This round's question comes from Cole, who asks:
Are you querying? Gearing up to go on submission? Writing? Revising? I'd love to hear what's new with you. And if you'd like to share a snippit of your WIP, even better!
What's new with me is revision on BRIAR-BOUND. Not long ago, I got editorial feedback on the story. Among the notes to consider:
- not enough time to breathe between discoveries
- too much action is in the back-story
- the starting world of the characters could be more developed
- story may be too complicated for middle grade readers
The person who (generously!) made time to reread and give notes would like to see me simplify the story and suggested the book could be cleaved into two books, with more development of the world and the stakes in each.
So...what's old is new again! I love revision because it's a mystery. Feedback notes are the clues: some will be important, won't won't matter in the end, but all should be heeded. Right now, I've split my book scenes to form two books. I'm working to ensure that each will be a complete story in its own right, and filling in scene gaps that pop up.
Then I'll synopsize the whole shamoozle to see if it still feels like my story. :)
Because everything's in a swirl--in my brain and on paper--it's tough to find a bloggable excerpt. Cole has a good one, though, so make sure you read her answer from yesterday. Then drop in on Kate tomorrow to find out what's new for her these days.
What's new for you (writing- or otherwise)?
16 ate pie:
Revisions really DO give your work new life! I LOVE that take on what most writers feel is a daunting task. Good luck on the revisions. As for me? I'm just hanging out here in limbo! ;)
I hope your revisions go well!
Yay for editor feedback! I can't wait to see wha you do with your revisions and look forward to hearing some good news from you in the near future!!! :)
I love how much you love revisions. And yay for the editor who was nice enough to give you some great suggestions. It sounds like you're on your way to something great!
Revision is a mystery. Well said. Good luck splitting one book into two - that sounds like a big job!
Amanda - Again, so coy! Hope you have news soon. :)
Sandra - Thanks!
Cole & Shaun - Yay, indeed. Let's hear it for generous editors. :)
Kate - It is a big job, but one I'm looking forward to diving into. Synopsis first.
Good luck with your revisions. It looks like you at least know what you're doing and where you're going. That's always a good place to start.
Awesome that there's an editor who's given you some time and notes. I hope it turns into something great for you!!!
I do enjoy revisions when I've got good, specific feedback. It's when I know something needs fixing but don't know what it is that drives me nuts LOL Good luck on your revisions!
That's a great way to look at revisions. I hope the story/stories become more than you expected.
Thanks, guys! I know what you mean, Michelle - sometimes finding the right answer is...a challenge. :)
That's so awesome that you were able to split your book in two. I think that would be kind of cool. Good luck with it!
Yeah, revisions can make things new again! Good luck with your project!
Bonnie - and now I'm turning all three of the trilogy into one. More on Monday...
Laura - thanks!
What an ambitious revision! Wow! Good luck! Helps that you like them too. Can't say I feel the same. :-)
Thanks, Margie!
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