Wade Kelly's Blog - Posts Tagged "editing"
sequels, editing, and letting go
Hi,
I am not "around" much n GR because I am working on editing the sequel to When Love is Not Enough. It is "done" but not finished. I have that in quotes because I find that in looking this MS over for a final submission, I see way more flaws and I question myself. I am redundant. Therefore, I see the need to cut sentences. This can be good. Culling words was the hardest thing I ever learned. I used to cut things and save them to a separate document as to not "lose" my babies. (Babies=thoughts/words/ideas/sentences etc.) It is hard to simply delete things you write, but as you continue to write, an author (I assume arrogantly) finds that those words aren't really lost. Ideas that flow from a creative mind are always mutating and shifting around in the subconscious and conscious mind, The "babies" aren't lost when I hit the delete key. They are hidden from plain view for a time.
As I edit through this MS, I have seen places where I think, "Oh, this sentence should go here or there. But low and behold a line or two later that thought which popped into mind to be "added" was already in the MS to begin with. My mind already knew I needed it there the first time around and I see this happen time and time again. So... now that I am editing and trying to make the MS the "best it can be" for the dreamspinner editors, I cut lines without looking back. It they were so very important, I would not see the need to delete them now.
I also find it most helpful to edit with a complete MS to work with. Although it is good to edit as I go--which I do--I am glad to weed through the errors after the story is finished because I have a better picture of where things are headed and if events or dialogue is needed/necessary or not. Much of the time, I am adding little tidbits with the previous edit in mind. I remember how the editor suggested things before and I am trying to preclude those suggestions now. So for new authors (which I was and still am) edit with the whole picture in mind! I knowwhat is going to happen, but the reader does not. If I get the character to a place in the story (because I know where he is going) and the reader is going WHAT?!?!? then something is missing. One line of dialogue placed properly can easily fix this stumbling block many times.
Another example of my habitual redundancy comes with the need to remind the reader over and over of a particular event or happening or feeling... whatever... I see this because I guess I am trying to MAKE the reader remember that this happened but really it is unnecessary. THE READER KNOWS! Readers are the ones who on many occasions are reading the book in one sitting. (This is a boon for any writer and highly complimentary when a reader can't put the book down!) But remember author-if the reader is reading it all at once, then they remember what they read ten minutes prior! The need not repeat information is not needed. (So, to all of you who are reading this and think, "Well, Wade, I read items all the time that you reiterate!" I answer, "Forgive me. I am still new at this and I hope to get better with time. Bear with me. Don't stop loving me just because I keep repeating myself." If anything, remind me in a review! Say: HEY WADE, QUIT REPEATING YOURSELF! and give it 3 stars--I will remember it then! I read all my reviews!
So, this is all I have to say for now. The sequel is titled: The Cost of Loving. It is Matt's story in this trilogy. (hopefully not a boring one.) I was going to call it The Price of Loving but then I reconsidered because there is a book called The Price of Falling which seems to pop up on the side of my screen all the time in association with "people who viewed this item also viewed this one." So, because I don't want a title tooooo similar to Melanie's I chose to alter mine slightly. I will keep you informed on the process. I'll let you know (probably via facebook) about my submission and possible acceptance of the MS. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Wade
xoxo
I am not "around" much n GR because I am working on editing the sequel to When Love is Not Enough. It is "done" but not finished. I have that in quotes because I find that in looking this MS over for a final submission, I see way more flaws and I question myself. I am redundant. Therefore, I see the need to cut sentences. This can be good. Culling words was the hardest thing I ever learned. I used to cut things and save them to a separate document as to not "lose" my babies. (Babies=thoughts/words/ideas/sentences etc.) It is hard to simply delete things you write, but as you continue to write, an author (I assume arrogantly) finds that those words aren't really lost. Ideas that flow from a creative mind are always mutating and shifting around in the subconscious and conscious mind, The "babies" aren't lost when I hit the delete key. They are hidden from plain view for a time.
As I edit through this MS, I have seen places where I think, "Oh, this sentence should go here or there. But low and behold a line or two later that thought which popped into mind to be "added" was already in the MS to begin with. My mind already knew I needed it there the first time around and I see this happen time and time again. So... now that I am editing and trying to make the MS the "best it can be" for the dreamspinner editors, I cut lines without looking back. It they were so very important, I would not see the need to delete them now.
I also find it most helpful to edit with a complete MS to work with. Although it is good to edit as I go--which I do--I am glad to weed through the errors after the story is finished because I have a better picture of where things are headed and if events or dialogue is needed/necessary or not. Much of the time, I am adding little tidbits with the previous edit in mind. I remember how the editor suggested things before and I am trying to preclude those suggestions now. So for new authors (which I was and still am) edit with the whole picture in mind! I knowwhat is going to happen, but the reader does not. If I get the character to a place in the story (because I know where he is going) and the reader is going WHAT?!?!? then something is missing. One line of dialogue placed properly can easily fix this stumbling block many times.
Another example of my habitual redundancy comes with the need to remind the reader over and over of a particular event or happening or feeling... whatever... I see this because I guess I am trying to MAKE the reader remember that this happened but really it is unnecessary. THE READER KNOWS! Readers are the ones who on many occasions are reading the book in one sitting. (This is a boon for any writer and highly complimentary when a reader can't put the book down!) But remember author-if the reader is reading it all at once, then they remember what they read ten minutes prior! The need not repeat information is not needed. (So, to all of you who are reading this and think, "Well, Wade, I read items all the time that you reiterate!" I answer, "Forgive me. I am still new at this and I hope to get better with time. Bear with me. Don't stop loving me just because I keep repeating myself." If anything, remind me in a review! Say: HEY WADE, QUIT REPEATING YOURSELF! and give it 3 stars--I will remember it then! I read all my reviews!
So, this is all I have to say for now. The sequel is titled: The Cost of Loving. It is Matt's story in this trilogy. (hopefully not a boring one.) I was going to call it The Price of Loving but then I reconsidered because there is a book called The Price of Falling which seems to pop up on the side of my screen all the time in association with "people who viewed this item also viewed this one." So, because I don't want a title tooooo similar to Melanie's I chose to alter mine slightly. I will keep you informed on the process. I'll let you know (probably via facebook) about my submission and possible acceptance of the MS. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Wade
xoxo
Editing and Writing Go Hand-in-Hand
Hi,
I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say. I've been writing. I would skip a blog all together but then people start to worry about me and post comments like "How ya doin' Wade?" and "Hope everything is okay with you." Not that comments are bad. I'm not saying that. I just don't want people to worry.
I'm fine.
I've been writing and editing. I normally edit as I go unless inspired to write long passages. Writers are often asked how they edit? A lot of the time I write, and then the next day I reread and change things. If I haven't written anything for a long spell on a particular project then I will read it, typically from the beginning, to get in the zone. I often read several chapters ahead of where my characters are so when I get to the end of the passage I am able to think of the next scene. Sometimes, if I am not at my computer, I will think about different parts I read recently and think of details to add. Even if it is one or two sentences it can add a lot to the understanding of how a character thinks and what they are doing.
In "My Roommate's A Jock? Well Crap!" (MRJWC) I have loads of characters that I have truly come to love. I developed a side character that I think is my favorite. Rob McAvoy. He is funny. (I think.) I used to go around and think of a line or something and say to myself, "Darian would totally say that!" Now I think, "Rob would say that!" or "This is Cole!" or "Oh my gosh, this scenario is Ellis and Rob!"
I think of my characters all the time. I believe any good writer does. How can they not? They are a part of me. They feel tangible at times.
Anyway. MRJWC is at 73k+. I have two chapters to write. I know I said that a while ago but I added a chapter in the middle somewhere. It just fit. I rearranged some paragraphs and stuck them in other chapters. I added support details. Lots of them. I thought about "back story" and filled in details to support the personality of the characters. I've been doing a lot!
I also strive to create realistic people. I know that I've read comment here and there that said WLINE wasn't realistic, but I am trying not to fixate on those. To me it was real. Writing it was real. The pain was real. (And I am not implying I lived through everything in When Love Is Not Enough, I'm just saying I tried desperately to bring realism to the pages in that book.) In MRJWC I am trying hard to do the same. Realism. I WANT my characters to feel like you could meet them down the street. I want them to be people you can relate to or have a coffee with. I WANT them to be comfortable together and give the reader a sense of knowing them.
If I don't achieve these things, CALL ME OUT ON IT! I need to improve if I don't meet my personal goals. Help me to see my flaws. I welcome criticism. (Not saying I enjoy negative crit. but without it I can't grow as a writer.) Tell me what you don't get! If you do, then chances are I will make your next read that much more enjoyable because hopefully I will learn from my mistakes.
Things to keep in mind: I am writing m/m romance. Typically, this genre has some expectations from readers. Not that I always follow the rules (if there are such things) but... There is going to be sex between men. Sometimes it fits in perfectly. Sometimes it may seem like too much for some readers and others may want more. I write what comes out. I go with the flow and if it seems right for the two of them to "be intimate" in the setting, I go for it. I am against gratuitous sex in a book just to fill the pages. (Although, I have to say TCOL has a lot of sex. I may have to edit some out.)
Another thing is that I like to add people that I could possibly write more about. (Side characters, siblings, etc...) In doing that, it may seem like everyone in the town is gay. That is not my intent. I know that seems unlikely that all the characters end up gay, but part of that is me just trying to write more books. So if there is going to be an "unbelievable" factor, maybe that is it. Sorry. It is about writing more!
Sometimes I purposely leave out details. Like specific city names or the state. Several people have asked where WLINE is set? The answer is Maryland. Authors are supposed to write what they know because it helps create realism. (You know I like that!) I lived in Baltimore for a while. That is all I wish to say about that. I do not like sharing personal details, but I will say if you read my books all my personal details are in the pages. The characters are ME. They each have different facets of my personality. They each have details of specific things that happened to me. They each have something in them that is ME! If you want to know me, read. Even the disturbing characters get their deranged behavior from my corrupt mind. (Although I have NEVER hit anyone with a candle stick. I'm just sayin'...) And, fyi, MRJWC is set in Pennsylvania. :p
Boy, for not having anything to say I said a lot!
So... I guess that's all. I plan on writing today for a few hours. I sent a huge chunk of MRJWC to my "beta" reader. I hope she likes it. It is WAY different than WLINE! I guess it's like Leonardo DiCaprio going from Titanic to Shutter Island. I have to show my diversity as an author. Right? lol
Later,
Wade
xoxo
I don't have a whole heck of a lot to say. I've been writing. I would skip a blog all together but then people start to worry about me and post comments like "How ya doin' Wade?" and "Hope everything is okay with you." Not that comments are bad. I'm not saying that. I just don't want people to worry.
I'm fine.
I've been writing and editing. I normally edit as I go unless inspired to write long passages. Writers are often asked how they edit? A lot of the time I write, and then the next day I reread and change things. If I haven't written anything for a long spell on a particular project then I will read it, typically from the beginning, to get in the zone. I often read several chapters ahead of where my characters are so when I get to the end of the passage I am able to think of the next scene. Sometimes, if I am not at my computer, I will think about different parts I read recently and think of details to add. Even if it is one or two sentences it can add a lot to the understanding of how a character thinks and what they are doing.
In "My Roommate's A Jock? Well Crap!" (MRJWC) I have loads of characters that I have truly come to love. I developed a side character that I think is my favorite. Rob McAvoy. He is funny. (I think.) I used to go around and think of a line or something and say to myself, "Darian would totally say that!" Now I think, "Rob would say that!" or "This is Cole!" or "Oh my gosh, this scenario is Ellis and Rob!"
I think of my characters all the time. I believe any good writer does. How can they not? They are a part of me. They feel tangible at times.
Anyway. MRJWC is at 73k+. I have two chapters to write. I know I said that a while ago but I added a chapter in the middle somewhere. It just fit. I rearranged some paragraphs and stuck them in other chapters. I added support details. Lots of them. I thought about "back story" and filled in details to support the personality of the characters. I've been doing a lot!
I also strive to create realistic people. I know that I've read comment here and there that said WLINE wasn't realistic, but I am trying not to fixate on those. To me it was real. Writing it was real. The pain was real. (And I am not implying I lived through everything in When Love Is Not Enough, I'm just saying I tried desperately to bring realism to the pages in that book.) In MRJWC I am trying hard to do the same. Realism. I WANT my characters to feel like you could meet them down the street. I want them to be people you can relate to or have a coffee with. I WANT them to be comfortable together and give the reader a sense of knowing them.
If I don't achieve these things, CALL ME OUT ON IT! I need to improve if I don't meet my personal goals. Help me to see my flaws. I welcome criticism. (Not saying I enjoy negative crit. but without it I can't grow as a writer.) Tell me what you don't get! If you do, then chances are I will make your next read that much more enjoyable because hopefully I will learn from my mistakes.
Things to keep in mind: I am writing m/m romance. Typically, this genre has some expectations from readers. Not that I always follow the rules (if there are such things) but... There is going to be sex between men. Sometimes it fits in perfectly. Sometimes it may seem like too much for some readers and others may want more. I write what comes out. I go with the flow and if it seems right for the two of them to "be intimate" in the setting, I go for it. I am against gratuitous sex in a book just to fill the pages. (Although, I have to say TCOL has a lot of sex. I may have to edit some out.)
Another thing is that I like to add people that I could possibly write more about. (Side characters, siblings, etc...) In doing that, it may seem like everyone in the town is gay. That is not my intent. I know that seems unlikely that all the characters end up gay, but part of that is me just trying to write more books. So if there is going to be an "unbelievable" factor, maybe that is it. Sorry. It is about writing more!
Sometimes I purposely leave out details. Like specific city names or the state. Several people have asked where WLINE is set? The answer is Maryland. Authors are supposed to write what they know because it helps create realism. (You know I like that!) I lived in Baltimore for a while. That is all I wish to say about that. I do not like sharing personal details, but I will say if you read my books all my personal details are in the pages. The characters are ME. They each have different facets of my personality. They each have details of specific things that happened to me. They each have something in them that is ME! If you want to know me, read. Even the disturbing characters get their deranged behavior from my corrupt mind. (Although I have NEVER hit anyone with a candle stick. I'm just sayin'...) And, fyi, MRJWC is set in Pennsylvania. :p
Boy, for not having anything to say I said a lot!
So... I guess that's all. I plan on writing today for a few hours. I sent a huge chunk of MRJWC to my "beta" reader. I hope she likes it. It is WAY different than WLINE! I guess it's like Leonardo DiCaprio going from Titanic to Shutter Island. I have to show my diversity as an author. Right? lol
Later,
Wade
xoxo
The Plan at Hand is...
EDITING!
To reiterate and sum up my plans for the immediate future, I am in the process of editing and polishing for the submission of my currents projects.
The Cost of Loving is my first priority. I have the notes from my two "beta" readers and I plan on going back through that MS and editing out unnecessary information. TCOL is long, and therefore can stand to lose some stuff. I want to get it down under 120k, and it stands now it's 121k. I think I can do that! Since that MS is the closest to being ready to submit again I am looking at it next as my brain settles from writing MRJWC.
My Roommate's A Jock? Well, Crap! (MRJWC) is now a complete story. At 80,370 words I am happy with the way it turned out. The plan now is to let my brain rest from that story, and wait to see what my "beta" reader thinks of it. She already pointed out one huge flaw in the beginning and I altered that chapter. This IS basically the first draft (although I edit as I write) and I want to see if her assessment of the story (as is) is a positive one. After I polish TCOL, I will come back to MRJWC and tweak whatever needs it.
I DID however rewrite the synopsis:
It’s easy to become cynical when life never goes your way.
Cole Reid, a college senior, has been a social recluse since the age of fifteen. His obsessive/compulsive behavior, and controlling, sarcastic nature have driven half the population away, where as the other half of humanity hates him because he’s gay. As he sees it, he’s bound to drive any prospective friend away, let alone find a boyfriend, so why bother?
After Cole’s roommate of three years graduates, the housing department assigns Ellis Montgomery to his campus apartment. Ellis’ presence is problematic at best. He’s messy for one thing, but he’s also gorgeous, straight, and represents everything Cole has tried to avoid since the tenth grade—he’s a jock!
Amid the chaos of frat buddies, camping expeditions, and meddling parents, Cole and Ellis develop a fast and firm friendship that goes against Cole’s glass-half-empty attitude. Is there more brewing below the surface of Ellis’ amazing blue eyes, or is it simply Cole’s reawakened libido that drives him to look past the fact that his roommate’s a jock and see there’s something more between them than camaraderie?
How does that sound? Deeze, would that description sway you to check it out? (besides the fact I wrote it?)
Other news, I have an interview coming out this week as well as a review on Ms. Condit Reads Books Blog. HERE on thursday. More on that to come!
Also in my plate is to finish reading Bear, Otter, and The Kid!
I had thoughts most of yesterday about a new story about a good-looking "player" type falling for an introverted, self-denigrating recluse. (I like to pair up opposites :p ) I need names and a title. It will come to me when the story is ready.
Happy Monday!
Wade
xoxo
To reiterate and sum up my plans for the immediate future, I am in the process of editing and polishing for the submission of my currents projects.
The Cost of Loving is my first priority. I have the notes from my two "beta" readers and I plan on going back through that MS and editing out unnecessary information. TCOL is long, and therefore can stand to lose some stuff. I want to get it down under 120k, and it stands now it's 121k. I think I can do that! Since that MS is the closest to being ready to submit again I am looking at it next as my brain settles from writing MRJWC.
My Roommate's A Jock? Well, Crap! (MRJWC) is now a complete story. At 80,370 words I am happy with the way it turned out. The plan now is to let my brain rest from that story, and wait to see what my "beta" reader thinks of it. She already pointed out one huge flaw in the beginning and I altered that chapter. This IS basically the first draft (although I edit as I write) and I want to see if her assessment of the story (as is) is a positive one. After I polish TCOL, I will come back to MRJWC and tweak whatever needs it.
I DID however rewrite the synopsis:
It’s easy to become cynical when life never goes your way.
Cole Reid, a college senior, has been a social recluse since the age of fifteen. His obsessive/compulsive behavior, and controlling, sarcastic nature have driven half the population away, where as the other half of humanity hates him because he’s gay. As he sees it, he’s bound to drive any prospective friend away, let alone find a boyfriend, so why bother?
After Cole’s roommate of three years graduates, the housing department assigns Ellis Montgomery to his campus apartment. Ellis’ presence is problematic at best. He’s messy for one thing, but he’s also gorgeous, straight, and represents everything Cole has tried to avoid since the tenth grade—he’s a jock!
Amid the chaos of frat buddies, camping expeditions, and meddling parents, Cole and Ellis develop a fast and firm friendship that goes against Cole’s glass-half-empty attitude. Is there more brewing below the surface of Ellis’ amazing blue eyes, or is it simply Cole’s reawakened libido that drives him to look past the fact that his roommate’s a jock and see there’s something more between them than camaraderie?
How does that sound? Deeze, would that description sway you to check it out? (besides the fact I wrote it?)
Other news, I have an interview coming out this week as well as a review on Ms. Condit Reads Books Blog. HERE on thursday. More on that to come!
Also in my plate is to finish reading Bear, Otter, and The Kid!
I had thoughts most of yesterday about a new story about a good-looking "player" type falling for an introverted, self-denigrating recluse. (I like to pair up opposites :p ) I need names and a title. It will come to me when the story is ready.
Happy Monday!
Wade
xoxo
