I got back my full MS from both crit partners and now I can start the tedious task of going through them both and editing. Yeay! . . .
Editing is not my favorite thing to do. Some people really enjoy it and others don't. I used to be in the severely HATE it column of people as far as editing goes, but actually I really like this book. I'm not trying to say it's good, or bragging because -- it could be complete rubbish for all I know and my friends/crit girls are just being nice. Either way, I really enjoy this story and the characters. And I really enjoy making it shine. Though there are bunches of notes, suggestions, and errors (I'm sorry!) I need to fix, as well as elaborations to make, I'm going to make the best of it!
And, besides, this is the home stretch. My query is done, my synopsis is . . .on paper(ugh), and the edits will make it that much closer. So I have no room to bitch. No one made me want to be a writer. Tis part of what we do, and I'm damn determined to enjoy ever single phase of it, which really isn't that hard. I love this gig.
But, I am going to stop picking months as my query deadline, because it's just not helping me get things done like it should. It's just making me frustrated when I realize I can't do all that in the space of time I'm allowing myself. So as of right now, I have NO query month set to start and don't intend to. Just going to work on bettering the book and be happy with that.
Where are you guys with your writing?
Also, Kim Harrisons most recent book is coming out Tuesday! Hoping my preordered copy will get here then...hope hope hope...I'm in love with the Hollows series.
Finally, butt-ton's of seasons of Supernatural are on Netflix. Whoot!
Happy Monday!
I'm on first draft stage at the moment. It's a bit of a slog. Another two weeks or so, and then I'll be on to editing!
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with ya, lady. I admire you for trying to enjoy this phase. Right now, I'm tearing my hair out, trying to figure out what's so wrong with the first chapter that I've come to hate it. (My daughter pointed out some things after her read through last night, so I'm getting a better idea.) Good luck with your edits. Here's hoping they turn out awesome. =o)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I think giving editing an open-ended date is a good idea. I know you want to make it the best it can be, and it's hard to predict how long that will take. Good luck!
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ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is an editor helping me with my edits. That is the worst part of writing for me. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I really despise first draft revisions. There's so much fixing and changing to be done that it can get overwhelming. But revision makes it so much better so eventually it does get fun!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your editing, Colene!
I'm in the same place as you on several different projects - incorporating feedback from readers. I'll be ready to query one of the stories in a week.
ReplyDeleteNo one made you be a writer - isn't that the truth? Still wonder how we all ended up doing it though.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being so close.
And I enjoy editing.
I'll just slink away now...
I feel the same way about revisions. I don't love them at all but they're a necessary thing. I'm writing a first draft right now. It's all fluffy love and new scenes. The good stuff!
ReplyDeletewell, awesome! I'm glad to hear you love your story that much--that's the good part! I'm at two places, diving back into a WIP and needing to finish revisions on a completed MS. It's crazy, but if I feel like I how the revisions need to go, I can do them better. On my MS, I'm not sure how they need to go, so I'm dreading it. :p
ReplyDeleteHi Colene
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I've been ill. Ugh and more ughs. I am so behind in both writing and blogging that I fear my followers have fallen off. Anyway, deadlines leave me frustrated too. I think the best thing is to set your mind to it and go from there.
Nancy
Seems you've made some pretty good progress. I'm beginning the first revision of one of my works in progress.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! Setting a querying DL just provokes anxiety. I've had to learn that in just the past few days. Good luck with revisions :)
ReplyDeleteI need to stop making deadlines for myself too. I never stick to them and it stresses me out. I just need to be polished and ready to pitch by June since I'm already signed up for a conference!! EEEP!
ReplyDeleteYou're a full step ahead of me (I had a crit partner read chapter by chapter AS I wrote, so it's partially clean, at least). I just finished the first draft so my first round of revisions starts TODAY. Then it goes off to two betas I have lined up. I can't wait to hear what they think but I'm also SCARED out of my mind. But as you said, I too love this gig. I'm going to enjoy every part of it too! HERE HERE!
I'm working on a plot outline right now. I have been for a while, since progress is slow; but at least it is progress.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the editing!
Editing is my least favorite part too, but like you, I am finding it not so evil with my current WIP. I think mostly because it's stronger than my first book, so less editing is needed. I'm allowed to say that without jinxing myself, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those writers who loves editing. Well the first edit at least - the one were you get to add and delete and see the story come alive.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are making great progress with yours!
I'm on my first draft of a YA thriller/suspense novel. Very excited to make quite a bit of headway. Serial Killers have never been so fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, never really been much of an editor in love, however it's growing on me. It's amazing to see how much you improve over a few rounds of red.
Happy Tuesday!
I used to do that with query deadlines and then the time would come and I still wouldn't feel confident to send it out. I say wait until you're completely sure you've written the best work you can.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm editing a book and writing another when the editing isn't going so well.
good luck, you!!! I actually like revisions and deadlines (*ducks*) b/c it gives me something to work with. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI'm on a first draft. I kinda like the editing part 'cause it's like polishing tarnished silver.
ReplyDeleteI just finished a massive revision/edit and I am spent! It takes a lot out of you, doesn't it? I need to sleep for a week.
ReplyDeleteFebruary has been a busy month doing things for others. March is mine!
ReplyDeleteStill need to read the Hollows series! (It is on my (long) list...)
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, editing can be super daunting (when you open up your document and see all those tracked changes your eyes kinda start to cross!), but I think it can be exciting once you realize that most of the hard work is done, and you're now polishing and shining and make a good product into an awesome product :-)
(okay, so that's what I tell myself!)
Good luck with the edits. I'm looking forward to see the final result, when you get published >:)
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
yay! it does take a different sort of motivation to go back in and do surgery on a finished ms, especially when a cp suggestion rearranging or adding more conflict. have fun and good luck! christy
ReplyDeleteThat's a brilliant achievement and great you have had 2 crit partners. Good luck with the edits. I'm no-where near that I'm planning fingers crossed to get on with my chick lit supsense, but recently when I plan a writing stint I either get ill or something prevents me so shhhh don't tell anyone I said it!
ReplyDeleteYAY! You're in the home stretch! GO GO GO GO GO !
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the revising/editing thing lately and it's been easier. I did a whole tense change after having a vision of a whole different ending for my novel. It vision was inspirational and I found revising, for the first time, to actually be enjoyable.
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