“Goals are dreams with deadlines.”
~Diana Scharf Hunt
This morning I sat for my son’s pre-school orientation.
It was the fifth time I’d seen the show.
Last year was the fourth, which is really where this post gets started.
Mia had started Kindergarten a week earlier, and I’d just written her little cupcake of a chapter book. The only thing I’d laid down besides, was a short story, which I’ve no problem admitting was a spectacular embarrassment to the tongue.
As I sat, trying to remember how things were worded differently the year before, my mind moved to my mental manuscript, and then began to tinker.
I removed the notebook and pen I happened to have in my lap (a staple now, but a whim that day) and started to scribble the prologue to what would, later that evening, become the first few pages of my novel.
I’ve been thinking about the novel a lot. Mostly because that’s what I do when I’m in no way touching it.
It’s true, I’m embarrassed to admit, but I haven’t worked on it in…. oh… about seven weeks.
Since I started Writer Dad, that’s the direction my fingers have danced.
I was in the middle of the third draft, and just kind of left it middling. I’m tempted to put it aside, so I can write something breezy, which the novel is anything but.
There are parts that are really good, and parts that are really bad.
The problem is, I can only sporadically tell them apart.
The book has too many ideas in too little space, and I don’t quite know how to bend them around.
It was my first attempt at fiction, and I’ve learned a lot since.
There’s a marvelous gem, but it’s deep in the mine, and I’m unsure if I’m ready to dig.
Sitting in the orientation, realizing that a year had passed since I first put pen to paper for potential, it was clear that I cannot let that world born inside my head, rotate too far from its natural orbit.
There’s something else too; a steroid to these feelings.
Rita’s getting published.
That’s BIG time.
There’s been a lot of discussion about her encounter with the publisher.
I’ll say this.
Imagine we’re holding a bag of five dollar popcorn, watching that scene in the restaurant play out on the screen. The appropriate music swells the background, and everything’s twinkling and pretty.
When Rita said, “Oh, I almost forgot to give you this,” then slips the woman her manuscript, we’d feel like applauding.
She handed her words to the right person. But if they’d been lousy, Rita never would’ve had a deal.
The lesson here isn’t that publishers can be hornswaggled.
It’s that when the right person sees the right manuscript, a deal is made.
Which means it’s time for me to get to work.
Writer Dad
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About Sean Platt
I’ve been running scared of my novel for almost 2 years. Although I’ve thought out the story, I’m still scared to write it down. It’s much, much better sitting in head (at least then I don’t have to stare what the potential-terribleness of it all on paper). Someday I know I’ll have to do it…but only when I’m ready.
I’ve never felt any kind of self-awareness before the last few months. I’ve been noticing when I’m not performing my best in writing, playing games, or any other kind of thing. Then I notice after I rest a bit, it’s better. I’ve not felt that before. Perhaps you just need to rest to start seeing the lines between the good and the bad.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..I Can Tell, Tree
I’ve been running scared of my novel for almost 2 years. Although I’ve thought out the story, I’m still scared to write it down. It’s much, much better sitting in head (at least then I don’t have to stare what the potential-terribleness of it all on paper). Someday I know I’ll have to do it…but only when I’m ready.
I’ve never felt any kind of self-awareness before the last few months. I’ve been noticing when I’m not performing my best in writing, playing games, or any other kind of thing. Then I notice after I rest a bit, it’s better. I’ve not felt that before. Perhaps you just need to rest to start seeing the lines between the good and the bad.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..I Can Tell, Tree
So what is your book going to be about? Sorry, I am new to your blog and haven’t check all your posts. If it is in there can you send me the link and I will read that post?
I hope you can keep your heels down and get the book down. I am more interested in reading a book from someone that I feel I know better (your posts are personal and I like that) that from something at the book store.
Good luck!
~ Jim
So what is your book going to be about? Sorry, I am new to your blog and haven’t check all your posts. If it is in there can you send me the link and I will read that post?
I hope you can keep your heels down and get the book down. I am more interested in reading a book from someone that I feel I know better (your posts are personal and I like that) that from something at the book store.
Good luck!
~ Jim
So get yourself a deadline. That’s the bright side of nanowrimo. We somehow need somebody else to set up the deadlines for us… or so it seems.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..You can’t!
So get yourself a deadline. That’s the bright side of nanowrimo. We somehow need somebody else to set up the deadlines for us… or so it seems.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..You can’t!
What’s your approach — character-driven or story unfolding?
I once heard that Stephen King writes his story, shelves it for six months, then re-writes it. He has a pipeline though. While you’re mastering your craft, maybe the pipeline approach will serve you? (long story short, one of my mentors who’s written more than 150 books built a portfolio of results to avoid having all his eggs in one basket .)
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Social Loafing
What’s your approach — character-driven or story unfolding?
I once heard that Stephen King writes his story, shelves it for six months, then re-writes it. He has a pipeline though. While you’re mastering your craft, maybe the pipeline approach will serve you? (long story short, one of my mentors who’s written more than 150 books built a portfolio of results to avoid having all his eggs in one basket .)
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Social Loafing
Thanks for inspiring, once again. I think I’ll get my draft out from the drawer again and back on the drawing table…
But you’re way ahead, already working on your third draft. That’s an amazing learning experience, even if you’d have to start it all over from scratch.
Jarkko Laines last blog post..The 52-in-One Challenge: Write a Blog Post Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before
Thanks for inspiring, once again. I think I’ll get my draft out from the drawer again and back on the drawing table…
But you’re way ahead, already working on your third draft. That’s an amazing learning experience, even if you’d have to start it all over from scratch.
Jarkko Laines last blog post..The 52-in-One Challenge: Write a Blog Post Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before
I think you HAVE to take some time off between revisions. You need to move on to some other project and get your mind completely off of that story for some time. This allows you to come back to your manuscript with fresh eyes and read it like a fan.
I always do this between drafts and I find it really helps. When I start revising, I sit down and read the entire manuscript in one-sitting and only make quick pencil notes on it. This was I can catch some of the continuity errors and other problems easier.
So don’t worry about your break and stop thinking about your book for a moment. I’m sure it will help.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Meet The Teacher BBQ
I think you HAVE to take some time off between revisions. You need to move on to some other project and get your mind completely off of that story for some time. This allows you to come back to your manuscript with fresh eyes and read it like a fan.
I always do this between drafts and I find it really helps. When I start revising, I sit down and read the entire manuscript in one-sitting and only make quick pencil notes on it. This was I can catch some of the continuity errors and other problems easier.
So don’t worry about your break and stop thinking about your book for a moment. I’m sure it will help.
Chase Marchs last blog post..Meet The Teacher BBQ
I really enjoyed reading this, first, because we just sent our 4-year old triplets off to school this week, and so we’ve also done the interview thing times three.
And second, because I know where you are. I’m writing my book too. And it comes in fits and starts. But it is progressing.
You have the spirit within you to do this. You will do it.
Keep at it, as will I.
-Brett
I really enjoyed reading this, first, because we just sent our 4-year old triplets off to school this week, and so we’ve also done the interview thing times three.
And second, because I know where you are. I’m writing my book too. And it comes in fits and starts. But it is progressing.
You have the spirit within you to do this. You will do it.
Keep at it, as will I.
-Brett
Matthew: Allow it to be terrible. If you were to read my first draft, you’d weep with sadness for me. It’s okay to be bad, just get it done. Remember, you’re baby’s born in the rough draft, but you raise it in the rewrite.
Jim: Don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. I haven’t discussed anything about the book, other than the process. You can check out “Shocking,” or “Your Baby’s Born in the Rough Draft, You Raise Them in the Rewrite.” I’m gimpy and don’t know how to add a link in the comment box, even though it’s my blog, but I’ll email them to you (after I make coffee). The problem with the book is that it’s kind of about everything; it has no focus. I’ll for sure have a book soon, I just think I might have something else finished, before I can make my first one what it can possibly be.
Miguel: I already have. I plan to finish this draft by the first of November. I really, really want to do nanowrimo this year, but I don’t think I can justify the time.
J.D.: Your comment made me smile. The pipeline approach is precisely the approach I’m using. In fact, the pipeline’s getting a bit clogged. I have a few completed chapter books, and a lot of children’s books. As far as the writing itself, I’d have to say it’s story driven. I rarely know what I’m doing (including my posts) outside of a topic sentence. Then I write (ramble really). It takes shape when I go back and edit.
Jarkko: If I had to toss it in the trash right now, it would still have been an amazing learning experience. The first draft took me four months. I worked on it every day. When I was done, I knew myself a little better.
Chase: That’s great advice. I went through the first two drafts without reading my work; just writing and rewriting. It was ridiculous that I’d written it twice, yet hadn’t taken the time to read it once. I read it just before this last draft, and filled a spiral notebook with notes. I just haven’t done very much with those notes…. except think about them.
Brett: Thanks Brett. Triplets… again, wow. You are a man and a half. I can’t wait for your book about your wife to make me cry.
Matthew: Allow it to be terrible. If you were to read my first draft, you’d weep with sadness for me. It’s okay to be bad, just get it done. Remember, you’re baby’s born in the rough draft, but you raise it in the rewrite.
Jim: Don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. I haven’t discussed anything about the book, other than the process. You can check out “Shocking,” or “Your Baby’s Born in the Rough Draft, You Raise Them in the Rewrite.” I’m gimpy and don’t know how to add a link in the comment box, even though it’s my blog, but I’ll email them to you (after I make coffee). The problem with the book is that it’s kind of about everything; it has no focus. I’ll for sure have a book soon, I just think I might have something else finished, before I can make my first one what it can possibly be.
Miguel: I already have. I plan to finish this draft by the first of November. I really, really want to do nanowrimo this year, but I don’t think I can justify the time.
J.D.: Your comment made me smile. The pipeline approach is precisely the approach I’m using. In fact, the pipeline’s getting a bit clogged. I have a few completed chapter books, and a lot of children’s books. As far as the writing itself, I’d have to say it’s story driven. I rarely know what I’m doing (including my posts) outside of a topic sentence. Then I write (ramble really). It takes shape when I go back and edit.
Jarkko: If I had to toss it in the trash right now, it would still have been an amazing learning experience. The first draft took me four months. I worked on it every day. When I was done, I knew myself a little better.
Chase: That’s great advice. I went through the first two drafts without reading my work; just writing and rewriting. It was ridiculous that I’d written it twice, yet hadn’t taken the time to read it once. I read it just before this last draft, and filled a spiral notebook with notes. I just haven’t done very much with those notes…. except think about them.
Brett: Thanks Brett. Triplets… again, wow. You are a man and a half. I can’t wait for your book about your wife to make me cry.
Writer Dad,
Hey, you do it too! We all rise to the challenge to be great parents. It’s just what we do. I’d never have imagined how much fun it could be, before doing it.
And thanks, as well – Brett
Writer Dad,
Hey, you do it too! We all rise to the challenge to be great parents. It’s just what we do. I’d never have imagined how much fun it could be, before doing it.
And thanks, as well – Brett
Vu JaDe: the sensation that this has never happened before!
It is amazing what the mind does when it wants to, even though you may not want to. I know the novel has been a struggle, but you will make it through, it will be published, and you will be able to move on to yet bigger and better things. Keep at it!
Vu JaDe: the sensation that this has never happened before!
It is amazing what the mind does when it wants to, even though you may not want to. I know the novel has been a struggle, but you will make it through, it will be published, and you will be able to move on to yet bigger and better things. Keep at it!
Writer Dad
I think the key with writing books is to know when to move on. If it’s still intriguing you, if you can’t stop thinking about the story, then go back to it and don’t worry about the time when you weren’t working on it. Otherwise, maybe it was just a learning experience? I worked on my first novel for many years (along with other writing projects). I just couldn’t give up on the characters, but it took me a long time to realize how, frankly, boring the plot was. I just wasn’t giving these people anything interesting to do. I’ve started another novel and am feeling much happier about the plot in general.
I’m also thinking about giving up on the “writing every day” mantra. If that works for you, great, but it hasn’t been working for me since I don’t have a lot of time to spend on a novel these days. I think carving out a block of time–say, four hours–will get me a lot more pages because I won’t have to psyche myself up to write 5 times a week, just once or twice.
Matthew, you’ll never be “ready.” Just sit down and free write. As I said above, I like the plot of my new novel, but I’ve also been thinking that the pages I’ve written so far are just background, and I haven’t gotten to the real story yet. I’m not going to let it worry me; I’ll just keep on moving forward.
Beths last blog post..Wen Chocolates (Theme: Chocolatiers in Denver)
Writer Dad
I think the key with writing books is to know when to move on. If it’s still intriguing you, if you can’t stop thinking about the story, then go back to it and don’t worry about the time when you weren’t working on it. Otherwise, maybe it was just a learning experience? I worked on my first novel for many years (along with other writing projects). I just couldn’t give up on the characters, but it took me a long time to realize how, frankly, boring the plot was. I just wasn’t giving these people anything interesting to do. I’ve started another novel and am feeling much happier about the plot in general.
I’m also thinking about giving up on the “writing every day” mantra. If that works for you, great, but it hasn’t been working for me since I don’t have a lot of time to spend on a novel these days. I think carving out a block of time–say, four hours–will get me a lot more pages because I won’t have to psyche myself up to write 5 times a week, just once or twice.
Matthew, you’ll never be “ready.” Just sit down and free write. As I said above, I like the plot of my new novel, but I’ve also been thinking that the pages I’ve written so far are just background, and I haven’t gotten to the real story yet. I’m not going to let it worry me; I’ll just keep on moving forward.
Beths last blog post..Wen Chocolates (Theme: Chocolatiers in Denver)
You are learning well, young Padawan.
:)
Okay, kid sister. Here’s how it is. You’ve repeatedly said these things about your novel. At least to me. You’re just like me. You keep repeating the issues instead of doing something about them, even though you feel on the verge. In other words, I understand.
First, let me say that it sounds as though seven weeks or thereabouts is just what you need. You are too close to the text, obviously, if you can’t always see the issues. Time away is not a bad thing. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re procrastinating. It might mean gaining perspective, yes? If you’re ready to get back to it, though, as you’ve suggested, do it. As you said, allow it to not be perfect. (That’s someone else’s job, besides.)
From the sounds of it, much can be weeded, but you may also want to think about dividing the book into several books.
Here’s another thing to try on for size. Finish the draft (sure, driven by the thought that the right agent is out there chomping at the bit, hungry for pizza, which your novel just happens to taste like. EXcellent!).
THEN LET A COPYEDITOR AT IT. If you can pass off ugly duties, do that. There are some things you don’t have to worry about. Let others deal with those problems. Perhaps all you need is not only more perspective yourself but another’s perspective as well. Someone not so close to you, as you’ve hinted.
You. And Brett. Do or do not. There is no try.
May the Force be with you. :)
You are learning well, young Padawan.
:)
Okay, kid sister. Here’s how it is. You’ve repeatedly said these things about your novel. At least to me. You’re just like me. You keep repeating the issues instead of doing something about them, even though you feel on the verge. In other words, I understand.
First, let me say that it sounds as though seven weeks or thereabouts is just what you need. You are too close to the text, obviously, if you can’t always see the issues. Time away is not a bad thing. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re procrastinating. It might mean gaining perspective, yes? If you’re ready to get back to it, though, as you’ve suggested, do it. As you said, allow it to not be perfect. (That’s someone else’s job, besides.)
From the sounds of it, much can be weeded, but you may also want to think about dividing the book into several books.
Here’s another thing to try on for size. Finish the draft (sure, driven by the thought that the right agent is out there chomping at the bit, hungry for pizza, which your novel just happens to taste like. EXcellent!).
THEN LET A COPYEDITOR AT IT. If you can pass off ugly duties, do that. There are some things you don’t have to worry about. Let others deal with those problems. Perhaps all you need is not only more perspective yourself but another’s perspective as well. Someone not so close to you, as you’ve hinted.
You. And Brett. Do or do not. There is no try.
May the Force be with you. :)
PS. I’ll leave you to explain the kid sister bit!
PS. I’ll leave you to explain the kid sister bit!
I’m kind of torn about writing on my free time.
My day-job involves LOTS of boring, dry technical bureaucratic writing. So after 7.5 hours of that crap, when I get home, I’m “written out”.
Plus, since I work full time I don’t have the finacial pressure of having to write to feed myself and pay the bills.
So I try to treat it as a hobby, I write when it’s fun, and when I chose to do so.
But then again, with this slack approach, it would take FOREVER to finish a book (if at all).
So I’m trying to balance on a fine line. Haven’t quite figured it out yet.
All I know is that I DON’T want to work at the Widget Factory when I’m 80.
I’m kind of torn about writing on my free time.
My day-job involves LOTS of boring, dry technical bureaucratic writing. So after 7.5 hours of that crap, when I get home, I’m “written out”.
Plus, since I work full time I don’t have the finacial pressure of having to write to feed myself and pay the bills.
So I try to treat it as a hobby, I write when it’s fun, and when I chose to do so.
But then again, with this slack approach, it would take FOREVER to finish a book (if at all).
So I’m trying to balance on a fine line. Haven’t quite figured it out yet.
All I know is that I DON’T want to work at the Widget Factory when I’m 80.
@Steph,
Yes, Mistress Yoda ;) and that is why you shall be my copyeditor!
(It is coming along, too. I worked on it this morning, and I will again tomorrow, and the next day…)
@Friar,
I’ll tell you what works for me – when I need one of those 5 minute breaks, I write something *for me* and then email it to myself. Even if it’s just the outline of the next section.
Writer Dad, It’s just scary how the weeks can drift by filled with busy living and denying us our goals, even if only temporarily.
I can’t truly understand your perspective, as I have no real concept of what it is to be a writer, so these glimpses into the process fascinate me. I can only liken it to a big project in need of completing. My solution would be to drop EVERYTHING else and get it done. I accept that this probably doesn’t work well with creative writing.
I get the feeling that you’re actually quite relaxed about the novel although the desire to complete is strong. When you do finish the book could I request a signed copy, with a hand written personal message from the author? Please.
@Steph,
Yes, Mistress Yoda ;) and that is why you shall be my copyeditor!
(It is coming along, too. I worked on it this morning, and I will again tomorrow, and the next day…)
@Friar,
I’ll tell you what works for me – when I need one of those 5 minute breaks, I write something *for me* and then email it to myself. Even if it’s just the outline of the next section.
Writer Dad, It’s just scary how the weeks can drift by filled with busy living and denying us our goals, even if only temporarily.
I can’t truly understand your perspective, as I have no real concept of what it is to be a writer, so these glimpses into the process fascinate me. I can only liken it to a big project in need of completing. My solution would be to drop EVERYTHING else and get it done. I accept that this probably doesn’t work well with creative writing.
I get the feeling that you’re actually quite relaxed about the novel although the desire to complete is strong. When you do finish the book could I request a signed copy, with a hand written personal message from the author? Please.
Friar: Sometimes you gotta eat up your free time with the thing that’s going to get you more free time. That’s going to get you out, right?
My mother always asks me how I could do so much reading. I read manuscripts all day and then read fiction novels. She doesn’t get how I don’t get sick of reading. But reading fiction is so different from editing and reading non-fiction that it’s as though I’m doing something different altogether. Yeah, my eyes get tired, but it’s a minor annoyance compared to what I enjoy doing!
Friar: Sometimes you gotta eat up your free time with the thing that’s going to get you more free time. That’s going to get you out, right?
My mother always asks me how I could do so much reading. I read manuscripts all day and then read fiction novels. She doesn’t get how I don’t get sick of reading. But reading fiction is so different from editing and reading non-fiction that it’s as though I’m doing something different altogether. Yeah, my eyes get tired, but it’s a minor annoyance compared to what I enjoy doing!
@Brett: I’m really excited about that! I can’t wait!! Give me a couple weeks’ notice if you can, so I don’t take on anything else.
@Brett: I’m really excited about that! I can’t wait!! Give me a couple weeks’ notice if you can, so I don’t take on anything else.
@steph,
Oh, I will give you advance warning – don’t you worry!
@steph,
Oh, I will give you advance warning – don’t you worry!
Brett: Thanks, Brett. Me neither. I always wanted to be a dad, but it’s so much more, in every way, than I anticipated.
Sal: Vu JaDe, that’s funny. Only the time factor is a struggle. If I can carve the hours, the writing’s a joy.
Beth: My problem with the book is that there’s “too much.” My mind’s still with it, I just don’t quite know how to attack it best. I’m with you about the time blocks. I’d rather have one four hour, then four one hours, but I take what I can get.
Steph: I’m going to start reading it this weekend. I’ll make my notes and have the draft by the first of November.
Friar: Widget factories are suck.
Dave: You nailed it perfect. I’m super relaxed about it, but I do want it finished. I think the relaxation’s easier because I have other projects in the pipeline.
Brett: Thanks, Brett. Me neither. I always wanted to be a dad, but it’s so much more, in every way, than I anticipated.
Sal: Vu JaDe, that’s funny. Only the time factor is a struggle. If I can carve the hours, the writing’s a joy.
Beth: My problem with the book is that there’s “too much.” My mind’s still with it, I just don’t quite know how to attack it best. I’m with you about the time blocks. I’d rather have one four hour, then four one hours, but I take what I can get.
Steph: I’m going to start reading it this weekend. I’ll make my notes and have the draft by the first of November.
Friar: Widget factories are suck.
Dave: You nailed it perfect. I’m super relaxed about it, but I do want it finished. I think the relaxation’s easier because I have other projects in the pipeline.
Friar,
I understand about being “written out.” Way back in the day I had a reporter job, and I ended up quitting it because I couldn’t do it and write anything else.
I find that copyediting mixes much better with writing. The only difficulty is getting out of editor mode when I write.
Is there any possibility that you could take a long weekend, or a week, or a month, and do nothing but write? There are lots of “novel challenges” out there, in which you go to a hotel or somewhere away from your regular life and do nothing but write. Or where you make a commitment to write a certain number of words. They can be really fun.
Friar,
I understand about being “written out.” Way back in the day I had a reporter job, and I ended up quitting it because I couldn’t do it and write anything else.
I find that copyediting mixes much better with writing. The only difficulty is getting out of editor mode when I write.
Is there any possibility that you could take a long weekend, or a week, or a month, and do nothing but write? There are lots of “novel challenges” out there, in which you go to a hotel or somewhere away from your regular life and do nothing but write. Or where you make a commitment to write a certain number of words. They can be really fun.
@Friar (and with thanks to Beth),
As Beth said, and I was just thinking this before her comment – maybe NaNoWriMo this year is a good time to unplug the blogs for us.
I’m thinking maybe I’ll pre-write my Viking Fridays for the month, and say, “hey folks, I’ll be back in a month to respond, have fun while I’m out!”
I know I’ve written a lot, and then again, I’ve rewritten a lot (and maybe shouldn’t have, rather, should have left it to a copyeditor!)
Hmm… I think I’ll consider that.
@Friar (and with thanks to Beth),
As Beth said, and I was just thinking this before her comment – maybe NaNoWriMo this year is a good time to unplug the blogs for us.
I’m thinking maybe I’ll pre-write my Viking Fridays for the month, and say, “hey folks, I’ll be back in a month to respond, have fun while I’m out!”
I know I’ve written a lot, and then again, I’ve rewritten a lot (and maybe shouldn’t have, rather, should have left it to a copyeditor!)
Hmm… I think I’ll consider that.
“Chapter book,” right-click, new tab, google, wikipedia, oh okay, close. Not being a parent, aunt or grandparent, I never heard the term.
Me, I can’t write fiction. So, non-fiction it is.
It sounds like you might be writing a series, if there’s too much for a novel.
“Chapter book,” right-click, new tab, google, wikipedia, oh okay, close. Not being a parent, aunt or grandparent, I never heard the term.
Me, I can’t write fiction. So, non-fiction it is.
It sounds like you might be writing a series, if there’s too much for a novel.
NOTE: I really, really want to do Nanowrimo this year, but I don’t think I’ll be able to swing it. Next year, for sure.
Dot: It’s a series for sure. I just don’t know if I’ve written the first in a triology, or the first trilogy.
Great post and lot’s of great advice, especially the part about fresh eyes and getting the work copyedited. Don’t worry about the seven weeks off, the time off should help you greatly.
The only advice I can offer which isn’t already here is on the subject of re-writing which may or may not help you depending where you are at. If you are going to make massive changes (and it sounds like you might, if you are unsure of where the meat of the story is), don’t get bogged down on a particular segment/chapter. Summarize what you want to do/change in that chapter, then keep moving forward, so you don’t get stuck. Once you’re done going through the whole book, go back to each of the segments which need massive re-writing. Then, go over the whole thing again.
NOTE: I really, really want to do Nanowrimo this year, but I don’t think I’ll be able to swing it. Next year, for sure.
Dot: It’s a series for sure. I just don’t know if I’ve written the first in a triology, or the first trilogy.
Great post and lot’s of great advice, especially the part about fresh eyes and getting the work copyedited. Don’t worry about the seven weeks off, the time off should help you greatly.
The only advice I can offer which isn’t already here is on the subject of re-writing which may or may not help you depending where you are at. If you are going to make massive changes (and it sounds like you might, if you are unsure of where the meat of the story is), don’t get bogged down on a particular segment/chapter. Summarize what you want to do/change in that chapter, then keep moving forward, so you don’t get stuck. Once you’re done going through the whole book, go back to each of the segments which need massive re-writing. Then, go over the whole thing again.