!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
WCC Wednesday
I have to say I haven't gotten as much done with my MS this week as I wanted. I took Monday off, as I needed a break (I'm still adjusting to a full time job, and with the holidays approaching and house construction going on... let's just leave it at that.)
On the bright side, I finished writing out my character and replacing her with another character. Now, I need to read through from the beginning to the end and make notes to myself as well as apply the comments I've received from my readers.
As I read through, I am going to look for words used often, and close to each other (smiled, shrugged, things like that). I will also look for where I used four words to say something I can say with one or two. Kathryn posted over the weekend about using color to show dialogue, action, description, and exposition. I am going to play with this as well and see how it goes. You can see her post here. (Maybe after I color it, I'll take a look at it on the big monitor on my hubby's computer so I can look at about 20 pages at once--of course, I can't read the words then, but I will see the color distribution better.)
How about you? When you are polishing your MS what do you do? What tips/tricks can have you found to help you?
On the bright side, I finished writing out my character and replacing her with another character. Now, I need to read through from the beginning to the end and make notes to myself as well as apply the comments I've received from my readers.
As I read through, I am going to look for words used often, and close to each other (smiled, shrugged, things like that). I will also look for where I used four words to say something I can say with one or two. Kathryn posted over the weekend about using color to show dialogue, action, description, and exposition. I am going to play with this as well and see how it goes. You can see her post here. (Maybe after I color it, I'll take a look at it on the big monitor on my hubby's computer so I can look at about 20 pages at once--of course, I can't read the words then, but I will see the color distribution better.)
How about you? When you are polishing your MS what do you do? What tips/tricks can have you found to help you?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
WCC Wednesday
Sometimes I think it is easier to write more than you need, and cut things out, than to write less than you need and have to fill in. I am currently in the add in stage. When I finished my latest draft of Sleeping Handsome, I was at about 30,0000 words-- meaning I was at least 15,000 words short for where I need to be. So, I've been working at developing some of my chapters a bit more with description, and adding some new chapters to flesh out my characters a bit.
Enter this week. I've been procrastinating on working with Sleeping Handsome thanks to my inner (pessimist) voice. To be honest, I like to let new scenes play in my head a bit before I commit them to paper (or screen, as it may be), and I allowed myself time for that. But the other night, I found I was forcing myself to sit down and write. And the computer just wasn't cutting it. So, I got in bed, put the headphones on, pulled out the notebook and pen and set to writing. And the scene came.
And the next morning, my inner pessimist returned to say, "Hey! You keep adding all this stuff to the beginning, which is cool, 'cause I really like these characters, but your point of no return keeps shifting further and further into the story. You need to stop and get there sooner. Why don't you add more to the end? Or to the middle after the point of no return? Why don't you...."
Well, I'm sure you get the idea. So, now I am questioning myself. Do I really need these chapters? They add quite a lot of depth to the characters, and give you a reason to cheer for the MC and despise the villain, so I think they should be there, but is it OK to move the point of no return moment so far into the story?
Have you had experience with this in your writing? What did you do? How far in is too far in for your moment of no return?
Enter this week. I've been procrastinating on working with Sleeping Handsome thanks to my inner (pessimist) voice. To be honest, I like to let new scenes play in my head a bit before I commit them to paper (or screen, as it may be), and I allowed myself time for that. But the other night, I found I was forcing myself to sit down and write. And the computer just wasn't cutting it. So, I got in bed, put the headphones on, pulled out the notebook and pen and set to writing. And the scene came.
And the next morning, my inner pessimist returned to say, "Hey! You keep adding all this stuff to the beginning, which is cool, 'cause I really like these characters, but your point of no return keeps shifting further and further into the story. You need to stop and get there sooner. Why don't you add more to the end? Or to the middle after the point of no return? Why don't you...."
Well, I'm sure you get the idea. So, now I am questioning myself. Do I really need these chapters? They add quite a lot of depth to the characters, and give you a reason to cheer for the MC and despise the villain, so I think they should be there, but is it OK to move the point of no return moment so far into the story?
Have you had experience with this in your writing? What did you do? How far in is too far in for your moment of no return?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
WCC Wednesday
It's so hard to believe that today is the first day of December. Christmas will be here before we know it!
I had hoped to have been querying by this time, (and did send some out) but am pleased that I am taking the time to really get this story where it needs to be. I am so thankful for all my beta's who have been helping me. From finding typos and repetitious words to just being there to help me think through plot issues, you guys are the best!
Sleeping Handsome is short on words (I still need to tweak my ending, so I know I will add words there) I was talking to Trisha about adding in a few scenes at the beginning with Kaylee (my MC), Daphne (a minor character) and then a few more with Kaylee and Devlin (my male MC). I was worried it might slow the pace to the point of no return moment, yet without them, you don't really see the growth of the relationship with all these characters. So, I am going to be working on these scenes this week.
I just started a temporary full time job (I put in for the permanent position, too- fingers crossed), and am trying to find time to work in my writing. So far, it has been in fits and spurts, but hopefully as I adjust to the new time constraints, I will find a better writing schedule.
On the reading front, Trisha's story is moving right along. The last section she sent me left me with a cliff hanger. I look forward to seeing how she moves forward from here. Will the boy find the girl? Will the girl free herself? There are so many ways she can go with this.
Fiona has set up a nice conflict in the past that can also play out in the present. Her descriptions are still great, and I think I'm learning some Irish/Gaelic from it!
I read through to the end of Katie's WIP and now need some uninterrupted time to go back through and read through with my editing eye.
How are your WIP's going? Are your beta's helping you? Do you notice how often you use the same word in a paragraph, a page? Are your characters constantly sighing? (Mine was-- thanks for pointing that out, Trisha!) Can you say the same thing with two words instead of four? These are all things I am trying to keep in mind now as I write. Take a look at your work and see if you notice any of these habits and work at breaking them.
I had hoped to have been querying by this time, (and did send some out) but am pleased that I am taking the time to really get this story where it needs to be. I am so thankful for all my beta's who have been helping me. From finding typos and repetitious words to just being there to help me think through plot issues, you guys are the best!
Sleeping Handsome is short on words (I still need to tweak my ending, so I know I will add words there) I was talking to Trisha about adding in a few scenes at the beginning with Kaylee (my MC), Daphne (a minor character) and then a few more with Kaylee and Devlin (my male MC). I was worried it might slow the pace to the point of no return moment, yet without them, you don't really see the growth of the relationship with all these characters. So, I am going to be working on these scenes this week.
I just started a temporary full time job (I put in for the permanent position, too- fingers crossed), and am trying to find time to work in my writing. So far, it has been in fits and spurts, but hopefully as I adjust to the new time constraints, I will find a better writing schedule.
On the reading front, Trisha's story is moving right along. The last section she sent me left me with a cliff hanger. I look forward to seeing how she moves forward from here. Will the boy find the girl? Will the girl free herself? There are so many ways she can go with this.
Fiona has set up a nice conflict in the past that can also play out in the present. Her descriptions are still great, and I think I'm learning some Irish/Gaelic from it!
I read through to the end of Katie's WIP and now need some uninterrupted time to go back through and read through with my editing eye.
How are your WIP's going? Are your beta's helping you? Do you notice how often you use the same word in a paragraph, a page? Are your characters constantly sighing? (Mine was-- thanks for pointing that out, Trisha!) Can you say the same thing with two words instead of four? These are all things I am trying to keep in mind now as I write. Take a look at your work and see if you notice any of these habits and work at breaking them.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
WCC Wednesday
I am moving right along with my edits on Sleeping Handsome. This past weekend I was able to get all but the last chapter tweaked. I am holding off on the last chapter as I have some things I need to add in to tie up some loose ends (I also realized I need to go back and add a scene earlier on, too.)
Trisha is moving quite nicely with her NaNo project. I am anxiously awaiting where she goes next.
Fiona has reached the love interest stage of her WIP and I am looking forward to seeing what she does.
Katie is waiting for me to read through and comment on the last section of her WIP. I've skimmed over it, now I need to go through and make my comments for her. I am torn with which love interest I like for her MC. In the beginning I really liked one, then I met another, and kind of like him more. We'll have to see what she does.
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, and Friday Black Friday, I am taking those two days off of blogging to spend with family and friends. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Trisha is moving quite nicely with her NaNo project. I am anxiously awaiting where she goes next.
Fiona has reached the love interest stage of her WIP and I am looking forward to seeing what she does.
Katie is waiting for me to read through and comment on the last section of her WIP. I've skimmed over it, now I need to go through and make my comments for her. I am torn with which love interest I like for her MC. In the beginning I really liked one, then I met another, and kind of like him more. We'll have to see what she does.
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, and Friday Black Friday, I am taking those two days off of blogging to spend with family and friends. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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