A Different Approach

If you're a writer, you've probably heard the phrase, "Just write; editing comes later."  It's very good advice, but I'm abandoning it for my latest endeavor.  Before you gasp, I will say that I do not recommend this for new writers.  New writers shouldn't second guess themselves every step of the way.  New writers should write and practice writing.  Editing can come later.

While I only have two works published, I'm not a new writer.  I'm working on my eighth novel.  None of my novels have been published, because I get hung up on the editing process.  I'm so excited about writing the story, and I write my book in less than two months.  Then I hit the wall.

My wall is editing.  It's so giant that I can't see a way to climb it, let alone figure out how to get to the other side. So I've decided that my wall needs a door.

I am abandoning the really good advice that got me to seven novels in the first place.  After writing a chapter, I'm going to edit it to make it the best chapter it can be. I'm crazy, right?

My new approach to writing:

• Outline the whole book. My outlines are super long.  They have some choppy dialogue, description as it comes to me, random notes, and whatever pops in my head.  I might have a 600 word outline for a 3,000 word chapter. My outlines, in essence, are the first draft of a story.  It's easy to add and subtract things in this state because the writing doesn't have finesse yet.  It's also allows me to developmentally review my book before I really start writing.
• Write a chapter.  I need to slow down while I write and take time to imagine each scene. I'm especially having trouble with this piece, since world building is a massive part of my story.  But the next step should also help with this.
• Edit the chapter.  This will happen two to four times.  
• First pass: Check the description and the character development. Are things unfolding the way they need to be?  Is the pacing for this chapter good?  
• Second pass: Grammar, sentence structure, tightening paragraphs.  Is there a better way to say something?  Are the emotions coming out okay?  
• Third pass: Another line editing pass.  
• Fourth pass: Proofreading / last minute fixes.
• Write the next chapter.

When I finish, my book should almost be done.  I'll do one last pass on the whole book before sending it off to my proofreaders.

Editing my own work has always been a headache and hangup for me.  I like to reward myself for editing, so I end up playing a tons of video games when I could be writing.

My new reward system will be: "Once you finish editing this chapter, you get to write the next one."

Writing, something I love, will get me through editing, something I struggle with. I should mention, while I struggle with my own editing, I love editing for my clients.

I'll be sure to blog with an update of how this is working for me!  So far, I really like this idea in theory... now to test it.

Craving the Cold

While the rest of the world is dealing with a winter wonderland version of Dante's Inferno, I've been staring at dead leaves, dirt, and a heck of a lot of brown.  Living in New England proved to be hard from the lack of sun during the winter.  Living in Southern California is more difficult because of the lack of change.

Months run together because last month was no different than this month, and next month won't be different from this.  The only change is the intense heat of the summer, and that's unpleasant. Yesterday, there was a 90% chance that we would get a thunderstorm.

90% of a thunderstorm turned into a sprinkle that lasted an hour.  We got some beautiful clouds, but they refused to pour.

I think most writers and readers can agree that there's nothing better than curling up with a good book, cocoa, and a warm blanket in the cold of winter.  Or lighting a fire and reading by the flickering flames.  Maybe I'm a romantic, but I miss it.

Our next house must have a fireplace.  It must also have an elaborate system of bookshelves to house the hundreds of books I've acquired.  A reading nook and writing table would be preferred too. 

Sometimes these little things seem so impossible that it hurts to dream.  But we'll get there, I know we will.

I'll continue to dream, to strive, to hope, because one day it will pay off.  It's my tenacious nature that keeps me going, even on days I don't feel like it.  This pent up energy I have is best used for creativity.  Either I'll start on my new writing project earlier than expected, or I'll do some much needed painting.

Thanks for listening, dear readers.  My next update will house something writing related and will be good news, this I promise you.

Giveaway Winners and Update

Congratulations to the two winners, Jessica and Pearl!  I've already been in touch with both of you, and I must say - I've never been so excited about a giveaway before.  I don't know why, but this one just felt better than my previous ones.  I have you guys to thank, of course, for all the entries!

I wanted to take a second to make an update on The Collapse (Hipstopia's sequel)!  I am twenty-one chapters in to edit number three, which means I have seven chapters away from giving a copy to my developmental editors.

That means, I am totally on track to publish by May!

Also, I agreed to do a developmental / line editing exchange with one of my fellow authors (RJ Blain).  Not only is she an amazing developmental editor, but she's an awesome story teller herself.  She's going to whip me into shape with The Unanswerable, which means I will be well on my way to getting that published by the time she's done with it.

Seriously, the girl's amazing.

So congratulations again to our winners! Check back for more information on The Collapse and occasional teasers!  And remember, you can buy Hipstopia and My Summer Vacation by Terrance Wade on amazon!

No Strings Attached Giveaway (and Hop)

I love being part of the No Strings Attached giveaway hop because it gives me a chance to give back to you, readers, without any stipulations.

One winner will receive one paperback copy of My Summer Vacation by Terrance Wade and one paperback copy of Hipstopia, the first in the YA satirical dystopian duet, The Uprising.

The second winner will receive an ebook copy of both of the books.  This giveaway is only open to United States residents.

Please visit I'm a Reader, Not a Writer for the full list of people participating in this hop!

My Summer Vacation by Terrance Wade - Children's Adventure / Adult Comedy
When Terrance's mother comes in through the window, she says, "Terrance, your dad doesn’t want me to show you the world. But we’re going – tonight, now." With that, she scoops him up and rushes from the house. Terrance, a naive yet astute 7-year-old, is kidnapped by his mother. Told from his perspective, Terrance believes he's on an adventure to save the world in this short, witty novelette.

Hipstopia - YA Satirical Dystopian
It's been three years since Murphy led the Hipster uprising. For three years, Jay has been by his side. All that's about to change. It starts with the beautifully intense Prisoner Forty-Seven... and a loaded gun.

If you want to purchase either of these books now - you can click on the pictures!

Use the rafflecopter below to enter to win one of these prize packs! I will e-mail the winner soon after the giveaway ends.  If I don't hear from you within a week from sending the initial email, your prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Collapse (Hipstopia's sequel) Playlist and Updates!

I finished the first edit of The Collapse (The Uprising #2), the sequel to Hipstopia.  I am quite pleased with the results of the first edit.  I added 4,000 words, established more tension, filled out some characters who had previously been lacking.

Something that I've always wanted to do was create a playlist for a book.  I write to music.  Music creates a certain mood that I would have trouble emulating otherwise, and I think each list of songs speaks volumes about the characters.  They are such polar opposites in feel and style - much like the characters themselves.

Murphy
Hate Dept. "New Son Army"
Hate Dept. "Hard Times"
Pigface "Insect / Suspect"
Filter "The Inevitable Relapse" (Clayton Worbeck Mix)
UNKLE "Ghosts"
UNKLE featuring Gavin Clark "Blade in the Back"

Jason (Jay)
Miike Snow "Animal"
Slighter "Stood Still"
The Neighbourhood "Sweater Weather"
Broken Bells "October"
Bonobo "Cirrus"
The Naked And Famous "The Sun"
Passion Pit "Take a Walk"
Radical Face "Welcome Home"

Murphy's music is raw, powerful, and angry - just like him.  Jason's music is pensive and melodic with just a little bit of bounce.  I encourage you guys to check out some of these songs!  Go on, you might find your next favorite.