Yes, I'm using a Twitter hashtag outside of Twitter. But it's entirely appropriate.
A little over a week ago, I started another round of edits on THE ACCIDENTAL WARLOCK, working with the notes from my critique partner. Said notes are awesome, by the way. It's been a long time since I've worked with a notated copy of my book, and I'd forgotten what it's like. The process is oddly uplifting in some ways, as there's nothing quite like learning that a scene or a moment or even just a joke worked exactly how I wanted it to.
The process is also humbling, as there's nothing quite like having someone point out a character issue that crops up so often that, two-thirds of the way through the book, they don't even have to explain why I should cut something. O_o It was especially humbling when my CP pointed out that I did something I've pointed out to other people I've critiqued. (I swear I actually said they left the tent...)
The thing is, though, it amazes me how much better the book is going to be because of this. I've realized that I left out some crucial things that I needed to explain, things I wouldn't have realized on my own because of course I know how they work. I still have five chapters to go, but already, the lore has more detail, the action scenes move faster, and the romantic scenes are just plain better. (I've been single since dinosaurs walked the Earth. There are things I forget. -_-) I also now have a new half-page of my own notes on things I need to change, but that's good too.
It's like the entire process exists only to make the book more awesome. And I love that.
I know this all is nothing new. No writer should be a stranger to editing, or forget how much better it will make any story. But I love this feeling of rediscovery, of hammering out what doesn't work and refining what does.
I haven't felt this good about TAW since I first finished it, and gods know I've done a ton of revision since then. I'm hoping to start the query process in June, as the book is out to another CP, and I still need to get my query letter into workable shape. I also have to write the dreaded synopsis, possibly synopses, since not all agents want those of the same length. But it'll be worth it in the end, I think. I hope.
One step closer. I tell myself that with every chapter, every page, every note, every word added or taken away. One step closer to ending TAW out into the world and seeing who wants to see more.
Next entry: IWSG. I'm feeling good this week, let's see if I can develop a new neurosis by next Wednesday. ^_^
Good for you! I'm glad to hear that you're making progress.
ReplyDeleteEvery writer needs objective sets of eyes on their work. It's tough to accept criticism, but it makes us better writers. ;)
Oh yes, I always try to get people to read my work, and I badger them relentlessly for feedback. ^_^ But this is the first time in a long time I've received such detailed notes, so it's been a real joy to work with them.
DeleteI hate saying it, but just wait until you go through another three edits, decide the whole thing needs to be rewritten, and *then*editted again. Yeah, that's sort of where I am with my most recent. I hope that the more I write, the more efficient the process will get, but so far, nope. Every novel goes through the hellish revision of limbo land. Someday, my roughs will be better.
ReplyDeleteSomeday.... you know, in that mythical place where chocolate has no calories.
I understand, but this is why I spend so much time plotting. I would have a ton more abandoned stories if I didn't do all that I could to hash everything out before I started writing.
DeleteI do hope you figure out how to make your process work better, though. Realizing you want to do a rewrite sucks. >_<
I have to say that I had a good time reading this one :) I'm so glad the notes are helpful, and that you're feeling so good about TAW - you should!! (Although, there was no mention of them leaving the tent.. .;) LOL, sorry, couldn't resist!) Happy editing!
ReplyDeleteI fixed the tent problem two days ago. :P
DeleteBut yes, thank you again for your notes and your comments; they were a tremendous help.
Woohoo! Keep powering through those edits. :D
ReplyDeleteHave done and will do! ^_^ Finished the main edits on Friday, about to get started on other additions now.
Delete"The entire process exists only to make the book more awesome" -- mos def. I'm deep in the revision trenches, editing as I go, trying not to cringe at the stuff I wrote 7 years ago. I'm more objective this time around, cutting all over the place. Hoping for awesomeness.
ReplyDeleteSeven years? O_o You're a braver writer than I am, that's for sure. I cringe just thinking about stuff I wrote that long ago. Hope it works out well for you.
DeleteYay! Editing is my favorite part of the process, once the sloppy soup all over the page has a chance to be cleaned up and solidified into something truly delicious. Can you tell I skipped lunch?
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason I always eat before writing or editing. ^_^
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