As the holidays are underway and time consuming, the amount of time I have been spending with the book is limited. I even took a weeks vacation to write and had to use the time for other issues that arose. I'm taking some time off after Christmas to write and I'm concerned I won't have time to write then either. SIGH (frustration)!
On a positive note: I did have enough time to welcome a new character to the book. Welcome Thomas Davis. I hope that everyone will feel the same way about Tom that I do.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Time
The character exercises have been very helpful, just time consuming. I feel like everything is moving on an for the betterment of the book. I wish I had more time and motivation to be spending writing. I know everyone in the field says "you have to spend money to make money". That's not really my goal, but I get the point anyway. What would be most conducive to getting my books finished: Quitting my day job. That's not really possible at this time, due to monetary reasons, plus I like my day job the majority of the time.
So, we move forward continuing with re-writes. Finding time and energy after 8 PM to "fix" it. Can't wait for the finished process. Trying to also keep up with my leisure reading and work speech engagements. I'll try to be more responsible and keep you all updates more frequently than once a month.
So, we move forward continuing with re-writes. Finding time and energy after 8 PM to "fix" it. Can't wait for the finished process. Trying to also keep up with my leisure reading and work speech engagements. I'll try to be more responsible and keep you all updates more frequently than once a month.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
New approach
So, for my own benefit, I have started working with my characters, scenes, and plots outside of the story line. It's been - interesting, to say the least. I wrote out little things that may have happened in their pasts and how they reacted. It help solidify them in my head, what they are thinking during key moments of the book and how they are feeling. I actually had to draw out some of the places in the book as well (i.e. the hospital, Ella's apartment, and some places that are coming in book 2). And I did it, I moved the first 3 chapters from book 2 to book 1. It needed to be done for climax purposes, and it make much more sense this way. I also had to write in some characters that I had not included and some people that read the book asked about them. SO...rewrites, rewrites, rewrites.
I am amazed that this has been happening this way. I never thought there could be so many exercises involved in the process. I now know why people quit their "day jobs" to pursue their writing career. I would love to have the quality time to spend on the book, instead of working on it at night when I'm exhausted from the rest of the day. Maybe sometime in the future. I just have to keep reminding myself of why I started writing this in the first place, my love of the characters, how I want the reader to feel about the book (plot, characters, action), and Keep Moving Forward.
This has also given me some sort of permission to becoming "unguarded". My editor pointed out that I seemed restrained. "Ella isn't talking with her mother!"- I believe was the statement. It made me realized that I was constricting my characters and constricting the plot by not expressing myself as a writer. That I was afraid of something, I guess I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but not anymore.
I am amazed that this has been happening this way. I never thought there could be so many exercises involved in the process. I now know why people quit their "day jobs" to pursue their writing career. I would love to have the quality time to spend on the book, instead of working on it at night when I'm exhausted from the rest of the day. Maybe sometime in the future. I just have to keep reminding myself of why I started writing this in the first place, my love of the characters, how I want the reader to feel about the book (plot, characters, action), and Keep Moving Forward.
This has also given me some sort of permission to becoming "unguarded". My editor pointed out that I seemed restrained. "Ella isn't talking with her mother!"- I believe was the statement. It made me realized that I was constricting my characters and constricting the plot by not expressing myself as a writer. That I was afraid of something, I guess I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but not anymore.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Been away for a bit
Sorry for the long break. Had to get myself and my book back together after editing. For all of you new authors who are going through the process for the first time, this was the most difficult part for me.
I had a book that friends/colleges told me had a good plot and they like it. I had some recommendations that I should have it published. This sounds much easier that it actually is. I did a ton of research on where to go from there. I was lucky that I found a great editor that would hold my hand a bit (cost a fortune), but she gave me real advice on where I needed to go from here and 'ripped my book apart'. We got to talk about what was good about it and where it needed improvement, word counts, grammar, and subplots. Somehow I thought 'Hey I will be able to do the corrections and have it go through the editing process again.' I guess I didn't understand the word - Rewrite. It doesn't mean make some corrections and keep going, it means *REWRITE* the book. For a first time wanting to publish author this task was a bit overwhelming.
My editor also told me to become well read in my genre, which I was well watched in (I love watching psychological thrillers) my genre but not well read. Now I have several under my belt, some I liked and some...no so much. But it gave me a good reference. So MY advice, read your genre, know what is expected BUT don't change the tone or where you were planning on going. It has given me new eyes to look at my book series. It has made me change some things about the book, where to break the books and a better story arch for the main plot and for the subplots. Taking a short break, has given me new energy and hopefully will give the book new energy.
Looking forward to getting going again, and knowing that my editor will be on board for the next set of edits which hopefully will not be followed by "What the hell did I think I was doing.". I'm also planning on taking a week off of the job that pays the bills so I can spend some more quality time with Ella and Jude (main characters from the books). I want to finish up the 'poorly written' plot of book 2, just so I know where I want to go with it, and then move on to really digging in to the rewrites for the first book. I have decided that this is worth doing and I want it. I want people to read it, I want it to feel real, and I want people to connect with Ella and Jude - individually not together ;)
There will be more frequent posts to follow. Still working on names for the books. I really liked the fire related names, but they remind me too much of THE HUNGER GAMES book themes and second book title so I'm going to have to work on something better.
I had a book that friends/colleges told me had a good plot and they like it. I had some recommendations that I should have it published. This sounds much easier that it actually is. I did a ton of research on where to go from there. I was lucky that I found a great editor that would hold my hand a bit (cost a fortune), but she gave me real advice on where I needed to go from here and 'ripped my book apart'. We got to talk about what was good about it and where it needed improvement, word counts, grammar, and subplots. Somehow I thought 'Hey I will be able to do the corrections and have it go through the editing process again.' I guess I didn't understand the word - Rewrite. It doesn't mean make some corrections and keep going, it means *REWRITE* the book. For a first time wanting to publish author this task was a bit overwhelming.
My editor also told me to become well read in my genre, which I was well watched in (I love watching psychological thrillers) my genre but not well read. Now I have several under my belt, some I liked and some...no so much. But it gave me a good reference. So MY advice, read your genre, know what is expected BUT don't change the tone or where you were planning on going. It has given me new eyes to look at my book series. It has made me change some things about the book, where to break the books and a better story arch for the main plot and for the subplots. Taking a short break, has given me new energy and hopefully will give the book new energy.
Looking forward to getting going again, and knowing that my editor will be on board for the next set of edits which hopefully will not be followed by "What the hell did I think I was doing.". I'm also planning on taking a week off of the job that pays the bills so I can spend some more quality time with Ella and Jude (main characters from the books). I want to finish up the 'poorly written' plot of book 2, just so I know where I want to go with it, and then move on to really digging in to the rewrites for the first book. I have decided that this is worth doing and I want it. I want people to read it, I want it to feel real, and I want people to connect with Ella and Jude - individually not together ;)
There will be more frequent posts to follow. Still working on names for the books. I really liked the fire related names, but they remind me too much of THE HUNGER GAMES book themes and second book title so I'm going to have to work on something better.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Manuscript back from the editor
As excited as I was to have the manuscript back from the editor, it was short lived. Once it was opened, I was able to see all of the corrections. ON EVERY PAGE. Most of the adjustments are related to my crappy grammar skills. I knew this prior to sending the manuscript. This was then followed by an 11 page editorial letter. On a positive note, my editor finished up with some very supportive/positive words.
I now have a huge reading list and some grammar websites to become 'involved' with. I will have a phone conversation with my editor later in the week to discuss the manuscript. I hope that conversation goes well. Feeling a bit discouraged.
I now have a huge reading list and some grammar websites to become 'involved' with. I will have a phone conversation with my editor later in the week to discuss the manuscript. I hope that conversation goes well. Feeling a bit discouraged.
Friday, July 20, 2012
A big news friday
It is to the point, that I can't not post about the horrific shooting that took place at a midnight The Dark Knight rises movie, for numerous reasons. First and for most, as someone who supports mental health awareness. For those of you who have read the book(s), this is a large theme in the books. Money has been directed away from mental health and to "more important things" such as repaving the highway, to the prison systems, city buildings and just poor spending by counties and cities. Events like this can be prevented with good solid early detection and treatment of mental health concerns. Due to the ongoing stigma by society and the media (it is all over every new channel using words like psychopath and crazy), those have has issues and want to get help are fearful that they will loose their jobs, friends and become more isolated if they get help. Not to mention when they get to the help, their insurance company won't cover it, they can't afford their medications or they are told by people that are against mental health professionals that they don't need to take their medications. With proper funding given to mental health preventions and quick treatment, money can be saved from court costs, prison systems and health care in general (Not to mention saving some lives).
People like to throw around the statement "He should have been in an institution", need a reality check. There are gone, our government got rid of them. A long time ago at that. There are short term stabilization centers (what we call or think of a 'psych wards' - which they are not called anymore anyway).
We as a society need to change the way we perceive mental health. It is the same and any other chronic medical illness, (i.e. Asthma and Diabetes). These diseases can be lived with if medications are taken and those suffering with these illnesses see their providers as recommended. We need to support those seeking treatment, not alienate them or fear them. For those who blame gun laws. Yes, it is concerning that someone can have so many guns, it is not the way of expression that should be blamed. A car in the wrong hands can be just as deadly as a gun. We need to take care of the underlying problem (untreated mental health concerns) and not put bandaids on an open guessing wound (gun laws).
However, there is responsibility. If someone with mental health concerns is given the option of treatment and has medications available and chooses not to utilize what they have at their disposal, then they need to be held accountable for their actions that are a result of their failure to treat their conditions. It they wanted help or didn't know they needed help plus they could afford it or didn't have access, then we as a society are to blame.
Okay, I will get off my soap box now.
On a more book related note. I have been notified by my editor the book 1 is in the hands of the US postal service and is on it's way to me. It should arrive on Monday or Tuesday. I look forward to seeing it and getting a chance to see her changes. It will then be followed by a phone meeting or meetings and further direction from there.
I will keep you all updated. Thank you all for your support and keep all those involved in the shooting in your prayers (that includes the shooter's family and friends).
People like to throw around the statement "He should have been in an institution", need a reality check. There are gone, our government got rid of them. A long time ago at that. There are short term stabilization centers (what we call or think of a 'psych wards' - which they are not called anymore anyway).
We as a society need to change the way we perceive mental health. It is the same and any other chronic medical illness, (i.e. Asthma and Diabetes). These diseases can be lived with if medications are taken and those suffering with these illnesses see their providers as recommended. We need to support those seeking treatment, not alienate them or fear them. For those who blame gun laws. Yes, it is concerning that someone can have so many guns, it is not the way of expression that should be blamed. A car in the wrong hands can be just as deadly as a gun. We need to take care of the underlying problem (untreated mental health concerns) and not put bandaids on an open guessing wound (gun laws).
However, there is responsibility. If someone with mental health concerns is given the option of treatment and has medications available and chooses not to utilize what they have at their disposal, then they need to be held accountable for their actions that are a result of their failure to treat their conditions. It they wanted help or didn't know they needed help plus they could afford it or didn't have access, then we as a society are to blame.
Okay, I will get off my soap box now.
On a more book related note. I have been notified by my editor the book 1 is in the hands of the US postal service and is on it's way to me. It should arrive on Monday or Tuesday. I look forward to seeing it and getting a chance to see her changes. It will then be followed by a phone meeting or meetings and further direction from there.
I will keep you all updated. Thank you all for your support and keep all those involved in the shooting in your prayers (that includes the shooter's family and friends).
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Dark Knight
Going to see The Dark Knight tonight at midnight and excited to do so. However, this means I will be sleep deprived tomorrow. So no new updates on the book tonight and I'll probably just pass out tomorrow after work. However, I should have word from the editor of book 1 tomorrow. YEAH!
Got some good work done on book 2 yesterday, it is well over half done now. Looking forward to having some time to work on it over the weekend and into next week. I'm sure there will be attention focusing changes in the next couple weeks and I will keep you all up to date.
Got some good work done on book 2 yesterday, it is well over half done now. Looking forward to having some time to work on it over the weekend and into next week. I'm sure there will be attention focusing changes in the next couple weeks and I will keep you all up to date.
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