Editing...Get out your red pens!

I am going through my first round of edits, when I can sneak a few spare moments away that is.

August is my time-suck month of the year.  I have been two three birthday parties, two weddings, two sides of family visiting, and managed to run away from it all for one night out with friends.

A very dear and patient friend has sent me back my first ever editing suggestions.  She sent encouragements along with the suggestions and I love her all the more for that.

I have strength in my voice and story ideas.  I want everyone who reads my stories to feel like they walk away having met new friends and had a hell of time going along for the ride.

I have EPIC fun when I write.  The thing that I really find magical about putting words on paper, is that I get to share my joy in the journey of a book.  Now I get to polish the stones I have put along this path.  I can't wait for my first steps into the publishing world.

NOW...I need to get off the internet...get off my butt...and get to work making my dream job a reality. :D

Roxy

Panera's Mystical Powers

My local Panera Bread is magic.  I am not talking about their yummo smoothies either.  My local Panera is where my brain keeps my stories locked away.

I may be getting superstitious.  Every time I head out to the restaurant I find a certain parking spot open. I go in and grab my cup of coffee, hijack my favorite mini booth and the words just flow.  Even if I am only there an hour, I am guaranteed at least 1500 words by the time I leave.  Give me a couple hours and it really gets going.

When I am struggling with a plot point, something about a little nutmeg and cinnamon sprinkled in a fresh cup of coffee lets it all finally come together.  I have nearly spilled coffee on myself multiple times, bouncing up and down in the pleather chair yelling "oooh oooh!" and mentally high-fiving myself for the brilliance that comes with a side of bagel and cream cheese.

Am I the only one who works better outside of my house?  Or do I just need to clear the clutter out of my brain?

Who cares why it works?  I am in the mood for a cobblestone muffin and some killer word count.

Lazy Days

There is something about a sleeping dog that just makes me want to cuddle up and nap too.

This week wore me out.  I should be writing.  Book 3 of the trilogy I am working on should be under my fingers right now. Or I could be working my way through mount washmore and folding all that laundry. I could even be cleaning dishes.  

But my pup and I are cuddled up.  Maybe I will snuggle just a few more minutes.  Just a few more.

Adventures in Word Procesing

I am working on figuring out how to use Scrivener today.  With another round of NaNoWriMo beginning August 1st, I figured it would be a great time to see how this program works, and if it would be beneficial to me.  I have learned one thing already...I am technologically inept.  *sigh*

I remember the good old days when Microsoft would give you a copy of Office with every computer.  And no, I don't mean those stinking trial versions that go away after a month of use.  Being that I have yet to sell one of my manuscripts, to say that money is a little snug...well that would be like me trying to squeeze these German thighs into a size 2.

I can't swing for the full program just yet.  So I am trying out the alternatives.

I have been using Open Office for some time now.  Open Office is a free download that can be used in many ways like Microsoft Office.  My main complaint...NOBODY ELSE USES IT!  In order for anyone to read what I have been plugging away at, I have to convert to a .doc file.  When this happens I end up with formatting issues, funky files that don't want to open without a lot of effort, and me being irritated when it decides to crash.  Oh and crash it does.  I worked for an hour doing a simple spell-check.  Change word...save...crash.  Change word...CRASH...curse.  Repeat.

That's when I started looking for alternatives.  I have heard a bit of buzz for the Scrivener program, and it looks interesting, so I will give you a bit of a review when I get further into it.  Right now, I have my title page...even though it says "Untitled" at the moment...and a few character profiles with the opening lines and outline for chapter 1.

What do I like so far?

The quick reference to character information.  I have been taking notes on a small notepad to keep my character info straight.  This program allows me to see on a virtual pin board exactly what I need to know about the people in my story, and as more details reveal themselves (or change) I can alter it easily.  I can also save inspiration pictures which means I have access to a visual model as well.  This is going to be perhaps the most helpful part, and I am excited to see how it changes my writing process.

Does anybody else use this?  Or have any other favorite programs that are budget friendly?  I'd love to hear what is on everyone's laptop.

Roxy

Hold me...

I just finished a round of edits and added chapter points to my book.  Then I did something so scary...so pulse pounding...so bite-my-nails terrifying that I am consuming beer to cope.

I sent my book to another human to read.  *runs screaming from the room*

But I have chocolate.  I have beer.  I have another book to write.  I will survive.

Maybe...

Off to chew my nails.  Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Roxy

Editing is my enemy

I have just finished ripping my story apart on paper.  I have a few small books that I have written and a lot more that I have started and stalled on.

I love the creation involved in the first draft process.  That "Aha!" moment when a key plot point explodes in my brain is a major high.  My husband often looks at me like I am crazy when I run for the notebook like it contains the last of the earth's chocolate during a PMS epidemic.  But putting those words to paper are a major high.

Then I start editing.  And I have to throw away big chunks of that "Aha!" moment because in the light of the continuity of my book, they don't work anymore.  I have a binder that is slashed apart with big cuts and rewrites, where I swear I must have been falling asleep at the computer.

But the best part of tearing apart this book is it lead me to a major plot point struggle I was having with the final book in this novella trilogy.  I wrote it down on my big blank notebook of inspiration and just like that I am excited to get started on the next round.

So, I will continue to fight the battle of tearing this book apart.  And have a cool drink as I work through the impressive number of sex scenes I have worked into a 35k novella.  Werewolves are horny little devils. :)

Roxy

Under Contruction...Wear Protection

This is not an active blog yet.  I hope to be posting about my journey to become a published author.  Right now my words are on a thumb drive and a few are being ripped apart by myself and loved ones.  Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed for me.  I hope to be submitting stories by the end of this year.  I am working up the balls to hit that send key.  It's been difficult for me, especially since I am of the ball-free persuasion.

Roxy