Slow but Sure

You may notice I don't post entries very often. The sad reason for this is that a writer's life (at least the writing aspect of it) moves at a snail's pace. The truth is, I don't have a ton to update about.

It goes something like this: I write and edit (anywhere between ten minutes and two hours a day). I read (as often as possible--so fun!). I send copies of my work to my friendly readers and, eventually, my agent. Then I wait.

Oh, yes. That's the fun part. The waiting.

Still, I have other projects, ideas, outlines--that sort of thing. I keep busy, but for the individual project time drags.

So, my plan is to try to update this blog more often with little writing thoughts and tidbits.

For example...

I get a kick out of where I find inspiration. I got my latest idea from watching a little boy roar at a couple of little girls at the park the other day! Random. (And no, I'm not telling what the idea is--that's for my future readers to find out! Ha!)

I've gotten ideas from parties I've attended, an odd man I met at my old job, my original home town, and even my experiences as a retail salesperson. I'm inspired by people I know, people I don't know (but see everywhere around me), and people I'd like to know because I imagine them they might be interesting. A failed recipe, a silly phrase my toddler comes out with, a pretty paperweight--anything and everything will work.

Not all of my ideas pan out. Some just want to be outlined, not written. Some (oh horror) have already been done too many times. Some fade away in a few hours, but some stick and flow from my fingers effortlessly.

I didn't used to get ideas this quickly, but finishing your first novel changes the way you think. Suddenly, I see stories everywhere.

I love my job!

A Better Beginning

Once again, I have been tackling the most difficult chapter in any novel. Yes, the dreaded First Chapter. Mine has been written, rewritten, tossed out, written again, tossed out again, and so on. Such is the life of an author. (Though not yet a novelist, having completed a manuscript I think I can consider myself an author.)

Yes, I know. I just spent four months tossing out half of my manuscript and rewriting the entire plot. The book is so much better now and I love it, but I was not in love with that blasted first chapter. It felt rushed, crowded with information, and it just didn't match the rest of the book. And the worst part? Burned out on editing, I had no idea how to fix it.

Enter my brother. My truly brilliant brother read the chapter and knew immediately what I needed--a Call to Action. Meaning: a character, leading a nice, normal life, is suddenly thrust into a strange and life-altering situation. Interesting.

He said the main character was interesting and her situation was mysterious--very good, but who was she before the mysterious events took place? Why should the reader care that she is in danger? Where was she before her Call to Action? He suggested that I write yet another first chapter, this time to introduce the character and hint subtly at the mysterious events to come.

Another First Chapter!!?? NO!!!

I rebelled for approximately six days. Then I gave in. Sometimes you just have to know when to admit someone else is more right than you. Rats!

And so I did it. My darling heroine walks on the stage a little earlier than planned and, wonder of wonders, she dazzles! I love the new first chapter! Hooray for the Call to Action. Hooray for my brother.

The result? My poor, long-suffering agent has to read yet another seven pages before he decides if he likes the result. Sorry, Stan!

Or am I? Shoot, it's a fun story! Let's try this again: Have fun, Stan!

I did.

The Waiting Period

Well, I've gotten the latest version of Wielder to Stan and now comes the dreaded Waiting Period.

Here's what's going to happen: Stan is going to read it and offer a few suggestions. I will adjust the manuscript accordingly and he'll send out the first round of queries. Some will be interested, some will not, and some will never reply at all. He'll send it off to the interested editors and then we wait.

It could be up to three months before we hear from anyone.

So, the big question is--what to do with my summer? According to my husband I should take a break. From what? Breathing? Eating? Writing isn't a hobby--it's a vital part of my life.

I will, however, concede that I need a break from the Holder series. Instead of working on an outline for book 2, I'm going to treat myself to one of my mystery novel concepts.

I've got an outline, a fabulous new set of characters and I'm arranging an interview with a police officer for research. Looks like it's going to be an interesting summer break!

Wish me luck!