Gearing Up for Another Revision of the 3rd Book

First of all--I AM SICK OF THIS BOOK. Okay, got that out of the way. And THE MORE THINGS I LEARN ABOUT THE BOOK, THE MORE I HAVE TO FIX. Okay. Got that out of the way.

Now I am doing a character workshop with April Kihlstrom and I'm using it to help me flesh out my hero a bit more. I love the questions she is asking to ask about my characters in general and I will use them in the future for all other books and revisions.

So, today's to do list includes:

*work on Lesson 5 and answer questions about my hero for the class
*start reading through my MS and make notes for future revisions
*review my revision lesson from April Kihlstrom's BIAW class and begin applying that to the revision next week Monday
*Find a happy heart about the book
*Research possible hooks for querying the book

Oh joy. The beat goes on.

The War Between What Must be Done and What I Want to Do

Well I've put off so much over the past two weeks that this week will be less about writing and revising and more about to-do lists and catching up. Typically I do that right after a major project is finished, but last week I had a guest and was busy driving all over the southeast sight seeing and going out for lunch and entertaining and doing my mother/wife duties at night. Now I am just coming up for air and in the flurry of activity I have found:

*daughter with rash
*oops, it is picture week
*one million items on my to-do list for the big vacation in less than two weeks
*cleaning up a huge post visit mess
*filling out immigration and eligibility paperwork
*science fair chaperone
*returning items to the store
*grocery shopping
*mounds and mounds of laundry I don't normally have
*returning phone calls to long lost friends and neighbors
*and a mega sore shoulder causing me endless amounts of pain

Somehow, during this week, I must squeeze a little out for the writing. Even if all I do is organize my PRO status workbook, my BIAW notes, and send off my MS to my critique buddy, I'll be happy. Oh, and it would be nice to read an RWA report. Haven't done that in ages.

Book in a Week-Day Seven

I finished. I wrote over 3,000 words, shifted scenes, and got to the end. And she made me cry. she is a great heroine. And he's great, too. And I have 60,839 words to play with and revise. As I was showering today, I got more ideas for the ending, but I resisted. I will play with them over the weekend and get stuff jotted down.

BUT I AM DONE!!!

Happy Dance!!!!

And I learned a very important thing: NEVER give your first draft up to anyone till it IS WRITTEN AND COMPLETED, HOWEVER SHITTY IT IS. NEVER!!

I didn't have the teary moment when I finished number 3... I lost control over the CORE of the story before I finished it.

NEVER AGAIN!!

Any other time, yeah, read on. Critique on. Tell me how to improve it... bring it on during the revisions...

And now I am having my glass of wine and celebrating!!

BIAW-Day 5

I reached the mid-week hurdle and the worst part was my poor, sore derriere.I had to take my laptop into the living room and sit on the love seat tomake headway. Man, does my tush hurt! Wii balance at mid point today helped(hello? I am the champion of snow boarding now!)I forged ahead and made it through a few sex scenes (usually I write: insert sex scene here and fill in later but hand wave in front of face, why not layer now??), and then I was just so flippin' tired.

But that niggling issue re: my hero's role in the book bugged me to death.So I hopped into the shower, washed my hair with lavender mint shampoo, and voila, the solution arrived. I went to my chair and churned out another2-3000 random words-noted the change for revisions, and voila, I added a total of 6,633 words!

Now, I still think someone should invent waterproof index cards and pens.seriously.

Some of it is not lovely, but it is making me smile. I have a lot of wordsto fix!! And I like that!!

BIAW--Day 4

Today's totals:

*8023 words
*on scene 29
*know I must write in their heads first
*comments section very handy
*very very tired
*final total count over 40,000 words

The beat goes on... and to top it all off, I promised my kid that if I sold three books before her jr. year in HS, I'd send her to England for a leadership program... VERY LONG ODDS!

Book in a Week-Day Three

Well I woke up tired, and my head wasn't at all filled with much of anything, but I didn't let it worry me. I figured something would happen to jog my juices. Just the simple fact of WRITING gives me ideas if I push myself to do it.

First breakfast, driving my darling daughter to school to work on a musical rehearsal, then home to write. And I did write a lot. A little over 3000 words in the morning. Then off to Wendy's to get dd a lunch for rehearsal, then home to write again. Wii break... must move... lunch anyone? Is chocolate a healthy snack? Brie Cheese?

Well, it worked for me. More writing--more ideas--going with the flow. Added a few scenes not plotted out, realized I love love love to be in their heads (a big No No in contests--very little introspection allowed), and that is revealing so much to me about who my main characters are. What their motivations are, their inner and outer conflicts (I was nursed on original HQNs and learned to chew on Nora Roberts and I love old fiction, Willa Cather and more--so I think my natural writing is about the feelings and thoughts).

I'm beginning to understand my people's hearts. Their souls are emerging. And that is why I love to write. I love people. I love to know what makes them tick. Grand totals: over 7,000 words!! Yeah!And I think I am on scene 17 now--I love writing a first draft. I am happy writing it because it is FOR ME.

I missed this a lot. I'd forgotten what it was like to write for ME, and no one else!! Between critique partners, contest suggestions, and revisions for a year punctuated only by a move, well I'd forgotten how much FUN it is to write a first draft.

Book in a Week-Day Two

I got up this morning and my head was filled with bits and pieces for various parts of the story. I scribbled them down on post-its, brewed coffee, and poured water, and came into my office. I layered those bits in first, so I wouldn’t lose them, into the scenes where I felt they belonged. Then I went back to the scene I’d planned to start on and started working. I wrote pretty much all day, with a break for Wii twice (must move), and lunch. I poured a glass of vino about an hour ago and plunked onward. I had a few family interruptions (honey where are the donations receipts….for taxes? And by the way I had already given them to him, so he lost them—and what kind of ink do you need??). I managed to help hubby with clarifying that I didn’t have tax receipts, got darling daughter to unload dishwasher, held up hand in silencio when they came near my French office doors and tried to get my attention, and kept plodding on. I fizzled out about now.

So grand totals:
9,067 words
7 scenes since yesterday, one added scene
Have names for hero/heroine (first) and his partner
Have descriptions of her friends on index cards
Have notes for tomorrow
Learned washing hair is really really good for inspiration. I figured out a lot about how she’ll know him. And I am excited about that revelation.
Learned my inner critic turns on in the afternoons and needs LOTS of beatings and time outs—but she can be silenced
Learned that inner motivation and what drives my characters internally needs to be written out and it is my way of discovering who they are—lots of sequel type, introspection, writing and am in their heads a lot—so what if the world wants all the action? I can layer that in later.

Saved it all to memory stick as well as to hard drive.

Day One BIAW

Woke up, had water, coffee and did body test on Wii (yay, the scale is going down!!). Wrote for an hour, went upstairs and did two balance games on Wii. Wrote for another hour. One interuption: flowers for Valentine's Day.

Total writing time: 2.5 hrs.
Total word count: 3,000
Total scenes written: 2

Are they great? No. Are they usuable? Yes.

And I decided my hero is a private investigator. And there is a workshop about that coming up in my local romance chapter, so I can learn about that after the first draft is written.

Now, off to get the day rolling!

Ready, Set, Go....

Today is my last day to "relax" before I start BIAW. Well, relax is a relative term. First, grocery store for the upcoming weekend events and week of writing ahead of me. Second, a long walk and talk with my good friend across the street. Third, laundry (need I say more?), fourth, clean the kitchen, and fifth read through my notes for the writing.

So far, I've managed to get a lot of stuff accomplished regarding my writing goals. Except querying. I think I will wait now till March. I want to have a CLEAR head for the week and if I query book 3, I will have those characters wanting to bust out of my subconscious, not my new characters. So, that one thing did not get accomplished.

But I have managed to get a lot of prep work done, I've gotten my PRO status which will help me in my career--way more opportunities to meet with agents and editors because of the PRO status--and I've found a new place to research cops and robbers. Aha! Perfect for my 4th book.

I have also decided to retitle the third book: Sweet Sensations instead of Too Sweet to Eat. A recipe for sweet sensations... and I think for my query I will write a letter that is more like a back cover on a BLAZE. Seriously, I checked the website at HQN and they still have the sample query from 2004!! That is so old. I want to pep it up a notch.

So, wrote my ideas down, on a post-it. Those seem to work for me. And I'll just pop that into my TSTE novel box and let it "simmer" till I am finished the BIAW.

I'm excited about it. I think it will be a great experience. I've already learned a lot about myself as a writer as a result. The goal is to get FASTER and more efficient in the first draft process. All the GMC and so forth will probably reveal itself to me in revision time.

Edging Toward Book In A Week/BIAW

Well I am on Tuesday before the big writing week starts. We officially start on Saturday, but that's Valentine's Day and I have a HOD meeting that I want to attend. I figure the most I can write is about an hour or two in the morning. But it's better than nothing. I am also writing Sunday for two hours. Then I'll put the big push in the Monday - Friday of next week. I have about 14,000 words inputed into my scene/sequel pages. That means technically I have 36,000 to go. I plan to add to that a bit this week, but just in case, that means 6,000 per day over 6 days. I think I can handle that fine. It's 6 scenes a day. hahahah time for a hysterical laugh.

I just heard back from my writing buddy re: my third book and she agrees with the judges about the "kiss" scene. It's too bad it's early in the book as that is the only stumbling block to finaling. The rest of the writing is much better, tighter and well-paced. But that's how we grow as writers. We had a good chat this morning about it and I feel ready to fix it in March. Last 50 pages will be tackled first. Then I'll go into the heart of the book.

Meanwhile, back in France... I wish... but I do have a lot I want to accomplish and top on the list is getting the queries out there. I'm tackling that tomorrow.

Today I am reading through my lessons, adding new brainstorming ideas to the scenes and playing around with the story in general. I'll keep plodding along and eventually it will get done.

Now, back to the writing trenches.

Collages and Brainstorming

Yesterday I went online and found a whole lot of pictures for my book's collage. This is a BIAW assignment. I also went to the grocery store and bought some rag mags, and poster board, for the collage. I didn't make it yesterday, but I got about 10 - 15 post-its hanging in front of me regarding setting, character stats, ideas for the character's houses, and a cool idea for a place they will visit. I also know that they'll both be from the NoVA area, and that they moved South as adults. This allows me to have them head north for a trip, away from prying eyes and nosy parkers. And this allows me to utilize old research regarding a winery and bed & breakfast scene. My first book is crap, but I've farmed it twice for research!! Haha. At least it is worth something more than hanging out in a box underneath the bed.

Today's assignment is to write out fears/imagery. I'm sure that will spark some thoughts about the book. I also have more time today to fiddle with the scene cards because my darling daughter has dance and rehearsal after school. I do have to go to the school to pick up her science fair board, but that's a 20 minute distraction.

Feeling good about the story. Wish I could say the same about queries. I need to brush up on them. Big time!

BIAW is so Cool

I have over 30 scene cards to play around with as I approach the first draft writing week. I am adding to them daily. Ideas keep popping into my head. I've learned to keep post-it notes in the bathroom because I tend to get very inspired while showering! It's very exciting.

I haven't done all my check list tasks, but I am edging in the direction of completing them all. Querying is the biggest problem I have. I keep hoping if I win a contest, I'll get the "call." But so far, that hasn't happened. And I am on the fence about entering too many contests. They tend to force one to focus on the first 30 pages and not on the rest of the book. As it is, I feel I must focus on the ending again before I send it out even though I know that the editors of publishing houses request the first three chapters most often, rather than the entire book.

I will continue to enter contests that provide opportunities for solid feedback, offer good final round judges who are editors in publishing houses I am targeting, and my local chapters' contests to support my local chapter. But after that I feel it is a money loser for me. I need to spend my money on stamps and paper for queries.

Getting the Itch to Do More

This week I plan to hit a lot of points with the writing goals:

1) continue building scenes for BIAW
2) continue building characters for BIAW
3) find forms I created for computer docs and start filling in for the big week
4) enter contests
5) enter Pot of Gold and promise to finish two books by December 09
6) continue blogging
7) continue learning about my craft
8) read my RWA Report
9) get hotel room squared away for conference
10) query 3 publishers with 3rd book

That's a lot to do and I am going to do it.

Play and Write and Play and Write

I always take about a week off of writing when I finish a major project. Then I hit it again hard. This week, I've played a lot, but I have also done a bit of work on the new course. Now I am itching to have my routine going so I can get going on the course and be ready for BIAW. But it's good to have time off, too. It lets my mind rest. And it starts my brain pumping in an organic way toward the next writing adventure.

Today I went to Nashville to shop at Trader Joe's with a new friend. She is writing, but not sure if that is for her. I think she could be a writer--and published--but I'm always encouraging people to try new things. And I am so organized, that the work of writing is easier in some ways because I always have a plan. Not all writers have a plan. And they don't need it. I do.

I'm anxious to get rolling on my writing schedule again. I want to produce. I am itchy to produce. But taking time off to play, shop, eat lunch, go for a ladies' night, hang with my family, and clean house is important to me. It readies me. It steadies me. And it feeds my mind.

Letting Ideas Percolate and Cook

Well I am excited about the new course because it's giving me time to float with my new ideas, come up with random thoughts, and just mess around with the theme. I am curious if I will be able to muster up a 50,000 word story in a week... probably but it won't be grammatically correct! I worry about grammar after the story is written down.

Last night I heard about another course I might want to take, Story Magicians. I believe it might take me to the next level of my writing. And yesterday I learned that I am, if not published, definitely a writer. I have finished 3 books! And I am actively pursuing writing my fourth book idea. I have the qualities necessary to write and finish a book. Now I just need to get it published, and I am not there yet. But that no longer matters to me. I don't have control over the whims of the publishing industry or contest judges. I only have control over what I do.

April Kihlstrom's course is really good for me in determining that I will always write. And one day, given the right circumstances, I will publish a book. Then the rest will fall into place.

Today I have written down random thoughts floating in my head regarding book 4. I have read blogs I follow, and I have blogged. Now I await my course work. Meanwhile, working out and cleaning are the order for the day.

I am proud that I blog almost every day. No one reads it, but I feel good about writing it. Gets me in the mood to keep up the real writing I do every day.

Another Free Day

Well this is so much fun! I actually had time to hunt down my info for the PRO pin so I got that taken care of today. I registered from the RWA Conference today as well. I am so very excited. It'll be July 15-18... can't wait to soak in the atmosphere!!

Best of all -- it is FOR ME. What a wonderful reward to give myself for all my hard work these past few months. And I know I will be working super hard in the months that lay ahead of me.

For now, I am rather enjoying the easy assignments, letting my brain rest and be organic with the BIAW course I am taking. I haven't got a lot to write about other than my heroine and a seedling of an idea, but I feel I will be more ready to write about her and him and the story in 3 weeks.

Today we did an assignment where we listed strengths, successes, and 20-30 things that make us smile.

I realized I am persistent, focused, and organized--self-discipline is my middle name. I believe I have what it takes to write and finish a book after writing and finishing three of them. Now I have to believe, based on the success of my hard work in the past, that I will sell one. It's a matter of WHEN, not if, for me.

Meanwhile, it's nice to call friends long-distance and catch up on much needed household chores.

Free Day Again

Wow, it was so much fun just piddling in the stores yesterday and not feeling like I had to put an hour in for the book. I also took time to pamper myself, doing my roots and giving myself a manicure. And I bought 3 new books to read. All rewards for a job well-done.

Today I am filling in my PRO Application, getting it ready to mail it out tomorrow, and I am registering for the RWA conference tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait to go in July. And I'll be doing something I want to do with MY writing friends. Wahoo.

Today is also a day filled with teens, homework, and a dinner at a friend's house. I am looking forward to kicking back and relaxing.

Tomorrow, BIAW starts!!! Starting to get anxious.

Inauguration

My daughter's student group arrived in DC after 24 hours in a bus trip from hell. They missed a lot of fun stuff, but ended up going to a great Italian restaurant, and then to the WW2 Memorial. Yesterday they were able to tour the city and see more memorials, and they got to visit their congressman's office. I had emailed the office about their plight on Sunday and they responded yesterday. The staffer followed up with calling the group and the chaperones. They were invited to see the congressman's office and get pictures made with him. I was pleased for them and very impressed with the man for following up. I told my husband I'd vote for him again because he did this one thing right for me. I know it will have an impact on the students' memories and my daughter called to say thanks as well.

I managed to write about one hour on Sunday, and three hours on Monday, MLK Bday. Also my actual birthday so lots of well-wishers calling. Then my DH took me out for a grown up treat: movies with wine and appies in the adult section of the theater. Very nice atmosphere. And the movie had Clint Eastwood in it--amazing actor and story.

Today I am writing the black moment--not feeling very good about the prior scene, but at this point, I am rewriting the entire thing, so I just need to get the story down--again-- for the zillionth time. I am so sick of this book. I can't wait to see the last page on my computer. I've cut 20,000 words!!!!!!!!! Argh -- I move forward, cut, move forward, cut again. I have approximately 53,000 words. The length of the BLAZE catergory is about 60,000. I easily have that many words with the cut ones LOLM, but I have to write new words. I WANT THIS BOOK OUT OF MY HAIR.

I gave myself a deadline: Friday the 23rd. I will finish it by then--late or early--and then weekend OFF. And then I start a new challenge--Book In A Week. I am looking forward to writing something completely NEW. I feel ready to start a new story, a new idea, anything but this swill I am serving up.

Now, off to read other blogs, pop back into bed and read for a bit, and then sleep again--I HOPE.

Busy Day and Busy Weekend

I am going to lose 3 days of writing this weekend and it's making me crazy. Today I may squeeze out an hour to two hours at most because I am getting ready for a trip to Fairfax and I am refinancing my house. Argh. Stupid house and stupid packing!!

I am meeting a writing person at 10 which I am looking forward to doing -- Starbucks! I haven't been to this one yet. It's not on my "path" but it'll be nice to revisit a familiar haunt.

I am on page 142 of my MS. I have a lot of writing left to do. Approximately 10,000 words to go and a difficult rewrite of the climax. The first climax is WAY TO DARK. That's what I get for having a Romantic Suspense author critiquing my original draft. She's an excellent writer, but way to dark for Blaze books. Any rate, I am DREADING the climax. Hopefully I will be close to that next week and I'll make it through okay.

I have 2 weeks after this to write 10,000 words. I have to do it. I want to do it. I cannot fool around on this. On January 26 I start BIAW and that is an intensive class that I want to focus my sole attention on for the month of February. I hope to get the fourth book done by then (at least the first draft).

Well off to clean house and get a little exercise before the day really starts.

Taking Time to be with Family

Now that Christmas has come and gone, I've enjoyed spending time with my family. Christmas morning came a bit too early, but we survived and I had a huge nap afterward. We've enjoyed watching our new movies, playing our new games on the Wii and trying out the Wii Fit package. Turns out I have horrible balance from sitting cross legged at a desk. No surprise considering the hours I spend in front of the computer.

We've hosted guests, a few too many, but still had fun. And I've managed to write a few times. Today we are heading to Nashville to see the Rockettes Show and spend the night there. So there will be no writing today or tomorrow. But that is okay. Everyone needs a break, including me.

I made up my mind about the BIAW course. It's not possible right now. I don't want to take away from the book I am revising, and the timing of this BIAW course overlaps my work. I need a break and a chance to refresh myself before I start a new one. At least I KNOW what I want to write and the target market. That's a step in the right direction.

I've learned a lot about myself as a writer through doing the Golden Heart and attempting a tiny amount of writing every day. One very positive outcome is the knowledge that if I go back to work so my kid can go to college, I can still write an hour a day and get quite a lot accomplished. It might take me longer to finish a book, but I can still finish one. Sometimes baby steps are better than no steps at all. Writing isn't an all or nothing proposition for me anymore. At one point, I had considered quitting altogether if I am not published by the time I am 50, but now I don't feel that way.

It would kill me not to write my stories, even if the only people who read them are judges for writing contests and my critique group.

I hope I always feel that way.