Getting Into My Character's Skin

I've been reading this past week on how to revise/edit your novel. One book suggested taking a break from it for three weeks, so that's what I'm trying to do. You aren't supposed to even think about it, which I'm finding hard to do. I find myself taking notes of the things that I need to focus on, change, or improve once I get back to it again.

In between my reading of how to edit, I also have picked up a couple fiction books to read - partly for pleasure, and also for research. I find it hard to read a book without trying to analyze how the author successfully draws the reader's attention. My most recent area of concentration is how the writer gets inside their character's skin, making each one different from each other. I ask myself whether or not I've been successful pulling this off as well.

At least I find myself with a lot of food for thought before I start rewriting, editing, tweaking, etc. I think it will take a while to work through the process, but I think I'm up for the challenge.

It's Finished!!!

After seven months of writing, the rough draft of my Christian historical romance is completed. A total of 88,000 words, 33 chapters, 339 pages. I pushed myself hard to finish it yesterday. Taking a few days off to rest my shoulder before starting on edits next week. Looking forward to a little time off, before back to work again.

I was blessed this morning to have the spark of another idea for the next book in the series....

The End's In Sight

It's been a busy few days with writing projects and looming deadlines. I managed to get all my assignments submitted on time - book review, writing assignment and magazine article. In between I've even been able to squeeze in time for my novel writing too. It was a good writing day with almost a whole chapter accomplished. Which means I'm down to my last chapter and a half to complete. I can hardly believe the end is in sight. There's a good chance I'll be able to finish it tomorrow or Thursday.

A year ago today I started on a spiritual journey. It was the beginning of a new path and direction for my life. It's been such a joy to walk in the calling God has given me. I'm excited about where He has me and where I'm going. I've had so much fun working on this novel.

Counting Down

I can't believe I've written over 75,500 words on my novel already. Five more chapters remain, which equates to 12,500 words to go. When it's finished it will likely be around 88,00 words - 33 chapters and roughly 330 pages. Ten more days of active writing should have me typing 'The End." Can't wait.....

Busy Week

It's another week of deadlines for me. I'll be finding myself often at the keyboard this week as I work on writing a homeschool article which is due on Tuesday. I have a writing lesson due on Sunday. On Saturday I need to post a book blog review and write it! :) Then there is the continual goal of writing 1200 words on my novel each day.

When I discussed my shoulder issues with my physical therapist this morning, she suggested I simply stop writing, and that would help to solve my problems. I realized this is something I'm unable to do. Writing has become a vital part of me and who I am. It's a calling I've put off through the years, but has now taken a hold of me and there's no going back! :) What a joy to walk in the area God has gifted me.

Less Than Three Weeks

I admit I'm a mix of excitement, fear, trepidation and joy to realize that if all goes according to plan, I should have a completed manuscript for my Christian historical romance within three weeks. I've learned a lot in the process, and I'm sure I have a whole lot more lessons to discover along the pathway to publication.

For now, I'm thankful for the journey and path God has placed me on a year ago. I find such joy in using the gift God has given me.

Plugging Along

I had high hopes for the week with a goal of 7200 words. Many changes of plans have occurred along the way. Our schedule has been busy with physical therapy three times a week, as well as other appointments thrown in from time to time. The week started out crazy with having my eyes dilated and not being able to see clearly the rest of the day - definitely not able to read a computer screen to work on my novel.

Then a wrinkle occurred while writing my novel - knowing where I want to head, but not sure which path to take. It meant stepping back from the writing process to look more into my research and consulting my buddies through 19th Century Writers for help with specifics for historical writing and time period questions. I'm satisfied with the decision I made, but it will require some minor tweaking of dates within my manuscript to keep consistent with actual history. I'm a stickler for keeping things as accurate as possible. I decided to cut myself some slack, and even allow myself to change the birth date of my main character.

Even though I've only written about 200 words this week, I do feel satisfied with the progress I've made, even though most has been minor details that only I would notice. I feel encouraged as I have the next two days to pound out words on my keyboard. I also managed to complete my writing assignment which is due tomorrow. Whew! Now I can concentrate on what matters most to me - getting my novel completed.