New Insights

It's been a busy month with editing my Christian historical romance I've written. I'm about half way through the process, although sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be at a stopping place. There always seems to be one more word or scene to tweak and improve. Such is the life of a writer I suppose. :)

This month I participated on an on-line course through ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers, on deep POV - point of view. I found it to be an insightful and informative class and enjoyed the personal feedback from the instructor. I've learned a lot through the course, as well as from other Christian writers. I now have a better understanding of character arcs and passive vs. active verbs. I love to learn more things about writing and how to become a better writer.

Plugging Along

I've managed to work on six chapters of editing thus far. My goal is five - six chapters per week, which will take about six weeks to complete. I'm pleased with how things are going despite a slight setback with my shoulder on Monday and some continuing sciatic nerve issues. I have ice on my shoulder at the moment, and soon need a break from my computer chair! :)

I find the editing process challenging. It's difficult to see past when I know what's going to happen, to examine each individual sentence for its quality. I'm learning to have more of a critical eye, but it definitely is an acquired trait. It's taking training to discern some of the errors. I'm thankful and blessed to have some critique partners who are helping me.

Observations

I started a new book this afternoon I had picked up from the library. It's called A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan. I was struck by two things within reading a few pages. Some authors have a definite knack of pulling you into the story by the words they weave. They allow you to take a small glimpse into a character's life. I can't help but feel Jesus often did this when he was teaching/preaching to the crowds. He wove a story, causing listeners to make a decision - to stay on the path they were on, or chose to follow Him.

The other observation wasn't quite so deep.:) Kathleen Morgan named one of her characters Cord. It immediately struck me as a strong masculine name. It's funny how some names make you think of something right away. This name had to belong to a cowboy wearing a stetson.

Plethora of Ideas

I find my edits for my historical novel have been SLOW. I don't know if it's a matter of getting my brain into rewrite/edit mode or what. But when it comes to coming up with creative ideas for additional books, I have a plethora. I already have come up with three different story ideas for my lighthouse series. Now my newest brainstorm involves a set of three books about different mail-order bride situations. Now the decision of what to work on and what to put aside until later.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Well, after a lot of procrastination, heel dragging, overcoming fear, you name it, I finally have edited my first chapter of my novel and send it to my critique partners. I've never been a nail biter, so I guess I'll be sitting here with baited breath (whoever came up with that term anyway?), waiting to hear what they have to say, and what suggestions and corrections they come up with for me. Too bad I don't have a published author in my pocket, chomping at the bit to help. :)

Each step takes me one step closer to publication, right?! :)

What's In Your Book Pile?

All right, perhaps you have a book case instead of a pile of books on your waiting to be read list. For me, there are the overflowing bookshelves as well as a pile or two of books. My current readings include Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson. I'm reading on PC kindle, Writing Fiction for All You're Worth: Strategies and Techniques for Taking Your Fiction to the Next Level by James Scott Bell. Arriving in the mail yesterday was Hearts West: True Stories of Mail-Order Brides on the Frontier by Chris Enss and Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go by Les Edgerton.

These are just a few of the books on my reading list for the summer. What are you reading?

Slow Start

It's been a slow start with my edits, although I feel I'm making headway even though there isn't much to show for it as of yet. I've been doing a lot of reading of historical fiction lately and trying to identify what works and what doesn't. I also have been doing a bit of praying before I get real in depth with my rewriting, asking for God's guidance as I work on fixing and improving things.

The other thing I've been doing is reading an ebook on writing, as well as taking a course on POV - point of view, hoping to glean further insights into the world of writing. In fact, two writing books arrived in the mail today. Now I need more time to be able to read and edit! :)