Originally posted on 7/19/09 for the Charge of the Write Brigade.
Hey there gentle beings. The name is Jack Roberts and I’ve decided to join the merry band of literary champions, the Write Brigade. It’s true that I come to you with limited experience but in my struggle to catch the dream, I’ve learned a thing or two. In fact I’m still learning.
This lesson becomes abundantly clear to me every time I read through my writing. Just last Thursday, in fact, I discovered something on the World Wide Web that made me want to duct tape my hands in oven mitts and chain them behind my back so I'll never make a fool of myself again.
I discovered a post where I reviewed the seventh Harry Potter book. Apparently overcome with excitement, I typed a long winded essay. I told of my personal history with the series, examined various characters and practically filled every sentence with overjoyed hyperbole.
After reading the post with fresh eyes I felt embarrassed. Why didn’t I wait a couple years before I posted it? Sure, I’m over reacting, but the very thought of something that over-the-top can be connected to me just sent shivers up my spine.
With my past sins still fresh on my thoughts I continued with my daily activities. Among those tasks was the purchase of movie tickets. As I drove around the theatre, aware of a line that would make a DMV employee feel at home, sudden realization smacked me upside the head.
Many want to see this movie because of their love of the book. A close bond that author created by simply choosing to weave the best story she could. She had to have doubts in her writing abilities. I know she had rejections. What if she quit when faced her mistakes?
I count the minutes until I see the latest Harry Potter movie and reflect to where I was when I read it. I remember finishing that book in a bathroom stall located on the same floor of the hospital my son slept in. He slept deeply, the latest in a chain of plastic surgeries a success. With my wife in the chair beside his bed, I was safe in the knowledge that he’d be OK. So I crept to the bathroom (because I didn’t want to disturb anyone) and delve into the remaining chapters of HP 6. What feelings I experienced! I couldn’t get enough. A writer with fears and insecurities worked hard despite them and created something that gave me that lasting memory.
If we as writers gave up every time we discovered a mistake, life would be void of entertainment. What do you do? You take a deep breath, realize others have been there before, and jump right back in. Simplistic? Sure, but it works.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Classic articles
I've posted a few articles on
the Charge of the Write Brigade.
Due to busy schedules among us writers, no one has posted a new article in over a month. Heck, I can't even update this site, let alone that one.
I do plan to do more articles, but with the 2nd edits going on with Editor Jennifer, my time is best suited elsewhere.
Still, those articles were fun and any secret lurkers here might enjoy them. So I'm going to repost them here, maybe twice a week (thank goodness there are timed posts).
Expect the first one soon.
the Charge of the Write Brigade.
Due to busy schedules among us writers, no one has posted a new article in over a month. Heck, I can't even update this site, let alone that one.
I do plan to do more articles, but with the 2nd edits going on with Editor Jennifer, my time is best suited elsewhere.
Still, those articles were fun and any secret lurkers here might enjoy them. So I'm going to repost them here, maybe twice a week (thank goodness there are timed posts).
Expect the first one soon.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Speaking to the 6th grade
I’m getting pretty busy with my next set of edits and the speaking event is getting further and further away. I’d better give you the highlights.
My wife was absolutely wonderful. The day before she spent the entire day getting custom bookmarkers and posters made up. Now I have a humongous picture of Annabelle. I also have a giant stock male vampire pic I got from the web that really looks like Dominic.
Mr. Kelly arranged for me to speak to the entire 6th grade. It was fun! I really enjoy talking about my book and the journey I’ve taken to become a writer.
The kids had an assembly just before and seemed pretty tired so there weren’t as many questions as times past. Also, my nerves got the better of me and I stumbled through it, speaking too fast and reading too long. I really need to practice this more.
All in all it was a great experience and I’m grateful to the teachers and faculty of West Elementary for this great opportunity. I can’t wait to do it again next year.
My wife was absolutely wonderful. The day before she spent the entire day getting custom bookmarkers and posters made up. Now I have a humongous picture of Annabelle. I also have a giant stock male vampire pic I got from the web that really looks like Dominic.
Mr. Kelly arranged for me to speak to the entire 6th grade. It was fun! I really enjoy talking about my book and the journey I’ve taken to become a writer.
The kids had an assembly just before and seemed pretty tired so there weren’t as many questions as times past. Also, my nerves got the better of me and I stumbled through it, speaking too fast and reading too long. I really need to practice this more.
All in all it was a great experience and I’m grateful to the teachers and faculty of West Elementary for this great opportunity. I can’t wait to do it again next year.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Lazy/Busy month, All play no write. Time to work.
OK, I had May off from Annabelle. My writer juices flowed and I really wanted to start Myths. I actually wrote the 1st paragraph! But I got distracted a lot and cruised through Bandon Mull's Fableheaven 3.
In short, I took a break. Looking back, knowing what I need to change in Annabelle, I'm glad I took the break.
So the cast of Myths will remain as notes and an outline. So will Justin Tyme and his students. They are only concepts. Kyle Phillips and the story of Multi Mart remain as notes, too. But after these three months, I'll play in those other sand boxes.
I got my notes and mark ups from Editor Jennifer. Whew! She liked my changes! I did good. I did catch onto her thoughts and did move in the right direction.
But now it's time for fine-tuning. There are a lot of things I need to focus on.
Structure, characters, pacing, transitions and dialog. More problems that others have mentioned, some others have missed.
This is good. I'll pull up my sleeves and get my hands dirty. I hope I'll finally get these lessons.
In short, I took a break. Looking back, knowing what I need to change in Annabelle, I'm glad I took the break.
So the cast of Myths will remain as notes and an outline. So will Justin Tyme and his students. They are only concepts. Kyle Phillips and the story of Multi Mart remain as notes, too. But after these three months, I'll play in those other sand boxes.
I got my notes and mark ups from Editor Jennifer. Whew! She liked my changes! I did good. I did catch onto her thoughts and did move in the right direction.
But now it's time for fine-tuning. There are a lot of things I need to focus on.
Structure, characters, pacing, transitions and dialog. More problems that others have mentioned, some others have missed.
This is good. I'll pull up my sleeves and get my hands dirty. I hope I'll finally get these lessons.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Signs
Ok, I’m not the superstitious type, but something weird happened to me today.
There are three songs that inspire me to carry on with writing; “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton and “Someone’s Watching Over Me” by Hilary Duff.
So I’m plugging away on my drawing redlines when “The Climb” plays. I’m thinking to myself “Yes, I really need to use this month off from Annabelle to start writing something else.”
But I know me. I’ll say that, but actually sitting down and writing is another thing entirely.
A few songs later “Go the Distance” plays and I chuckle. I figured if “Someone’s Watching Over Me” plays, then I’ll take notice.
It was the very next song. My mouth dropped open and I stared at my Windows Media Player in mute shock.
Ok, I get the message. Get back to writing!
Then, as if to direct me on purpose, “The Mummer’s Dance” by Lorena McKennit plays. That’s my official song for my Myths novel.
Fine! Don’t have to his me over the head with a dwarven made axe. I’ll begin Myths.
Sheesh. The lengths some have to go through to get me writing!
There are three songs that inspire me to carry on with writing; “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton and “Someone’s Watching Over Me” by Hilary Duff.
So I’m plugging away on my drawing redlines when “The Climb” plays. I’m thinking to myself “Yes, I really need to use this month off from Annabelle to start writing something else.”
But I know me. I’ll say that, but actually sitting down and writing is another thing entirely.
A few songs later “Go the Distance” plays and I chuckle. I figured if “Someone’s Watching Over Me” plays, then I’ll take notice.
It was the very next song. My mouth dropped open and I stared at my Windows Media Player in mute shock.
Ok, I get the message. Get back to writing!
Then, as if to direct me on purpose, “The Mummer’s Dance” by Lorena McKennit plays. That’s my official song for my Myths novel.
Fine! Don’t have to his me over the head with a dwarven made axe. I’ll begin Myths.
Sheesh. The lengths some have to go through to get me writing!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Novel Boot Camp is full steam ahead!
Sorry I haven't posted but there's a very good reason.
On February 28th I began a Novel Boot Camp. All of March and most of April I hacked and slashed and revised my novel.
All of this is thanks to my editor Jennifer Feddersen. She's helped me a great deal and I recommend her services to everyone.
The first thing I did was pick my target audience. I already had this in my head but it was good to make it official. 11-14 year olds. Young Adult.
The next thing was to create a Series Elevator Pitch and a Novel Elevator Pitch. These are short statements that explain the basics of my novel or series in an upwardly moving direction. I'll show you in a different post. I created a synopsis based on the Elevator pitch.
Editor Jennifer gave me a review on the basic problems my novel had and suggestions on how to direct my work in order to fix them. For two months I was tasked with revising the novel, chapter by chapter and scene by scene, tieing things together, throwing away things that didn't contribute to the plot as seen in the Elevator pitch and synopsis. I needed to ramp up the danger and make things more pressing.
Lot's of ideas came to me. I was inspired once again to do things that for some reason never before occurred to me in five years of writing/editing. Instead of taking seven years to tell this, I centralized the Salem Witch trials and set this book within five months.
I still taught the Advancement (how children vamps age) but there was no reason to age my vamps. Bad guys were tied together. Good guys were added. In fact a few new characters were added. Chapters were cut and new chapters added. Another new beginning and a deeper look into the Salem trials.
I tweeted my progress every day. My followers on Twitter and Facebook (as well as family, friends and fellow writers) all cheered me on. Boy did that help! Careful watchers of this blog saw no updates, but the Twitter posts on the right of the screen showed what I was working on.
So now this new version is done. It's turned in and I wont get another review and critique for a month. Time to breathe.
I plan to work on the Annabelle site, read, and relax before the next big charge.
On February 28th I began a Novel Boot Camp. All of March and most of April I hacked and slashed and revised my novel.
All of this is thanks to my editor Jennifer Feddersen. She's helped me a great deal and I recommend her services to everyone.
The first thing I did was pick my target audience. I already had this in my head but it was good to make it official. 11-14 year olds. Young Adult.
The next thing was to create a Series Elevator Pitch and a Novel Elevator Pitch. These are short statements that explain the basics of my novel or series in an upwardly moving direction. I'll show you in a different post. I created a synopsis based on the Elevator pitch.
Editor Jennifer gave me a review on the basic problems my novel had and suggestions on how to direct my work in order to fix them. For two months I was tasked with revising the novel, chapter by chapter and scene by scene, tieing things together, throwing away things that didn't contribute to the plot as seen in the Elevator pitch and synopsis. I needed to ramp up the danger and make things more pressing.
Lot's of ideas came to me. I was inspired once again to do things that for some reason never before occurred to me in five years of writing/editing. Instead of taking seven years to tell this, I centralized the Salem Witch trials and set this book within five months.
I still taught the Advancement (how children vamps age) but there was no reason to age my vamps. Bad guys were tied together. Good guys were added. In fact a few new characters were added. Chapters were cut and new chapters added. Another new beginning and a deeper look into the Salem trials.
I tweeted my progress every day. My followers on Twitter and Facebook (as well as family, friends and fellow writers) all cheered me on. Boy did that help! Careful watchers of this blog saw no updates, but the Twitter posts on the right of the screen showed what I was working on.
So now this new version is done. It's turned in and I wont get another review and critique for a month. Time to breathe.
I plan to work on the Annabelle site, read, and relax before the next big charge.
Friday, February 05, 2010
My thoughts on the JSA on Smallville
Spoilers..
How cow!
It was amazing! With shouts out to so many classic members from the Golden Age (even Ma Hunkle!) plus some accurate costumes! We had the meeting table and so many members mentioned.
Daniel Jackson did a good job as a tough Hawkman. I hear he’s like that in the comics these days. I was glad to see they even mentioned his past lives. We also got the traditional Hawkman/ Green Arrow war.
I wondered why use Stargirl but seeing the story it makes sense.
Doctor Fate did a great job. Sure, when he walked beside Clark I got a “Dark Helmet” vibe and most the time I got a Vader vibe, but he also was Fate. I hoped the special effects would be good for him and I wasn’t disappointed.
I was slack jawed at the Star Spangled Kid’s appearance. They even had the Rocket Racer! Sandman was a nice touch too.
And Alan had his power ring and they showed Jay’s hat. Even Ted boxing. Great stuff.
Plus we had Martian Manhunter come back, wear something similar and get his powers back. They even through in a cookie reference!
Cloie gets the idea to make the JLA more of a family and we had the fact that they have no name brought up too. More visions of the red cape, more references to the future and finally a mention that Lex will someday be back.
After all of this we also got Amanda Waller, Checkmate and a mention of Suicide Squad.
Finally, what does Waller say? We’ll need all our heroes for the coming Apocalypse? Does this mean that stupid one-note Red sun Zon takes over thing or do I dare hope for Darkseid?
Excellent stuff.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Tooele Writer’s Group
At least I think that’s what we’re calling ourselves.
I’m excited. I met with a group of writers from my home town. Some are just starting out, some are published and some are in that age long period of revisions and hopes.
We all write for ourselves. Ultimately we all feel a desire or obsession to get these ideas out of our skulls and onto paper. From that point we break into various divsions. Some of us feel satisfied with keeping our stories to ourselves. Others feel like they couldn’t dream of getting published so they don’t try. Others try for the brass ring and strive to polish their manuscripts for publication.
I’m in that last group. Regardless, an organization of writers is a very good thing. We make contacts with others, learn from one another and become better writers from the experience.
In the world of Annabelle’s push to get out into the world, it’s another rung on the ladder.
I’m excited. I met with a group of writers from my home town. Some are just starting out, some are published and some are in that age long period of revisions and hopes.
We all write for ourselves. Ultimately we all feel a desire or obsession to get these ideas out of our skulls and onto paper. From that point we break into various divsions. Some of us feel satisfied with keeping our stories to ourselves. Others feel like they couldn’t dream of getting published so they don’t try. Others try for the brass ring and strive to polish their manuscripts for publication.
I’m in that last group. Regardless, an organization of writers is a very good thing. We make contacts with others, learn from one another and become better writers from the experience.
In the world of Annabelle’s push to get out into the world, it’s another rung on the ladder.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I won a contest!
I won the "First Line" contest. I'm excited because the prize is a copy of Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents. I'm also jonesed because I won a contest!
It'll help me in my search for agents after the next set of edits.
I'm embarrassed, humbled and honored.
I feel silly, too. As writers know, all thoughts are to be underlined. That first line was a thought and the underline vanished once it was posted. Not to mention I did add the other lines when I should've only added the first.
Regardless, I'm very grateful. It means a lot. Currently I'm taking this book back to basics and trying the professional editor route. After it's polished further, I'll be agent hunting again. Jeff Herman's book will help a great deal.
Go to The New Literary Agents blog to see their announcement!
It'll help me in my search for agents after the next set of edits.
I'm embarrassed, humbled and honored.
I feel silly, too. As writers know, all thoughts are to be underlined. That first line was a thought and the underline vanished once it was posted. Not to mention I did add the other lines when I should've only added the first.
Regardless, I'm very grateful. It means a lot. Currently I'm taking this book back to basics and trying the professional editor route. After it's polished further, I'll be agent hunting again. Jeff Herman's book will help a great deal.
Go to The New Literary Agents blog to see their announcement!
I need screencaps! I love Batman Brave and the Bold! ...txt Spoilers
Just finished Side Kicks Assemble
The little nods to other things is always great. I loved "Sit, Ubu, sit", which is the closing mark on several TV shows like Night Court.
I loved the nod to Dick's 1st Nightwing costume just like I enjoy his Earth 2 Robin costume.
It's great seeing Aquaman again, and seeing Speedy and Aqualad, too.
Having both the JLA Satellite and the Hall of Justice was perfect, too.
My fav part, however, was the JLA at the beginning. We even got cameos of Superman, Wonder Woman, Martain Manhunter and Barry Allen as Flash!
I want screencaps!
The little nods to other things is always great. I loved "Sit, Ubu, sit", which is the closing mark on several TV shows like Night Court.
I loved the nod to Dick's 1st Nightwing costume just like I enjoy his Earth 2 Robin costume.
It's great seeing Aquaman again, and seeing Speedy and Aqualad, too.
Having both the JLA Satellite and the Hall of Justice was perfect, too.
My fav part, however, was the JLA at the beginning. We even got cameos of Superman, Wonder Woman, Martain Manhunter and Barry Allen as Flash!
I want screencaps!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hey! There are other writers in my town!
I read this article
Writers on the Rise and discovered there are other writers here.
One is even published. Her name is Karen Hoover and this is her blog.
Ah, to be published.
*Continues to dream...*
Writers on the Rise and discovered there are other writers here.
One is even published. Her name is Karen Hoover and this is her blog.
Ah, to be published.
*Continues to dream...*
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Quote from the Blood Red Pencil
Quote from Kathryn Craft on the the Blood Red Pencil
"A good writer is simply someone who continues to address the problems in the writing until no barriers remain between her story and the reader eager to enter it."
Words to live by, found here...
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2010/01/5-steps-to-surviving-edit.html
"A good writer is simply someone who continues to address the problems in the writing until no barriers remain between her story and the reader eager to enter it."
Words to live by, found here...
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2010/01/5-steps-to-surviving-edit.html
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Book 2, Annabelle & Roland; Threats From Sea and Shadow, is truly finished!
I’m stunned. I mean, sure, I thought it was finished before, but now it truly is. Baring in mind the manuscript will endure harsh betas and editors, it’s finished.
To understand how momentous this occasion is, let me give you some back story. Back in 2004 I began with a simple idea about vampire children trying to learn how to be creatures of the night while staying true to their human natures. I wrote a story that continued through their first seven years in a cabin in the wilds of Colonial America.
Then I threw a curve ball and brought in enough conflict to tear apart the children. The boy traveled the Caribbean with vampire pirates while the girl searched for him in post fire London. I never finished their separate adventures and never reunited them.
Instead, I rethought my book and focused on their first seven years in the colonies. I saved their separate adventures for book 2. After finishing book one, editing it, getting it reviewed by betas and editing it again, I eventually returned to the 2nd half.
I wrote half of the 2nd book and discovered it was very long. So I ended it on a cliff hanger and still the siblings didn’t reunite. One problem (well, lots of problems), the book sucked. There were things in need of cutting and quite frankly the story should remain a stand alone book. The kids had to find each other.
So I revisited the 2nd book and rewrote the stuff I had. After a long while I found my true ending and now, today, it’s actually complete. Annabelle and Roland have reunited at last!
I’m so excited!
To understand how momentous this occasion is, let me give you some back story. Back in 2004 I began with a simple idea about vampire children trying to learn how to be creatures of the night while staying true to their human natures. I wrote a story that continued through their first seven years in a cabin in the wilds of Colonial America.
Then I threw a curve ball and brought in enough conflict to tear apart the children. The boy traveled the Caribbean with vampire pirates while the girl searched for him in post fire London. I never finished their separate adventures and never reunited them.
Instead, I rethought my book and focused on their first seven years in the colonies. I saved their separate adventures for book 2. After finishing book one, editing it, getting it reviewed by betas and editing it again, I eventually returned to the 2nd half.
I wrote half of the 2nd book and discovered it was very long. So I ended it on a cliff hanger and still the siblings didn’t reunite. One problem (well, lots of problems), the book sucked. There were things in need of cutting and quite frankly the story should remain a stand alone book. The kids had to find each other.
So I revisited the 2nd book and rewrote the stuff I had. After a long while I found my true ending and now, today, it’s actually complete. Annabelle and Roland have reunited at last!
I’m so excited!
My dream cover
THIS is what I imagine the cover of my book to look like. Of course writers don't get that choice and I'm far from getting published, but if I could, this would be it. Well, this as done by a real artist, but you get the idea.
Maybe more dark shadows where only their silhouettes and red eyes are shown.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas & other things
Hi, oh great followers in the shadows.
We had a good Christmas. Got my wife Cd's, games, jewelry and pajamas. Dave got a castle, figures and games. Sara got a microscope, a doll and a video camera. Katie got books, a doll and the Battleship game. Laura got a comforter, a doll and an action figure. I got waves 9 & 10 of DC Universe Classics figures and some pajamas.
All in all a good Christmas. We went light looking at Thanksgiving Point Thursday night (Christmas Eve) and visited family on Christmas day. Tyson & Julie (brother-in-law & his wife/family) had us over for visiting and dinner. A good day.
Recently we had another flood. I might have posted about it. It was back in September. The sewer backed up. We've finished the repairs and returned things to "normal". After our luck, though, I'm a little wary.
We switched the playroom with our bedroom and we're still trying to get used to sleeping upstairs away from the kids after 9 years in the basement.
Dave finally got his Marvel Legends Storm. I got one too but mine reeks of tobacco. Still trying to clean it.
Janeen lost her Grandmother last week. Grandmother Reid passed away during the night. The Cancer finally won. But now she doesn't hurt. She's at peace & she went home to celebrate Christmas with her husband, children, siblings and parents. God bless and keep her.
We had a good Christmas. Got my wife Cd's, games, jewelry and pajamas. Dave got a castle, figures and games. Sara got a microscope, a doll and a video camera. Katie got books, a doll and the Battleship game. Laura got a comforter, a doll and an action figure. I got waves 9 & 10 of DC Universe Classics figures and some pajamas.
All in all a good Christmas. We went light looking at Thanksgiving Point Thursday night (Christmas Eve) and visited family on Christmas day. Tyson & Julie (brother-in-law & his wife/family) had us over for visiting and dinner. A good day.
Recently we had another flood. I might have posted about it. It was back in September. The sewer backed up. We've finished the repairs and returned things to "normal". After our luck, though, I'm a little wary.
We switched the playroom with our bedroom and we're still trying to get used to sleeping upstairs away from the kids after 9 years in the basement.
Dave finally got his Marvel Legends Storm. I got one too but mine reeks of tobacco. Still trying to clean it.
Janeen lost her Grandmother last week. Grandmother Reid passed away during the night. The Cancer finally won. But now she doesn't hurt. She's at peace & she went home to celebrate Christmas with her husband, children, siblings and parents. God bless and keep her.
Friday, November 20, 2009
I miss pocket heroes!
Remember these, guys?
I remember owning them after my 8" Megos and before my Kenner Star Wars. Sigh. Good times.
Batman with removable rubber head so he was always decapitated. Wonder Woman's rubber shirt always fell off. My first Captain Marvel and Green Goblin. Robin tall enough to always be an adult.
I had the Hall of Justice, too. I remember a pic on a viewscreen where Superman was flanked by Hawkeye, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Never did understand how a DC toy got away with that.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
I got an Award!
Fellow vampire writer Tara (check her blog out here at the bloodcrossed writer) gave me an award.
It was very nice of her. I'm glad that my ramblings help others. Thats one of the goals I have when it comes to becoming a full time writer.
I need to pass this onto others and hopefully when I have an extra moment, I shall.
For the moment though, I just wanted to publicly say thanks to Tara. Thanks!
It was very nice of her. I'm glad that my ramblings help others. Thats one of the goals I have when it comes to becoming a full time writer.
I need to pass this onto others and hopefully when I have an extra moment, I shall.
For the moment though, I just wanted to publicly say thanks to Tara. Thanks!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Crit won't get me down...
It's a funny thing. Seems after I get a positive experience, a negative one happens. LOL.
Well, no biggie.
For some reason my old query letter review post resurfaced on Absolute Write. People were reviewing a query that had been changed for awhile. I explained that my query is waiting until I get my book further sorted out and thanked them for their opinions.
Then another post from March resurfaced. I posted my 1st chapter at the password protected Share Your Work section of Absolute Write back in March as well. Got mixed results and some good advice. Well today, out of the blue, some one ripped it a new one in such a way as to make me want to chuck the 1st chapter (what would that be? The 5th or 6th version of the 1st chap?) and write another brand new one.
Or I could cut straight to them marching into the woods and the action.
Or I could gut big sections of the entire book and expand the Salem chap.
I'm already going through a crisis in faith as to what my novel needs as seen in earlier posts.
Memories of that E-Pub rejection resurfaces. After what that surprise review of Chap 1 said, it's no wonder I was told it read like a rough draft.
Memories of past critique partners telling me to shelf Annabelle and write something else resurfaces. I should do that, too.
So am I freaking again? Nope. Sounds like it but no. With those eager faces still in my mind (from my speaking engagement this afternoon at the school), I'm forging ahead.
I've just had so many regular folk read and edit that I'm lost. I don't know if I'm coming or going. I really need to look at what should go, what should stay, what should be rewritten and if the entire first book should be scrapped and I should start over.
Guess that's why I need a pro editor to give me an opinion I can trust. I'm not saying I can't trust fellow first time unpublished authors. I'm not saying I can't trust friends, co-workers, family or e-published authors. I'm not saying I shouldn't trust critique groups or betas or teachers.
All I'm saying is that for five years I've heard what feels like a thousand voices shouting their opinions (some well learned, others deeply felt) in my brain and all I know is that I've always known nothing.
But despite this, I'm not quitting. I'll keep going and pushing. There are things I do know.
1)If I stop writing Book 2 with two chapters left, I may never go back and I wont have the same momentum. This has to be done. Once finished I can shelf Book 2 till I'm ready (if ever) for it.
2)I still believe in this book, this series and these characters. I still have my passion and I know this will work. I truly do. I know it has to work and it will. I just don't know how.
3)I honestly need a learned opinion on the best way to market Annabelle. I'm all mixed up. My ideas and concepts gain interest, but either how I'm executing them or how the 1st Chap is showing them is wrong. Is the whole book wrong? Is it the newest version of chap 1? Should I cut to the smallest version of book 1 and add more in the history dept? Should I shelf it and start later in their lives? Tell something different about them? How will this start? I need someone who understands the market and what truly is "wrong" instead of their opinion of it.
4)I should take that break everyone is telling me about. I should begin Myths or my time travel novel or something completely different. I know in my bones I can't stay away too long, but it would only help.
So there you go. I don't want answers and I'm not stressed or mad. Just need several things done.
Well, no biggie.
For some reason my old query letter review post resurfaced on Absolute Write. People were reviewing a query that had been changed for awhile. I explained that my query is waiting until I get my book further sorted out and thanked them for their opinions.
Then another post from March resurfaced. I posted my 1st chapter at the password protected Share Your Work section of Absolute Write back in March as well. Got mixed results and some good advice. Well today, out of the blue, some one ripped it a new one in such a way as to make me want to chuck the 1st chapter (what would that be? The 5th or 6th version of the 1st chap?) and write another brand new one.
Or I could cut straight to them marching into the woods and the action.
Or I could gut big sections of the entire book and expand the Salem chap.
I'm already going through a crisis in faith as to what my novel needs as seen in earlier posts.
Memories of that E-Pub rejection resurfaces. After what that surprise review of Chap 1 said, it's no wonder I was told it read like a rough draft.
Memories of past critique partners telling me to shelf Annabelle and write something else resurfaces. I should do that, too.
So am I freaking again? Nope. Sounds like it but no. With those eager faces still in my mind (from my speaking engagement this afternoon at the school), I'm forging ahead.
I've just had so many regular folk read and edit that I'm lost. I don't know if I'm coming or going. I really need to look at what should go, what should stay, what should be rewritten and if the entire first book should be scrapped and I should start over.
Guess that's why I need a pro editor to give me an opinion I can trust. I'm not saying I can't trust fellow first time unpublished authors. I'm not saying I can't trust friends, co-workers, family or e-published authors. I'm not saying I shouldn't trust critique groups or betas or teachers.
All I'm saying is that for five years I've heard what feels like a thousand voices shouting their opinions (some well learned, others deeply felt) in my brain and all I know is that I've always known nothing.
But despite this, I'm not quitting. I'll keep going and pushing. There are things I do know.
1)If I stop writing Book 2 with two chapters left, I may never go back and I wont have the same momentum. This has to be done. Once finished I can shelf Book 2 till I'm ready (if ever) for it.
2)I still believe in this book, this series and these characters. I still have my passion and I know this will work. I truly do. I know it has to work and it will. I just don't know how.
3)I honestly need a learned opinion on the best way to market Annabelle. I'm all mixed up. My ideas and concepts gain interest, but either how I'm executing them or how the 1st Chap is showing them is wrong. Is the whole book wrong? Is it the newest version of chap 1? Should I cut to the smallest version of book 1 and add more in the history dept? Should I shelf it and start later in their lives? Tell something different about them? How will this start? I need someone who understands the market and what truly is "wrong" instead of their opinion of it.
4)I should take that break everyone is telling me about. I should begin Myths or my time travel novel or something completely different. I know in my bones I can't stay away too long, but it would only help.
So there you go. I don't want answers and I'm not stressed or mad. Just need several things done.
Spoke to another class
Today I had the opportunity to speak with a class of 8th graders about my novel. They really enjoyed my visit.
I started out by showing them pics of my main characters and some settings. I then explained the story for the first book. I sat down and read part of chapter 27 (Salem) and then asked for questions.
Right away the kids said they liked it and then asked several things about my writing experience and the novel itself. The only questions I had a hard time with are the following;
"When will it get published?"
I stated a hopeful goal but I'm of course unsure. They seemed alright with that.
"What did you think of Salem when you walked through it?"
He thought I actually went there to observe. I had to explain that everything I've learned has been from books and study but I'd like to one day visit.
It was a wonderful experience and I can't wait till the time when I actually can share it with a wide audience.
I started out by showing them pics of my main characters and some settings. I then explained the story for the first book. I sat down and read part of chapter 27 (Salem) and then asked for questions.
Right away the kids said they liked it and then asked several things about my writing experience and the novel itself. The only questions I had a hard time with are the following;
"When will it get published?"
I stated a hopeful goal but I'm of course unsure. They seemed alright with that.
"What did you think of Salem when you walked through it?"
He thought I actually went there to observe. I had to explain that everything I've learned has been from books and study but I'd like to one day visit.
It was a wonderful experience and I can't wait till the time when I actually can share it with a wide audience.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Money blues
Hello,
I've been away working my butt off. We've had a stressful project at work and it's caused me to work a lot of over time. Every night I come home exhausted and wake each morning still tired. There is a lot of mental stress involved, trying to make sure everything is correct.
You'd think the silver lining with all this over time is that I would be able to save for that editor. Wrong. Too much money going out to bills. I feel like I'm working for nothing.
I shouldn't complain. A co-worker is salary and all the extra time he spends at home and work on this project counts as free labor. At least I can pay for bills. Still, it would be nice to squirrel away something for that editor. Or maybe buy one of those figures I want.
I guess I'm just over tired.
There is a sliver of good news, however. After three weeks of hard time at work, I stole fifteen minutes to write some of book two. I haven't been able to start something new yet, but I'm just happy to write anything at all.
I've been away working my butt off. We've had a stressful project at work and it's caused me to work a lot of over time. Every night I come home exhausted and wake each morning still tired. There is a lot of mental stress involved, trying to make sure everything is correct.
You'd think the silver lining with all this over time is that I would be able to save for that editor. Wrong. Too much money going out to bills. I feel like I'm working for nothing.
I shouldn't complain. A co-worker is salary and all the extra time he spends at home and work on this project counts as free labor. At least I can pay for bills. Still, it would be nice to squirrel away something for that editor. Or maybe buy one of those figures I want.
I guess I'm just over tired.
There is a sliver of good news, however. After three weeks of hard time at work, I stole fifteen minutes to write some of book two. I haven't been able to start something new yet, but I'm just happy to write anything at all.
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