It took a while but I finished the fifth rewrite on my work in progress. That's my main excuse for not posting here in more than a month.
I have other reasons but I'm not going to bore you with a list of things that distracted me. If you're a writer, I'm sure we share many rationalizations.
As a reminder, I'm working on the fourth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.
What I did after completing the latest rewrite was to print it. I usually do this so it will provide a different view for me for editing. I find it easier to go over the manuscript when it's in my hands; perhaps the reason is that I come from a tradition as a newspaper editor/reporter (remember newspapers?). Anyone else print their manuscript?
Here are a few things that I'll be looking for as I peruse the pages with my red pen:
I do hope the sixth rewrite won't take as long as the fifth. I will admit that I printed the manuscript several days ago and giving it a rest before delving back into the 72k words. I can go back and rewrite with somewhat fresh eyes. I'll also admit that my eyes aren't what they used to be so the sixth rewrite may take as long as the fifth.
Speaking of words, I do hope to cut out 10k or so. I've come to believe that most readers prefer shorter works (unless it's Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Donna Tartt, etc.). Why? People don't have the time for long works because of other things tugging at them and because there are so many books out there now and so little time. Your thoughts?
Anyway, I do have a title for the book that I'll disclose at some other time. The novel should still be on course to be published this year.
Until the next time . . .
I have other reasons but I'm not going to bore you with a list of things that distracted me. If you're a writer, I'm sure we share many rationalizations.
As a reminder, I'm working on the fourth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.
 |
| First book in series |
What I did after completing the latest rewrite was to print it. I usually do this so it will provide a different view for me for editing. I find it easier to go over the manuscript when it's in my hands; perhaps the reason is that I come from a tradition as a newspaper editor/reporter (remember newspapers?). Anyone else print their manuscript?
Here are a few things that I'll be looking for as I peruse the pages with my red pen:
- The chronology is correct.
- Repeated words and phrases.
- Unnecessary dialogue and description.
- Names and places consistent.
- Expand narrative and dialogue when needed to explain circumstances.
- Anything else that catches my eyes (you'll be surprised by what you can discover).
 |
| Second book in series |
I do hope the sixth rewrite won't take as long as the fifth. I will admit that I printed the manuscript several days ago and giving it a rest before delving back into the 72k words. I can go back and rewrite with somewhat fresh eyes. I'll also admit that my eyes aren't what they used to be so the sixth rewrite may take as long as the fifth.
 |
| Third book in series |
Anyway, I do have a title for the book that I'll disclose at some other time. The novel should still be on course to be published this year.
Until the next time . . .
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