Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Revisions and rewrites

Based on the feedback I received at the SCBWI-Carolinas conference, I am now revising and rewriting J.T.'s story. Such great advice, it makes me wonder "why didn't I think of that?" Of course, that's why Bruce Hale is a successful author and Stacy Cantor and Jennifer Rees are editors...they know what they're talking about/doing! Anyway, the beginning of the novel has been revamped (15th version!), and I've gone through the rest of the novel with a wide-toothed comb to make some changes. Once I've typed in all of those corrections, it'll be time to...use the fine-toothed comb and get the rest of my tangled word choices taken care of.

If you are aspiring to write, remember: authentic and believable voice, every word needs to be necessary, and build your suspense with every scene/chapter/page...great advice from some great people!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Refreshed, energized, and now rewriting

The SCBWI-Carolinas conference was fabulous. I loved every minute of it...Now to follow all the advice of an expert, rewrite J.T.'s beginning, and get the query redone!

Wow...it sounds like a lot when written like that, but a weekend of being surrounded by all things writing means my brain is working better!

Either that or I'm running on those lack of sleep vibes that give you energy until...you...(y--a--w--n) ...cr..a..shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

One story down...too many to go!

I finished the story of Sir Jordan...this began as a short story and progressed until it was about four times longer than originally planned with 12 chapters! However, this story, written for a very special young man, is finished through two drafts and one editing session! Yeah!

My next focus will be on Troll Quest. It really is my favorite of all I've written which is the problem. I have so many ideas to include in it that I am getting bogged down in details. I've decided to get the main plot written. Then I will go back and flush out the sub-plots and minor characters in the next draft.

However, before I complete TQ, I am off to the SCBWI-Carolinas Retreat! I am VERY excited about this opportunity to have an entire weekend dedicated to all things about writing. It's also going to be great meeting someone I only know through emails and writing samples and critiques!

Remember, the only wrong words are the unwritten ones! Happy writing!