Lola Jaye's Blog, page 9

Almost Being Lara….

So the corrections went very well and I was able to post back the manuscript (hopefully for the last time) to New York today! Hurrah!!

But not before I spotted a flaw much bigger than a misplaced hyphen. A tiny hole in the plot that, 'if you blink you'd miss it' but nevertheless, was potentially bothersome. So, after a quick call to my Mum in Nigeria (where half the book is set) she was able to put me straight on a few things which I then included in the final manuscript. It was only a few lines but an important few lines ….

Rebellion as a Writer (err…. kind of)

So this weekend is all about editing 'Being Lara' which ordinarily would be fine… but let me tell you- I am soooo into my new 'fantasy' novel (yes, let's call it that because it's kinda part fantasy, part sci fi) and basically correcting my new 'about to be published novel' takes me away from my new, new one.

Confused?

Don't be, but may I suggest reading previous entries of this blog to get up to date? [image error] Only if you want to, like…

Anyway, out of pure writer type rebellion, I have written two and a half thousand words on the new, new novel today (in about an hour) and the rest of the weekend (starting tomorrow) and any ensuing days, will be devoted to correcting my manuscript. I'm on a deadline you see, as we get closer and closer to that March publication date.

Eeek, can't wait!!!!!!!! 

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Out March 2012!!!!

'Being Lara' arrived in the post fresh from NYC today….

… but alas it's still in Manuscript form.

     Which means one thing:

Time for the last round of corrections…. 

!!!!! (smiley face, smiley face)!!!!!!

I have just written 'The End' on the last page of my new novel…

.… just got to write the 'beginning and the 'middle' bit now; AKA 70,000 plus words.

Better make a start then…

I want a cupcake. 

Flying Taxis

Let me elaborate….



When a writer says she is going to 'bin' some words, really, they are just being banished to a nameless file 'to be used later'. I have done this in the past with say 10,000 words, but never as much as an almost novel.

No, I lie.  Because in my 'bottom drawer' (i.e, nameless file) there are a couple of novels that haven't seen the light of day. I'm sure a lot of writers do this. I'm not saying i'll never 'lift' bits from it again. Indeed a couple of characters from my second novel 'While You Were Dreaming…' were first born in my ill fated 'Pigtails, Powder and Lipstick' (did I really name it that?) 

It happens.

At the moment I've jotted a few things down on the comp but really I'm still in the process of 'getting to know my characters' . Yes, I sound rather precious, but I am indeed 'absorbing myself ' in my characters.

Seriously.

And before you ask, it's still on the sci fi theme I threatened with my earlier book. To be honest it's even MORE sci fi than that one- rather futuristic if I do say so myself! But don't worry, the same themes of love, loss and human relationships remain at the heart of the writing, with not one flying taxi in sight.

Flying Taxis

Let me elaborate….

When a writer says she is going to 'bin' some words, really, they are just being banished to a nameless file 'to be used later'. I have done this in the past with say 10,000 words, but never as much as an almost novel.

No, I lie.  Because in my 'bottom drawer' (i.e, nameless file) there are a couple of novels that haven't seen the light of day. I'm sure a lot of writers do this. I'm not saying i'll never 'lift' bits from it again. Indeed a couple of characters from my second novel 'While You Were Dreaming…' were first born in my ill fated 'Pigtails, Powder and Lipstick' (did I really name it that?) 

It happens.

At the moment I've jotted a few things down on the comp but really I'm still in the process of 'getting to know my characters' . Yes, I sound rather precious, but I am indeed 'absorbing myself ' in my characters.

Seriously.

And before you ask, it's still on the sci fi theme I threatened with my earlier book. To be honest it's even MORE sci fi than that one- rather futuristic if I do say so myself! But don't worry, the same themes of love, loss and human relationships remain at the heart of the writing, with not one flying taxi in sight.

Breaking News…

…erm, I've decided to 'bin' the 50 or so THOUSAND words already written on a novel I am working on.

Why?

Because I have decided to write the novel I have wanted to write for about 14 years.

I can't say too much about it, but it's 'the one'.

And I am in love again – you know… thinking about 'it' every day; upon waking up, when I'm cooking. I have butterflies in my tummy when I hear its name… Okay you get the drift.

This is the novel I have to write.

So I begin…

Steve Jobs

‎"When I get my first publishing contract, the first thing I'll do is buy an Apple computer! It's the only computer that legitimises me as a writer – oh and Carrie from SATC has one!!!"

It took a while and the models kept changing as my journey to becoming a published author continued… 2 years, 3 years… (you know the rest). But as soon as I signed that first contract with Harper Collins in 2007, I had my flat screen iMac delivered. And last December, I opened up a a box that contained my shiny new MacBook Air laptop!  

There's just something about a Apple Macintosh computer.

Even though I'm a writer, I'm not going to go into detail about what that is right now… because those who feel the same, know exactly what I mean.

Of course these are mere 'possessions' and I believe that 'things' are not to be worshipped, but I admire the sleek, innovative designs of an Apple computer… It even 'feels' different to type my novels on one. Seriously!

And don't get me started about the ipod… I recall looking at one for the first time and thinking; "How is all that music going to fit in there…?" and "I want a pink one!!'   

So, before I switch off this Mac to truly appreciate the rest of my evening, I want to leave you with a wonderful 2005 quote from Mr Steve Jobs who died on Wednesday. I know a lot of you who read my blog are budding authors working hard to get 'there' – so I really think you will take something from it… 

‎"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Steve Jobs 

1955-2011

 

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Rest in perfect peace.

The Writing Fairy

So my new neighbour says; 'Lola, I have a parcel for you…'

     Now, such sentences can at times, produce a sort of child- like excitement from within. Perhaps wondering if it's a bunch of flowers, item of clothing or just anything with my name on it.

I wasn't disappointed, however, because it just happened to be my COPY EDITED MANUSCRIPT – all the way from New York City!! (alas, minus a magnolia cupcake).  Looking through it, I can see the Copy Editor has done a good and thorough job. Here are some examples of the very Englishy words that were flagged up; 

Marks & Spencer

Cashmilon (if you don't know what that is, see above!)

Entwhistle Way, Essex

Coldharbour Lane

Cul-de-sac

Felt- tip

So as my novel becomes Americanized, I realise I have a lot of work to do this weekend… And just as London seems to be in a midst of an 'Indian Summer' (It's soooo sunny outside and this weekend is scheduled to be well… sunny and warm) the question becomes; will I be tempted to go out and leave my manuscript to the mercy of the 'writing fairy?' [image error]

No.  

Okay, maybe a bit. But I'm on a deadline and I'm disciplined (sometimes).

That's the thing about being a writer, one has to be disciplined. 

I want a cupcake.