You're deep in the well of editing your novel, slogging through the mud of run-on sentences and plot holes. The only problem is, you've been slogging through the mud for a year, or maybe years, maybe even EONS. You've read the book inside and out. You know there are problems, but you just can't see … Continue reading Ways to See Your Novel with Fresh eyes
Round 500 of Edits and Things I’ve Learned
I honestly I have no idea how many drafts of Silver I have gone through. It's not something I have ever kept track of, but I've been working on it for three years so there's that. But I came here to say I have started yet another draft. BUM BUM BUM. After I came back … Continue reading Round 500 of Edits and Things I’ve Learned
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When You Take a Road Trip and Meet with Your Editor
So. The big day came last week. I met with my editor for Silver. The first time anyone has read it (also any time anyone has read a novel I've written). BUM BUM BUM. Of course it went a lot better than my nerves was telling me it would go, and we met at a very … Continue reading When You Take a Road Trip and Meet with Your Editor
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Multiple Drafts, Editors, and Squirrels with Dog Bones
I usually plan out my blog posts and get them all scheduled ahead like a neat little fairy that keeps everyone's plans nice and orderly. But um...not today. I'm writing this the night before whilst wracking my brains and pounding my head against the couch at 9 pm with a nose that has been continually … Continue reading Multiple Drafts, Editors, and Squirrels with Dog Bones
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Am I a Good Writer?
Any artist of any medium (dance, painting, writing) will probably wonder at some point, "Am I a good [insert thing]?" In our case, "Am I a good writer?" My first thought about this is CAUTION. *alarm bells and tornado sirens* This can lead down a deep, dark worm hole, from whence you may never return. … Continue reading Am I a Good Writer?
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The Unicorn Method to Editing (which I just made up)
I don't know about you other writers out there, but editing stories is not my favorite part of the process. Which is not that great since a large chunk of the writing process is editing. I just really love drafting. I love writing without worrying about the content. I have freedom to write whatever comes out. … Continue reading The Unicorn Method to Editing (which I just made up)
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How Long Should You Step Away from a Writing Project?
How long should you step away from a writing project? It's common advice to take breaks from projects. You finish a first draft and put it in a drawer for a while before looking at it again. If you are frustrated with something you step away from it for a while. But what's a while?? … Continue reading How Long Should You Step Away from a Writing Project?
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End of a Journey: Finishing a Writing Project
THE END No, this is not the end of the blog post. I am just pointing out that those are the two most satisfying words to write. THE END I just thought I would do it again to feel how good it felt. But as much as I like writing those words, I know (as … Continue reading End of a Journey: Finishing a Writing Project
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5 Ways to Add Spice to a Scene
Is a scene in your novel tasting flavorless? Does it just turn to ash in your mouth? You might need more seasoning or you might be a cursed pirate (in which case, go find some lost Aztec gold). Besides the usual ingredients (salt, pepper, garlic powder), you might find that you need some different spices … Continue reading 5 Ways to Add Spice to a Scene
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How to not lose your mind while editing
Editing a novel. How shall I describe it? Editing is like polishing silver, except with a blindfold, and the blindfold is on fire, and you are banging your head against a wall trying to put the flames out while still polishing the silver. But it's all worth it. I promise. (I really, really, really … Continue reading How to not lose your mind while editing
