at the end of the revision tunnel. I've added scenes (thereby adding about 2,500 words, yikes) and am in the process of chopping scenes. I think it will end up about 93,000 words, in keeping with the length of previous versions.
One thing I thought was interesting is that my husband has a hard time anticipating my work schedule. I'll work all day and into the evening for several days in a row, and then set everything aside and say, "Let's go do something fun! Anything but think about this book."
From the outside, it probably does look like a bit manic, but for me it's just part of the process. A period of needing to work intensively so that everything stays in my head is always followed by some time where I work on another project or do something completely unconnected to this project. This lets me go back to the original project with the proper detachment, so I can see all the flaws (and even fall in love with it all over again).
As a bonus, here's a link to an excellent post by Roni Loren on how to identify and avoid author intrusion.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I'm totally doing that as well. I have to take mental breaks that sometimes last a couple of days. Like the advice you gave me about my query letter writing. I've been walking away, taking lots of hot baths and reading. Then I go back to it and BAM a stroke of genius hits me.
yay for the end of revisions! I still have 5K to cut, but man does it take forever!!
Glad it helped, Melanie! It seems so counterintuitive, but it actually lets your intuition speak up and be heard.
And thanks for the encouragement, Angie.
Post a Comment