Catching Up

I think I've done all I really can for Chapter 1 for now. Chapter 2 looks good, though it probably needs some going over later.

There are times when I'm writing that I wish I could let people hear the music I listen to while writing. Music is a huge part of life for me and nothing gets me more inspired to write than good music. Sometimes it almost feels like my writing is incomplete if the reader doesn't know the music I have in mind for a given scene.

Grindstone

I have, out of necessity, gone back to the beginning in my editing. I guess this is where I'll find out if I love or hate this book. I'm very much aware, however, that if this book is to have any chance at all, it all rides on the first three chapters. They need to blow the reader away.

Back at it

After a long break, I'm finally back editing my book. Went over Chapter 2, and now I've to start Chapter 3.

Editing Update

Well, Chapter 1 is more or less edited. Changed a few things, made dates more vague and imprecise to avoid conflicts later on, added in some extra background to my hero. Time to get to work on Chapter 2.

Editing

Editing is new ground for me. Since my current WIP is the first novel I've finished, I've never been in a position to really look back and work out what needs to be changed to make my work publishable.

I've had some amazing help from some great friends so far, who have all offered their opinions and advice. I'm thrilled to say everything they've said so far has helped me think about the book in new ways, and see how I can better get across my intent and meaning.

So here goes. I started the editing work yesterday and it's continuing today. I'm already contemplating the re-write of a major event in the main plot.

Second Draft Progress

I haven't started editing yet, but I've gotten a bit of feedback on the first draft and I have to say I'm incredibly pleased I handed a few copies around to be read. It's great to get outside perspectives on the book, and see where I haven't quite managed to get across what I intended. I think the couple of changes I've already decided on will tighten up the narrative very well, and I can't wait to find out how else I can improve things.

I was also given an idea by an old friend for a background element that will add a lot of depth and direction to my hero, so cheers for that!

A few years ago, I definitely couldn't have done this. Before, I would have only wanted to hear positive reports and would have become very defensive if suggestions like this came to me. It's taken me until now to have the maturity as a writer to accept this stage as the part where I have to work to make this thing as good as it can be.

Inspiration

Working on the "between books" factsheet yesterday proved to be incredibly useful. I know what the new status quo is in the city and roughly how my hero's actions have affected things.

What I also got out of it is some major inspiration for where to go with book 2. I have a tentative working title, even if it's a bit cliché, and a nice starting-off point.

Writing down what happens between two books is such a simple idea, I'm actually a bit shocked I never thought of doing it before.