Round One Edits - Mission Accomplished?

Well, after spending my spare moments for the majority of the past 10 days on my first round edits, I just emailed the "new and expanded" version to Gypsy Shadow Publishing's editor.

Everything went smoothly, at first. I typed up a rough draft of a new ending in just a few hours. Then - the obsessing began. :-O I read it through and thought, "That's not too bad, but it could be better." So, I wrote a new scene and let it sit for a couple days. I wanted to come back to it fresh.

When I read it the second time I thought, "That is the worst piece of crap ever to pollute my computer hard drive, it must die!" But, I refrained from complete execution and only axed about a third of it. :-)

At least six versions later, I realized the scene I added wasn't working. Yeah, I know, I'm brilliant. ;-) So, I cut that scene and  wrote a completely new one, which is now my new "the end." I had been wanting to include an element that I couldn't figure out how to add, but felt it was important to have in order to wrap up all the sub-plots and give the characters a sense of closure.

I hope to hear back soon and have some more news for you all about the next step in my publishing journey.

Round One Edits; Realizing Your Story Isn’t “Perfect.”

I received my round one edits from Gypsy Shadow Publishing yesterday morning. I opened the email with a mixture of excitement and dread. Excitement for moving one step closer to the publication of “Honor the Pack” and dread of what changes might be asked of me.



Would the editor want to rearrange my story? Or change the names of major characters? Would I see more corrections than original text?


I need not have worried so much. There are corrections to make, but the majority of those are minor technical errors. And yes, some of those are embarrassingly obvious. For example: I changed “in spite of” to “despite” but forgot to delete “of” leaving behind this gem “Despite of …" – oops.  :-o


However, that is nothing compared to the glaring error in my time line concerning some of the characters’ ages. I edited this story more times than I can count (but it was at least five). I had beta readers who gave me excellent suggestions and feedback. I wanted the novella to be perfect before I sent it out for publication. I thought it was perfect.


It wasn’t.


Do you know what I’ve learned from that? I had a strong story that the editor liked and the small errors were just that – small. Easy to correct. This is NOT an endorsement to send out a sloppy manuscript with an “it’s good enough” attitude. I worked very hard on making this novella the best it could be before I sent it out. Yes, I made mistakes. I’m human. So are editors. They understand a minor mistake here and there. It is their job to recognize a diamond in the rough and help a writer polish it before the world admires its brilliant gleam.


But don’t waste their time. Edit extensively before you submit. Have beta readers go over your work, they will notice inconsistencies and errors you don’t. It's important to be as professional as possible.

After I read through the edits, I understood what the editor meant with her corrections and I agreed with them. So I replied to her email, letting her know that I would have the edits back to her as soon as possible. I was a bit surprised by her reply. She asked if I could add to the ending because it felt a bit abrupt.


I’ll let you in on a little secret here. I ended the story where I did because I was afraid it would be too long for any publisher to accept from an “unknown” writer if I kept going. And now I not only have the opportunity to expand it – the editor requested it of me! :-) It won’t be a huge addition, maybe just a couple of pages, but I’m excited about the scene I have planned.



Another step closer to my first publication and it feels awesome!! I can’t wait to have a release date to share with everyone. :-)

Next Installment: (To be determined.)

Februrary's New Fiction Releases

So, I've updated the new releases page to include releases through 02/22/2011. It looks like the majority of books coming out this month will hit the shelves on the 22nd - including the one I've been waiting for "Darkest Mercy" by Melissa Marr. It's the last in her Wicked Lovely series and I adored the fourth book. So, I'm hoping this one doesn't disappoint. :-)

Sounds like some really good books will be coming out this month, so start saving now (or ask for gift cards for Valentine's Day) so you don't miss out on these titles.

Hardcover

Courtney Allison Moulton - Angelfire (a reincarnated reaper slayer falling in love with her Guardian Angel? I've got to read this!)
James Patterson - Angel (last of the Maximum Ride series - or so he says...)
Paula McClain - The Paris Wife (story of Ernest & Hadley Hemingway)
Kimberly Derting - Desires of the Dead (sequel to The Body Finder)

Paperback

Kimberly Derting - The Body Finder (a girl who can find the bodies of murder victims = Medium meets CSI meets YA romance Um, sign me up.)
Elizabeth Moon - Oath of Fealty (a spin-off series from her Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter trilogy, following other characters from the series)
Jeaniene Frost - This Side of the Grave (part of the Night Huntress series about half-vampire Cat Crawfield)
Catherine Fisher - Incarceron (a vast prison, a boy looking for a way out, a girl who says she can help. . . Another in the growing trend toward post-apocalyptic YA lit. The sequel "Saphique" is available in hardcover.)

New books for February 1st and 3rd

The Upcoming Fiction Releases page is updated with the new titles coming out on Tuesday and Thursday. There aren't as many new titles this week as in the previous two weeks, but some interesting-sounding reads are coming out.  Personally, I'm going to be taking a look at Lauren Oliver's Delirium. It's a(nother) post-apocalyptic YA novel, but sounds like a fun read. :-)

Hardcover

Taylor Anderson - Rising Tides
David Halpern - Journal of a UFO Investigator
Lauren Oliver - Delirium


Paperback

Martha Grimes - Fadeaway Girl
Lucy Monroe - Moon Burning

Gabriella Pierce - 666 Park Avenue

Updated Upcoming Fiction Releases Page

I've just finished updating my Upcoming Fiction Releases page. It's a big release date next Tuesday with some other great hardcover and paperback books hitting bookstore shelves on the 20th and 24th.

Here's a sample of what's going to be available for your reading pleasure. . .

Hardcover:
While Mortals Sleep - Kurt Vonnegut
Tick Tock - James Patterson
Restless Heart - Wynonna Judd (yeah, that Wynonna)

Paperback:
Doomwyte - Brian Jacques
Dragon Keeper - Robin Hobbs
Fire - Kristin Cashore

And while this one isn't fiction, I'm going to be taking a look at it to see if I want to add it to my reading list - Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the New Girlie-girl Culture.  I have been increasingly disturbed by the focus on the princesses, etc. and worried over what it's telling little girls about themselves and how to envision their future. Looks like I'm not the only one.

Just click the Upcoming Fiction Releases link at the top of the page to view the full list.

Overambitious me.

Ok, so I wrote earlier in the month that I would be finishing the rough draft of my historical fiction novel by the end of November. Well, I took on a second CASA case this past Tuesday. So, that means even less free time to work on writing. Do I regret it? Not a chance. My new case involves an infant and I'm really excited about helping this little one have a better and brighter future. He's adorable - I've already fallen in love with him. :-)

So, I'm going to have to push back my finish date for the novel rough draft. I now plan to have it done by the end of the year. I have already begun filling in some of the gaps I left in the first half of the novel. I should be finished with the "catch up" work soon and moving forward with the plot.

The tough part? I'm still debating on where to end it. *sigh* I will just have to trust my instincts when the time arrives.

I will definitely post when it's complete. Although that will be when the work really starts.

Back from the Abyss

Wow, I just saw the last post date - May 20th? Really? I guess I did get wrapped up in studying for my LSAT and neglect my poor blog. :-o

Well, that big, bad test is over and now I just have to wait for the scores to come through. Should be in my inbox by the 28th. Until then I'm just trying to stay busy and not dwell on it. So what better way to do that than throw mysefl into other projects?

Let's begin with writing. Tomorrow is the deadline for replies on a contest I entered in May. No email = not accepted. So, if I hear nothing, I'll be resubmitting that story to a print anthology. Also on the menu for this week is to polish up my space zombie romance (yup, you read that right) and send it off to a print anthology put out by the same publishing house.

Then I'll be working on two fantasy novellas I have in the making. One is a prequel to Somewhere, which a few of you have read in part on the WD forums. I've decided to make a novella trilogy (or possibly quartet) from that storyline; beginning with Pazia's story and ending with a story from Na'im's pov (he is only 3 when Somewhere takes place).

The othe story is about Ellivi'an. She is of a winged race called the Inefim. Her parents were murdered when she was young and she's grown up with a fierce hatred of not only the Pek'rahe responsible, but of their entire race. But she may just discover something that will change her mind.

I've also just begun the process of becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. I brought my self-study binder home today and go back in a couple weeks to meet with the director and go over the first three chapters.

I'll be posting a site of the week tomorrow at some point. I'll be posting two sites for each of the next few weeks to make up for lost time.




Think that's enough to keep me busy? ;-)

So, what has been keeping you busy/pondering/frustrated/etc. while I've been away?

Update on my writing life.

Well, I've been busy, busy with my writing. Trying to come to grips with a highly emotional scene for my historical fiction novel - which I'm finally making progress on - woo hoo!  And I also recently wrote a short story for an online magazine. Got the rejection letter today. Bummer. But I'm not too bothered by it. It was more an experiement in trying new subject matter and creating something specifically for a publication than anything.

I'm also working on another short story for a contest which ends on the 15th. It's a challenge, but a fun one.

 Over the past year I have become too comfortable working away at my laptop - safe and secure from the actuality of the writing world. I've decided it's time to stop ignoring the writing opportunities that come up while I'm working on my novel and get back out there.

So, what about all of you? Have you found yourself falling into a rut? Or perhaps just keeping your writing to yourself out of habit or trepidation? If so, what are your plans to break out of your comfort zone?

Nothing in life worth having comes easily. Taking risks is what it's all about! Go for it!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it.

I just wanted to let you all know that I have added my Upcoming Fiction Releases page. The link is at the top of the page.

The list includes both new titles (1st time release in hardcover or paperback) and new in paperback from hardcover.

The list covers new releases in a variety of genres through March 30th.

I will update the list about every two weeks.

UPDATE!

As you may notice, I've just discovered how to create separate pages for my blog. :-)  The last time I was trying to do so, well, let's just say it didn't work out.

So, long story short, I have removed the lists of novels in order by series from the main page and added page links at the top of my blog. (Right above this post, as a matter of fact.) I believe it will make checking out which book comes next in your series, or finding a new author, a bit less complicated. There will be a page for each genre (sci-fi, fantasy, etc) and each page will be listed alphabetically by the author's last name.

I will be updating the lists when I have time and adding an UPCOMING RELEASES page very soon. Book store connections make it much easier to find out what's coming out in the publishing world. :-)

P.S. As the lists grow, I may break them up into smaller chunks. For example: Fantasy A-H and Fantasy I - Z, or something like that to keep the page lengths a bit more manageable.

A new look & an invitation to discuss.

Well, I've decided to try a new template. Love the images in the background they feel "fantasyish," but it's a definite learning process for me to navigate. For instance, it took me five minutes to figure out how to post this because there wasn't a big button that said "create new post."  ;-)  (I can hear Joe laughing at me.) Obviously, I am not very good with computers. I actually had to spend 15 mintues on the phone with my little brother to figure out how to change the template in the first place. LOL!  I talked him into becoming the newest follower of my blog while I was at it. Thanks for the help and boosting my follower count, Kev. :-D

Now, on to a real writing discussion. I have been nibbling away at Calli and got another few pages written today while I was at work. (Too bad the bargain store is closing at the end of the month. No more "free time" at work. Bummer.) I still have to type up what I wrote. It's a piece that takes place in Rome from Martina and then Echo's POV. I've recently added two new characters, Jordanes (another Germanian) and Vercingetorix (Rix for short. He's a street urchin from Gaul). They both make appearances in this section.

While I like them both, Sefu is still my favorite secondary character in this novel thus far. My discussion invitation is this; who is your favorite secondary character in your current project(s)? Why does that character stand out to you?

"Somewhere" and the Outlander saga

Well, I guess I haven't been on here in a while. No good excuse, really, personal stuff going on. But, I have been reading the Outlander saga during my down moments. Only on book 4, have two more books (900 - 1000+ pages each) to read before the 22nd. Is it really September already?

I must say I am relieved that school is about to start up again. I work in a retail bookstore - in a mall. Ugh! Being inundated with teenagers and "tweens" running wild with no supervision all day gets old FAST!

I've also been working on a short story, "Somewhere" and just finished the first draft a few days ago. It ended up being longer than I anticipated, but there are plenty of revisions to make.