New Outline

I had to do it. I didn't want to. I thought I could just write this book and it would come. Well, I finished those 100 pages and realized I had it wrong. Rewrote, deleted, and ended up with 77 pages. Worth it because the 77 are better than the 100.

At that point I looked it over and realized I HAD to know exactly where I was going with each character or the story would ramble in all kinds of weird directions. Not good.

So, I took today and outlined. I used a different technique this time and I really think it was worth the time.

First I outlined the general "events" in the plot. I included who was in each scene and as much detail as I thought was important.

Next, I mapped out all the different plot threads I wanted to include. Basically, I listed each character and where they were going, their relationships, and what mattered to them. Threads that make up the tapestry.

Finally, I combed through the "events" outline, adding each "thread" one at a time. It took time, but the level of detail is great. Now I know my characters better and I get the big picture.

I think I'll probably still have to remove a few scenes, but that's where the writing process comes in. I'm curious to see what my characters think of my plan.

I'll find out tomorrow. It's not that late, but I'm so done for the night and I am going to bed.

Getting there

Well, so far, so good!

I've gotten through the first hundred pages and it's got a lot of "page-turning" quality and my heroine has a whole new set of issues. Sounds funny, doesn't it, that I want her to have issues? But it makes her someone you worry about and root for. You want her to figure it all out and be safe.

I am struggling a little pulling the themes together, but I plan to read through it a few times, so hopefully the wrinkles will iron themselves out. I find that pushing ahead works out the kinks better than outlining or worrying.

Enough for now--back to work!

Good Book v. Great Book

Are you ready for this?

Once again, I am rewriting the book. Not tossing it out and starting over, no, but pretty darn close.

Here's the scoop. My fabulous agent Stan read the manuscript and what it came down to is that The Wielder is a Good book. He likes it, but it's not quite a Great book. We talked for a while about what makes a great book and I quickly saw what he meant.

You see, a Good book has likable characters, a fun plot, decent writing, and a satisfying end. All of these are present in the book as it stands. Cool.

A Great book is something else entirely. It has themes, deep and meaningful conflict (internal and external), perfect pacing, amazing characters, and a cracker-jack ending that leaves the read demanding the sequel RIGHT NOW!

oops.

After a few days kicking myself while I was down, I got back up and started reading up on theme, conflict, etc. I brainstormed, talked to myself, got to know my characters on a whole new level, and emerged a week or two later with a complete outline and a solid grasp of what I wanted for my darling book.

I'm making pretty drastic changes to the plot. Good guys are now bad, bad guys start off good, lots more chasing, fires, excitement--you know, fun stuff. Still, the bones remain the same. The heroine is still her sparkling, quirky little self.

Argh! Editing is NOT my favorite part of this job! Yet, I love the creative process and I do like seeing the book emerge better than ever. Well, like it or not, I've got to get this done so I'm out of here for now.

See ya when I come up for air again!

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!

Here We Go Again...

It seems to me that the editing process is endless. In fact, it IS endless until the book is actually on shelves waiting to be sold.

I've been writing and editing The Wielder for almost five years now and since it isn't sold yet, I've probably got more to do.

However...

I just finished a very big edit that might have done the trick (hopefully we will find out this summer!) Basically, in the last month I tossed out half of the book and rewrote it. I changed two character names, three plot lines, and tossed out half of the end.

Whew!

The plus side: I LOVE IT!!!!! I think I may finally have hit on just the right characters, plots, and wrapped it up with the perfect ending.



I've said many times before this that I was sure I had it right, but there's a big difference this time. Before I welcomed criticism--now, it's a book I'm willing to defend. (That's not to say I won't listen to critiques, but I would fight any serious changes)

We'll see, of course. There's no knowing until an editor calls with an offer. Still, I'm sending this new draft to my agent tomorrow (after one final read-through) and we'll see what happens.