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Phew, Tuesday already. So I'm still on my editing binge rather than a writing one but that's okay because it's gotta be done, right? It's a much slower process for me than the first draft, mostly because I suspect I may be overindulging my inner nitpicker. I'm still feeling pretty good despite the cringe factor in some of that early work. Plus that cringe factor is heartening because (I choose to interpret that) it means I've improved since I first started out. That's not to say I'm perfect now but the fact I'm getting better can only be a good thing. I'm still having fun, I still like the story and for the moment that's what's most important to me. Shallow but true.

I hope everyone else has had a great week.

 

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Nothing shallow about liking your own story. Without it, you're doomed! So enjoy yourself. I've had a reasonable week although my sons are back at school and straight into Year 12 exams so I feel distracted slightly. Nevertheless I'm hitting my DWC and have been able to adjust it down because I've got ahead of the equation. I probably won't change how many words I write now but I still get a sick pleasure in knowing I'm ahead of my own fabulous sums - a bit like a swimmer ahead of that invisible to them but invisible red line we see when they're about to break a world record. 50,000 words to go. Feels great when only a couple of months ago I was staring at triple that. I have no idea how this tale will resolve itself. I'm just writng and hoping but that's my way and I don't plan to tamper with what comes naturally. Hope everyone's had a good week. I'm off now to spend some time with the family and to watch Gordon Ramsay!

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Hi Marelle... I'm glad to hear you had a good week, and the editing is going well for you. It makes it easier when you like the story to read over it doesn't it. I'm liking some of my characters that are about to die soon.... I might even cry writing those parts....sniff, sniff.) I'm trying not to go over what I have written so far too much. I have a tendancy to go back and detail parts, which makes the moving on process slower. I did 5,000 words this week despite adding some more to parts I did almost a month ago. Its weird when I read over those parts. I think at times."Did I write that!..."  It's like looking at someone elses writing. Well back to writing some more of the story, I have a long way to go before I'm up to doing an edit. Its motivating coming in here. Cheers Ebony

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"I don't have your eyes...but I have your way of looking at things..."

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I agree on the motivation part Ebony. I've found this board has been a huge help. And I can sympathise on the doomed character thing. I had one I really loved who just had to die. Even now when I'm editing parts she was in I keep thinking, oh maybe I can just tweak it so you don't die... I have to be heartless though.

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Morning all!

I've had a shocker of a week, I'm afraid.  Not much writing because of too much work stress - bringing work home with me every night is not helping me get my novel written.  It's going to be nasty until at least the end of June.

I think I'm going to have to change my writing strategy and start writing first thing in the morning because I'm not getting anything done at night. When I do get the time to sit and write I stare at a blank page because I'm just too tired to concentrate.  It'll be a strange experience writing in the morning because I'm more a night owl.

I also find this bb an extremely helpful and supportive place to come.

Md

 

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Sorry to hear you're having a rough time of it Merryd. I hope the change works out well for you. Best of luck for the coming week.

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Merryd I have always found around sunrise to be a productive time, so it sounds like a great idea... I'd love to work at that time of the morning.(Baby would hear me typing and decide to wake up..Agghh!!!) I hope it improves soon for you at work. I used to write in a note book at lunch time to take my mind off work for half an hour at least. Clears the mind... (It was a job that I had to work long hours.) Then I'd type it up at night. I still do that and I'm at home now! LOL Anyway all the best for the next week, I hope you find time for yourself.

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"I don't have your eyes...but I have your way of looking at things..."

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Aw, shucks... thanks for all the support, guys.  I feel very undeserving of it...

I know that work is not slowing up and that my creative writing will have to take a bit of a backseat for the time being.

Normally I'm pretty useless first thing in the morning - at least till I get my first coffee in.  But, I need to at least give it a try.  I also used to take my notebook into work and try to get a bit done through lunch, but people kept interrupting (this can be despite closing the office door and/or jamming in the earphones).  Unfortunately, we don't have any nice cafes around where I could go and have some uninterrupted creative time.  So, it's back to trying mornings.

Mdx

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Merryd, put a notice on your door. FRUSTRATED WRITER AT WORK - PLEASE LEAVE ALONE! THIS IS MY LUNCH HOUR - PLEASE RESPECT IT! I NEED SOME TIME ALONE HAVING A BREAKDOWN - PLEASE TIPTOE BY WITHOUT OPENING DOOR OPEN THIS DOOR AND SOMEONE'S HEAD IS GOING TO ROLL BACK OFF! I COULD SUGGEST A VARIATION ON THAT PREVIOUS ONE.... Try it, you'll make people laugh but they'll get the message. Good luck. F

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Lol - I love it! 

Thanks, Fiona.

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I want a sign like that for my door! Not that anyone's brave enough to disturb my "me-time" anyway.

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Sorry I'm super late this week, but what else is new right!

Merryd first - Good luck with the morning thing, at least you're still trying to fit your writing into your hectice work schedule, that in itself needs applauding.  I hope all goes well and you get your writing back on track.

Marelle, like you I'm editing and I'm liking what I'm reading! Super surprising to me because by the time I got to the end of my story I was thinking 'have I just waffled my way through 80,000 words?'  With the added bonus of knowing I have to try and keep kids enthralled with my story I wasn't looking forward to reading it again.  But knock me down with a feather, it's good stuff! And now I feel all embarassed about blowing my own trumpet! 

Should have the edit finished by the end of the weekend, fingers crossed.  Going to a writers meeting on 10th May so will speak to the Perth rep and find out about agents etc, I'm taking your advice on that one Fiona and checking out agents as well as reputable manuscript analysis professionals (someone give me a nickname for these guys please!).  Then I guess I'll start book two, itching to start now to be honest, ever since I wrote up the overview, but need to tie this first one up if I can.

Question time again Fiona! - With your first trilogy, did you write all three first before approaching an agent?  Was thinking maybe I should write the three other stories that accompany this one before attempting to publish?

And lastly Ebonyswanne, I had a habit of going back over my work and detailing and putting in red font for add ins.  I know some might poo poo the idea but I've found it so much easier to edit because of that.  I guess every writer finds their own pattern and what works for them.  That's what makes us all so special!

Happy writing all, catch ya next week!

Claire