Well, it's been 130 weeks since I started rewriting my novel (again). Based on ten critiques, I had decided it needed major work. So where am I now? I have 94k plus words and I am somewhere between chapter 18 and 21 (24 total). Two of my supporting characters, Eric and Meagan, needed a redo, that is, their romance needed to be reinstated. I sometimes laugh about this. I actually deleted Meagan from the story in the beginning when her romance with Eric started to dominate the story. So here I am, working everything back in, but with a full understanding (now) that their story is relevant to my main character's development. Does that ever happen to you...where you delete a character and then have to work he or she back in? My goal is to finish the manuscript by June, but with family activity and summer coming, I'm not sure how that's going to work. One step at a time....one step at a time. Progress is progress, I keep telling myself. I'll dive in like I always do. Gardening has taken over: Yesterday I gardened nearly eight hours. Now don't me wrong....I actually love gardening. It is my other place to unwind and where creativity takes a different turn. Sometimes I feel like an artist with my pallet. What would look good in that spot? A small tree or a hedge, flowers? I have a fairly new yard, so it's been fun having bare soil to work with...all since 2008. And then there was the grow light experiment. Remember that? Wonderful news....the seeds grew! Sure hope the neighbors love squash and tomatoes!
Books to read: More to read than a sane person should tackle, but I love to read, so what else can I do? Some I am reviewing and need to take notes. I'll fit it in somehow.
Helping family: My mother recently moved into an apartment but her old house is still being sold. I have made three trips in the last few weeks (5 hours away) trying to help. Now an unexpected crisis with social security has arisen--an overpayment of some sort. Eeeh....as if she didn't have enough to worry about on a limited income.....now this? Okay, deep breath, deep breath. I do like others I know. I help, I wrestle the problem to death, and pray.
Travel plans: Many this year! Sometime in June and July my husband and I plan to travel to Utah and California to see our children and grandchildren. Then comes a wedding this fall in Hawaii. Ooh...that sounds nice...have never been there before.
So how about you this beautiful Monday morning? It's sunshine and mostly blue sky in eastern Washington today. Have you had a good week?
Copyright 2013 © Sharon Himsl
Wow 8 hours in the garden. I'm glad you enjoy it. I keep thinking I need to try my hand a planting a few vegies.
ReplyDeleteOh so easy...try tomatoes when the weather warms:)
DeleteSharon, you are so busy, how in the world do you find time to work on your book? I never garden but really love to see beautiful gardens. You will love Hawaii and the gorgeous gardens in Kauai, if you go to that island. All the best and happy travels!
ReplyDeleteMary Montague Sikes
Thanks! Not sure where yet in Hawaii...just know we're going.
DeleteHi Sharon, stopping by from Margo's blog. I've revised my novel so many times I should have ten books! Keep going you'll get there, ( I say this to myself, too). Sounds like you're on 'write' track ;)
ReplyDeleteEncouraging. I've made peace with being a 'tortoise'...just want to get there someday soon.
DeleteHi, I thought I was busy. Sounds great though about your garden. I loved gardening too. Pictures of your pretty plants? Glad you are getting time writing. I need to get back on my book too. It was a goal this month before I found out about needing all those iron infusions. Oh well, June is coming. Next week might be my last treatment and I will feel better. Positive thinking is what you inspired in me today. Thanks. Our Monday is gorgeous in South Carolina. Beautiful and birds of all colors are visiting my feeder. Got to run. :) Mary
ReplyDeletePictures coming eventually when things grow a bit. Sorry to hear about the setback and the iron infusions. Hope that goes well for you. Stay positive, okay?
Delete8 hours in the garden? Yikes. I'd be as red as a lobster and unable to move. (I'm never, ever getting that sunburned again!)
ReplyDeleteCan't say I've ever deleted a character that I had to put back in, but I have deleted scenes that I later discovered I could rework and use. (Good thing I keep most deleted scenes on the computer in a different file.)
Hi. I was pretty stiff the next day. I was digging up grass and preparing a new garden bed, but finished and did some plantings too.
Delete(I lost a lot text in the original draft, but it needed to be rewritten anyway. Definitely will do things differently next book).
That sounds like a major rewrite! But if it is necessary, then it is. If you're 'happy in your heart' (love that expression) then it is best. Odd how we have strength to do some truly exhausting tings!
ReplyDeleteI am certain it will very good!
Diana at About myself, by myself…
True...sometimes you gotta do it and we find the energy!
DeleteWe're definitely two peas in a pod, Sharon: I LOVE gardening! I'm so glad your grow lights worked! I ended up buying some starts from the store, and they're doing well in the neighbor's garden patch. We worked out a great deal where I cleaned out the garden and prepped it, and they let me have lots of space. South-facing, too! I'm super excited. My little sister has some great squash recipes, and I know I'll need them this year. I'll send some your way, too!
ReplyDeleteI think your attitude about working on your novel is terrific. Not everyone could maintain such a positive attitude when rewriting (I'm thinking of myself, here--I need a major kick in the pants!). I've never had to put a character back into a story, but I often have to combine characters. In fact, I'm considering doing that, now! :)
Enjoy your garden, your writing, and your TRAVEL! Hawaii! How fun. I've never been, either. Enjoy it!
I know, we have both said this before, haven't we? I'm looking forward to sharing some of my veggies with you, but sounds as if you might have a bumper crop too. Keep plugging ahead on your book, Kim. You'll get there, too!!
DeleteHi! Great weekly recap. I loved reading your readers' responses--it's nice to know other people have rewritten manuscripts as often as you and I have. Eventually, we'll all reach a point where we'll understand novel-writing enough that our drafts won't need so many rewrites, and won't that be wonderful. We're back from a 3-day weekend in Anacortes, and I'm eager to look at my manuscript again.
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy. Welcome back! It IS encouraging to hear others share their experiences. It doesn't feel as lonely. I know we will get there, and I don't think it will be too long either. We both have good stories! Keep tweaking yours...you are oh so close!!
ReplyDeleteI don't even count my novel rewrites anymore. But everytime they get better, right? Glad you're having fun in your garden. I'm going to be heading out there tomorrow. And all that traveling sounds like fun, espcially Hawaii. Remember to take lots of pictures ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm at that point, too with rewrites, but I think I'm close this time. Hoping anyway. Have fun gardening.
DeleteI hope everything works out with your mom. I helped my mom move into a smaller place last year, and I don't envy all of the work you have ahead of you. Good luck with your manuscript!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks! SS has decide to not charge her....I have no idea why, but thankful nonetheless!
DeleteSounds like you have a nice balance in your life. Good luck with the rewrite. 94K words? Probably enough, isn't it? Time for chop! Chop!Tighten and tone.
ReplyDeleteAlways trying.....balance really is key.
DeleteWord counts vary a lot in YA novels, but you're right, it is on the high side. Right now, not sure where I would chop. It's a mystery adventure, and a sequel is possible.
Good luck with the revisions! I think that's the hardest part of writing!
ReplyDeleteI bet your garden looks beautiful! I wish I had that much time to spend in my garden!
Thanks, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rewrite. I'm just beginning the process.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally. Every step is important in the process!!
DeleteYou are doing better than I am. I don't even have a first draft yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my Wordless Wed.
Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
Hi Rhonda. Keep at it and you will someday!
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