WIP Wednesday

Well, I've taken a much needed break (and in truth I'm not sure I could have avoided it anyway since I've been insanely busy) and I'm gearing up for revisions on The Picture. It's much worse off than I originally believed. I received a rejection from an agent who suggested that it was too short to stand alone as a single-title. Apparently single titles range from 80-100K. My WIP? It's standing at 45K. I've got to double the thing. It's going to be difficult but I've pinpointed some major areas that can be worked on and I've gotten some really awesome feedback from my crit partners.

I also need to research first person more. I need Nicholas to come alive somehow since we're not in his head. Or maybe I should add his POV in third person as a crit partner suggested. Has anyone ever seen that done? I haven't but if it's out there, I'll certainly give it a shot. That would add some serious depth to my story, not to mention some word count!

I have several beta readers waiting on it and I gave them a June 1 read date. I've been tinkering with the idea of leaving it alone for more than just this month. As in, possibly months or even until I'm done with my next MS. But when I think about how I do that with ALL of my books and now have about 5 complete Ms's waiting on revisions, I've decided it's time to grab the bull by the horns and not run from the unknown. I'm going to edit this MS to death until it shines like a new penny.

And you know what? I'm going to do it in a month! June 1st, people. My beta readers are going to have it in their hands by June 1. I'm limiting myself a 6 month time frame on this one!

I hope to have an excert for you all to read soon!

Monday April 6th, 2009

Dear Writer,

I have two little words just for you and I think they speak for themselves.

The. End.

Love,
The Muse

WIP Wednesday: April 1, 2009

Dear Writer,


I'm happy to say I finished TWO chapters this week, Chapters 13 and 14. They're almost ready for critique. I was so excited that I did this because in case you haven't noticed, I've been in a rut lately.

But we got some good stuff in this week. Over all I'm pleased and I think you are, too. We even started Chapter 15 last night. Only THREE more to go! If we can get on a roll, we'll be finished in no time! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Unfortunately, I overheard you talking and know you not only have a girls night in (watching Twilight, no less) on Friday and a yard sale on Saturday. So I know I'm going to have to cool my jets until you've got a little time for me.

My feelings are just hurt that you didn't invite me to the twilight party. No, don't try to make up for it now. I get it. You just use me when it's convenient for you...

The Muse

Take out your wallets....

Dear Reader:

Today my closest e-friend and fellow crit partners romantic comedy, A Role of a Lifetime, came out in print. You can buy it HERE today!!! Let's congratulate Jennifer in the best way ever for a writer...AWESOME SALES!

Congrats, Jennifer, I always knew it would happen for you!

Sincerely,
The Writer

Take THAT Muse!

Dear Muse,

Yeah, I whipped you into shape today, huh? I sat down and said, "I'm going to write whether you like it or not!" And guess what? It happened! We started and finished chapter 13!!! In two hours no less!

I'm so very pleased with how it turned out. I knew I...ahem we could do it! Can I be so bold to hope that we can finish up 14 by next week, so I can report some super progress on Wednesday?

The Writer

WIP Wednesday

Dear Muse,

So on this Work in Progress Wednesday, I'm SUPPOSED to have some PROGRESS to report. Quite frankly, it's getting embarrassing.  Is this what you would call writers block?  Because whatever it is stinks!  We haven't written in over two weeks.

I know you'll argue I haven't been home much lately, but whenever I think about my WIP, I feel like a brick wall goes up.  I guess I just need to plant myself in a chair and do it, whether you're cooperating or not.  Eventually you'll get tired of seeing me mess it all up and start trying to fix things, isn't that right, Muse?

And for the record, yesterday was a tease.  I can't believe you made me think we were going to write.  The second I sat down, the backs of my eyelids were calling much louder than you were.  So they won.

So how about it?  Give me a little something to report for next week, eh?

Sincerely,

The Writer

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Dear Writer,

I'm gearing up.  I know you can feel it.  Perhaps we'll try to get something done during the kid's naptime today?  Which is in approximately 20 minutes...maybe sooner if they don't give up the whining.

Now go take some motrin for this headache so we can make some progress...

The Muse