I haven’t blogged much about writing these last few (several?) weeks.
Mostly because I haven’t been writing. I typed “the end” on my WIP, reviewed it
a few times for plot and writing issues, sent it to my Betas for their
thoughts, then reviewed it a few more times for plot and writing issues, then
sent it to my editor for a final look-over and grammar/punctuation correction.
And while the story was in her lap, I wandered aimlessly, thought about
working on book #3, decided to not to start working on book #3, and basically
took a few weeks to “re-set” as Kristi terms it.
A couple weeks ago, I received my edits back, and dove into them. I was
pleased there were only a few issues to address, and thrilled that she
corrected all my “captains.” This story is set in a military installation, and
whether or not a person’s rank is capitalized depends on how it is used. As a
proper name? Then capitalize it (“Major General, I look forward to my next
assignment.”). As a noun? Then don’t. (The captain was ready for some R&R).
And can I make a confession here? These details fall into the “I could probably
figure this out myself, but my brain is so overwhelmed I’m going to leave it to
my Editor to fix for me” category.
I have a writer peep who would disagree with me on that philosophy,
saying that we writers are the ones who are most vested in our stories and
should therefore strive to fully understand all
the proper mechanics of writing instead of leaning on our editors to fix our
ignorance. And I agree with her in theory. However, one glance at the pile of
dirty dishes in my sink, and the truth is clear: I’m lazy. Ergo, my editor has
to fix my stuff.
But my laziness and self-indulgent ignorance aside, after fixing my
edits, I began to format my story for print and ebook. And That’s where this blog is going. I could pay someone to format my
book like I pay someone to edit, but I have the skills and software programs to
do it myself. However, as I’m doing this, I’m touching my story one last time.
And, as a writer who is always looking to improve my story and fix issues maybe
I’m the only one who even notices, I make changes.
This formatting time also becomes my “ooo, I really need to add in this
one tidbit of backstory” time. And my “this happened, but then I don’t ever
mention it again so maybe I should” time. And my “I started a want theme but then switched to a wish theme… better fix that” time. And
my….. well, you get the picture J
At this point, I feel a lot like George Lucas, always revising my work
of science fiction art to better reflect my vision. The good news is that I don’t
have a bajillion fans whose entire childhood experiences was shaped by my book
and who have to spend the money yet again
to purchase the latest and greatest version and digital format. So, if I
change a few things to make me happy, no one will be the wiser for it (and
hopefully my book will be the better for it).
But when do I throw my hands up and say “This work of art is complete”?
When do I stop fixing and tweaking those last little bitty details that no one
else will even notice? When do I hit the “publish” button on Amazon and walk
away? As a self-pubbed author, my deadlines are more fluid. Yes, I wanted this
book published early July. Yes, since I missed that deadline, I’m striving for
an August 15th date. Yes, I can move that date just as easily to
another, later date. Like trying to move the football down the field but never
quite reaching the goalpost. When do I decide to just punt?
This is one of the challenges we authors face. When to stop writing and
send our babies out into the cruel world. Fear can keep us ever-tweaking and
never-publishing our stories. Our need for perfection can keep us from typing “the
end, and I really mean it this time.” Or, maybe we just have to wait for the
muse to push us to that final step like we waited for her to inspire us through
the story in the first place.
For me, this one will be easy. I’m ready for it to be finished. I feel confident
about it. I think it’s as good as I can produce at this point in my writing
career. As the beginning of school looms near and I’m ready to send the kiddos
into their new adventure of a new teacher and new classmates, I’m also ready to
send my book on its own new adventure.
Finally… because I have dirty dishes to do!
A great post. Sounds like you're working your way to an answer to one of those questions we all keep asking!
ReplyDeleteYep! Right after I make one more change! ;-)
DeleteYou're there, baby! Can't wait to order the new book! So proud of you and all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had too much trouble with that (yet). Generally there comes a moment when I'm just so sick of the manuscript, I want to send it in and be done with it. Of course, by that point I've gone over it well over a dozen times ... and even then it seems like there's always a handful of corrections to make later on, before it hits print.
ReplyDelete