Chantele Sedgwick's Blog, page 13
March 27, 2012
An interview!
Hey guys! Sorry for the silence yesterday. I was up at the hospital with my daughter getting her scheduled for surgery in a few weeks and didn't get home until late. And no worries, she's fine. Nothing serious. :) Anyway, I'm over at the AWESOME Angela Cothran's place today. Come check it out and give her a follow. She rocks! :)
March 23, 2012
Random Thoughts From This Week
1. It's Spring! It's Spring! And it actually looks like it outside! Now watch it snow tomorrow or something.
2. I'm so jealous of everyone seeing The Hunger Games this weekend. I can't go until next week, but I'm SO excited. If you've seen it already, did you like it? Was it awesome?
3. We had critique group last night and my critique girls are so amazingly awesome. They brought me cupcakes and a card for my book deal and we talked and laughed for 3 hours. I even got a new nickname... but we'll save that for another post. LOL :) Hopefully we didn't drive the people at Barnes and Noble crazy!
4. I've been playing Draw Something on my phone. I have to say, I totally suck at drawing. Every time I draw something I sit there and laugh at myself after I send it to whoever I'm playing. Mostly because if I can't even tell what I drew, they won't be able to either. Ha ha. It's a fun game. Takes my mind off things for a few minutes each day. :)
5. I'm almost finished with my first round of edits on my book, so I'll be getting around to your blogs a little better. Hopefully next week. I apologize for the lack of commenting. The past few weeks have been crazy. But things should be slowing down soon.
How was your week? Anything to share?
Have a great weekend!!
2. I'm so jealous of everyone seeing The Hunger Games this weekend. I can't go until next week, but I'm SO excited. If you've seen it already, did you like it? Was it awesome?
3. We had critique group last night and my critique girls are so amazingly awesome. They brought me cupcakes and a card for my book deal and we talked and laughed for 3 hours. I even got a new nickname... but we'll save that for another post. LOL :) Hopefully we didn't drive the people at Barnes and Noble crazy!
4. I've been playing Draw Something on my phone. I have to say, I totally suck at drawing. Every time I draw something I sit there and laugh at myself after I send it to whoever I'm playing. Mostly because if I can't even tell what I drew, they won't be able to either. Ha ha. It's a fun game. Takes my mind off things for a few minutes each day. :)
5. I'm almost finished with my first round of edits on my book, so I'll be getting around to your blogs a little better. Hopefully next week. I apologize for the lack of commenting. The past few weeks have been crazy. But things should be slowing down soon.
How was your week? Anything to share?
Have a great weekend!!
March 21, 2012
Do you prefer print books or e-books?
I'm curious what you guys think about this whole debate that's been going on for a few years. E-books are hot right now. But do you think they'll get so hot that they'll put print books out of business?
To be honest, I don't think print books are going anywhere. Sure e-books are doing very well, but print books are still selling. I, for one, LOVE print books. I'm sort of a hardcover freak. I LOVE them. I have three bookshelves full of books. Hardcover and paperback and sometimes I just sit and stare at them because they're so pretty. In other words, my hubby thinks I'm weird. :) Who can resist a killer cover though? Oh, pretty covers. How I love you.
I also love my Kindle. I love the feeling of clicking a button and having a book appear on my Kindle in seconds. I love taking it places and having a bunch of books to choose from wherever I go. And how lightweight it is. I can stick it in my purse and pull it out at the doctors office or wherever. The funny thing is though, I don't buy a lot of new releases on Kindle. Most of the books on there are older books. Books I've gotten on sale or are less than five bucks. I'll happily plunk down money for a hardcover, but I'm very selective about the Kindle books I buy. Not sure why I do that... Maybe I'm am weird! Ha ha.
What do you guys prefer? Digital or Print? What do you love about both? And if you don't have a Kindle or Nook, will you ever break down and buy one? I told myself over and over I wouldn't ... but obviously I did. :)
To be honest, I don't think print books are going anywhere. Sure e-books are doing very well, but print books are still selling. I, for one, LOVE print books. I'm sort of a hardcover freak. I LOVE them. I have three bookshelves full of books. Hardcover and paperback and sometimes I just sit and stare at them because they're so pretty. In other words, my hubby thinks I'm weird. :) Who can resist a killer cover though? Oh, pretty covers. How I love you.
I also love my Kindle. I love the feeling of clicking a button and having a book appear on my Kindle in seconds. I love taking it places and having a bunch of books to choose from wherever I go. And how lightweight it is. I can stick it in my purse and pull it out at the doctors office or wherever. The funny thing is though, I don't buy a lot of new releases on Kindle. Most of the books on there are older books. Books I've gotten on sale or are less than five bucks. I'll happily plunk down money for a hardcover, but I'm very selective about the Kindle books I buy. Not sure why I do that... Maybe I'm am weird! Ha ha.
What do you guys prefer? Digital or Print? What do you love about both? And if you don't have a Kindle or Nook, will you ever break down and buy one? I told myself over and over I wouldn't ... but obviously I did. :)
March 19, 2012
What makes a good MC?
One of my favorite series is the Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins. The MC, Sophie Mercer is absolutely hilarious. I love her. Her voice is so sarcastic, and funny, I can't help but love her. What's funny about this, is that she seems so confident in her speech and relationships with people, but she is so insecure about her powers. She uses humor to make people think she's more confident, but deep down, she struggles. I've loved seeing her grow throughout the books and become more confident. And Rachel's writing keeps me coming back. She's hilarious. If you haven't been following her on Twitter, DO IT! She's so funny.
Another favorite MC, is Chloe Saunders from the Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong. I don't know why Chloe stood out to me so much. I think it's because of how shy and insecure she is in the beginning of the series and how much she grows toward the end. She grows a TON. She was so scared of her ability and didn't embrace it until the end of the series, when she realized how much potential she actually had. And her relationship with her love interest was so sweet. He wasn't the average swoon worthy, hotter than average guy. He was normal. A little less cute than most love interests in books. I loved their relationship and how protective they were of each other. And it wasn't love at first sight. Which is awesome. Great love story if you ask me.
And last but not least, I LOVED Isi from the Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. One of my all time favorite books and character's. I love how Shannon Hale writes an ordinary girl who has abnormal abilities and takes them through tough situations to discover their full potential. Enna Burning is also like this book, with crazy out of control powers, and learning to control them. If you haven't read the Goose Girl, read it. It's so good. The love story is so sweet as well. Anything by Shannon Hale is AWESOME.
After thinking of some of my favorite characters, (And I didn't mention a LOT of them) I realized I'm drawn to the shyer ones. The ones that have to grow to realize their potential. The insecure girls who would rather stay in the background than be right in the middle of everything. The ones that are forced to be great, rather than choose it. I do love the strong heroine, like Katniss, but I can't relate to her as well, since she's so kick-butt and I'm well ... not. :) The characters that I hold dear are the ones that are more like me. I love watching them change from book to book. Or, from the beginning of a book to the end. The characters I think about long after I've closed a book are the greatest. And that's what I want for my own books. Hopefully I'll be able to accomplish that someday.
Who are some of your favorite heroes, heroines?
Another favorite MC, is Chloe Saunders from the Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong. I don't know why Chloe stood out to me so much. I think it's because of how shy and insecure she is in the beginning of the series and how much she grows toward the end. She grows a TON. She was so scared of her ability and didn't embrace it until the end of the series, when she realized how much potential she actually had. And her relationship with her love interest was so sweet. He wasn't the average swoon worthy, hotter than average guy. He was normal. A little less cute than most love interests in books. I loved their relationship and how protective they were of each other. And it wasn't love at first sight. Which is awesome. Great love story if you ask me.
And last but not least, I LOVED Isi from the Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. One of my all time favorite books and character's. I love how Shannon Hale writes an ordinary girl who has abnormal abilities and takes them through tough situations to discover their full potential. Enna Burning is also like this book, with crazy out of control powers, and learning to control them. If you haven't read the Goose Girl, read it. It's so good. The love story is so sweet as well. Anything by Shannon Hale is AWESOME.
After thinking of some of my favorite characters, (And I didn't mention a LOT of them) I realized I'm drawn to the shyer ones. The ones that have to grow to realize their potential. The insecure girls who would rather stay in the background than be right in the middle of everything. The ones that are forced to be great, rather than choose it. I do love the strong heroine, like Katniss, but I can't relate to her as well, since she's so kick-butt and I'm well ... not. :) The characters that I hold dear are the ones that are more like me. I love watching them change from book to book. Or, from the beginning of a book to the end. The characters I think about long after I've closed a book are the greatest. And that's what I want for my own books. Hopefully I'll be able to accomplish that someday.
Who are some of your favorite heroes, heroines?
March 16, 2012
Random Thoughts From This Week
1. My youngest turned 2 yesterday. When she woke up I asked her what she wanted for breakfast and she said pizza. She got a little upset when I told her we didn't have any pizza, but I assured her we'd get some for dinner. She was happy as could be after that. :)
2. It was my anniversary on Tuesday. We've been married 9 years. I can't believe it has been that long. It feels like yesterday when he proposed! We had a great day though. And we've had an amazing 9 years. Looking forward to a LOT more!
3. The weather is getting warmer, which means spring is almost here!! YAY!!! I'm so excited. I love the spring. My kids have our Easter stuff out, so there are plastic eggs all over my house. Good times.
4. I've been editing Fairy Tale all week. My editor is so amazing. She gives me suggestions and feedback, and even puts little smiley faces and comments on things she loves. It makes me feels much less overwhelmed with everything. She rocks. It's funny, going back through this manuscript. I've had a few lines of dialogue and things that I've gone back and was like, "What was I thinking when I wrote that? It's so stupid!" But, my editor kindly points it out. She doesn't say I suck rocks. Which is a good thing. :)
5. I registered my 5-year old for Kindergarten yesterday. I have to say I'm a little more emotional about her going to school than when my son went. She's in preschool right now, but only 2 days a week for 2 hours. She's such a big helper. I'm going to miss her when the baby comes in September. Oh, and it will be so awesome driving to the school to drop off my son, driving home, driving BACK to school a few hours later to drop her off, driving home, and driving back to pick them up a few hours later. All with a newborn. And a two year old. I'm way excited. But, such is life. :)
Anything exciting you guys want to share? Have a great weekend!!
2. It was my anniversary on Tuesday. We've been married 9 years. I can't believe it has been that long. It feels like yesterday when he proposed! We had a great day though. And we've had an amazing 9 years. Looking forward to a LOT more!
3. The weather is getting warmer, which means spring is almost here!! YAY!!! I'm so excited. I love the spring. My kids have our Easter stuff out, so there are plastic eggs all over my house. Good times.
4. I've been editing Fairy Tale all week. My editor is so amazing. She gives me suggestions and feedback, and even puts little smiley faces and comments on things she loves. It makes me feels much less overwhelmed with everything. She rocks. It's funny, going back through this manuscript. I've had a few lines of dialogue and things that I've gone back and was like, "What was I thinking when I wrote that? It's so stupid!" But, my editor kindly points it out. She doesn't say I suck rocks. Which is a good thing. :)
5. I registered my 5-year old for Kindergarten yesterday. I have to say I'm a little more emotional about her going to school than when my son went. She's in preschool right now, but only 2 days a week for 2 hours. She's such a big helper. I'm going to miss her when the baby comes in September. Oh, and it will be so awesome driving to the school to drop off my son, driving home, driving BACK to school a few hours later to drop her off, driving home, and driving back to pick them up a few hours later. All with a newborn. And a two year old. I'm way excited. But, such is life. :)
Anything exciting you guys want to share? Have a great weekend!!
March 14, 2012
Where do you get your ideas?
I got my first round of edits for Fairy Tale yesterday. As I was reading through my book, I had to think how the crap I came up with my idea in the first place.
My ideas come from everywhere. Pictures, music, a line or something in another book. I'm a huge people watcher, so sometimes an idea stems from seeing a particular person or situation.
I'll use my fairy tale book for an example. I read Janette Rallison's book MY FAIR GODMOTHER. I thought it was hilarious and fun. The main character cracked me up and the fairy godmother was so funny and clueless. When I finished, I had a thought. What if the girl didn't end up with the prince? What if she ended up with someone else?
And my fairy tale idea sparked. It turned into something totally different from what it started as, but I love how it turned out.
So if you're ever in need of ideas, take a look around. There are stories to tell everywhere. You never know what will spark that awesome idea, but when it does, write it down!
What sparked your idea? Anything interesting? Do tell! :)
My ideas come from everywhere. Pictures, music, a line or something in another book. I'm a huge people watcher, so sometimes an idea stems from seeing a particular person or situation.
I'll use my fairy tale book for an example. I read Janette Rallison's book MY FAIR GODMOTHER. I thought it was hilarious and fun. The main character cracked me up and the fairy godmother was so funny and clueless. When I finished, I had a thought. What if the girl didn't end up with the prince? What if she ended up with someone else?
And my fairy tale idea sparked. It turned into something totally different from what it started as, but I love how it turned out.
So if you're ever in need of ideas, take a look around. There are stories to tell everywhere. You never know what will spark that awesome idea, but when it does, write it down!
What sparked your idea? Anything interesting? Do tell! :)
March 12, 2012
Why I Chose a Small Press
Hey guys! Happy Monday! Not really... All three of my kids are sick with horrible coughs, so we'll be kickin' it at home all day. At least they'll be relaxing and not running around, right? ;)
Anyway, today I wanted to talk about why I chose to go with a small press. A few of you have asked, so here is my answer. There are actually several factors that made my decision.
1. My book had already been on sub to some of the big publishing houses, and when that happens, you can't send it out again for a very long time.
2. I didn't have an agent anymore to send my book out to the big houses.
3. I've heard great things about small presses, (some) and thought my book would fit well with one.
4. I wasn't going to settle and face the fact that my fairy tale book wouldn't sell. I don't know why, but I knew it was good enough. Which is weird, because I usually have no problem setting a book aside.
5. I wanted a little more freedom in my writing. I want to try a few different genres. And markets. :)
So, that's basically my reasoning. There are a few other things, like the fact that I have small children and a baby due this year that I really thought it would be hard to go on a big book tour or something with a bigger press. AND, small presses are great at listening to their authors thoughts on book covers, edits, etc.
I've also gotten this question a lot. Will I try to get an agent again? Yes. Would I like to publish in one of the big 6? Of course. But for now, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And it's kind of nice having the freedom to do what I want right now. Who knows. I may stick with small presses for a while. My experience so far has been nothing but professional. The ladies at Crescent Moon Press are awesome. I couldn't ask for anything more in my writing career at the moment. :)
Also, I'm on Goodreads! WOOT! I can't believe it! I've seriously been freaking out all day. It's so awesome to see my book on there. Add it if you'd like. ;) Also, here is the link to Crescent Moon's website. My book and bio are on there as well! :D I still can't believe this is really happening. It all seems like a dream.
Anyway, today I wanted to talk about why I chose to go with a small press. A few of you have asked, so here is my answer. There are actually several factors that made my decision.
1. My book had already been on sub to some of the big publishing houses, and when that happens, you can't send it out again for a very long time.
2. I didn't have an agent anymore to send my book out to the big houses.
3. I've heard great things about small presses, (some) and thought my book would fit well with one.
4. I wasn't going to settle and face the fact that my fairy tale book wouldn't sell. I don't know why, but I knew it was good enough. Which is weird, because I usually have no problem setting a book aside.
5. I wanted a little more freedom in my writing. I want to try a few different genres. And markets. :)
So, that's basically my reasoning. There are a few other things, like the fact that I have small children and a baby due this year that I really thought it would be hard to go on a big book tour or something with a bigger press. AND, small presses are great at listening to their authors thoughts on book covers, edits, etc.
I've also gotten this question a lot. Will I try to get an agent again? Yes. Would I like to publish in one of the big 6? Of course. But for now, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And it's kind of nice having the freedom to do what I want right now. Who knows. I may stick with small presses for a while. My experience so far has been nothing but professional. The ladies at Crescent Moon Press are awesome. I couldn't ask for anything more in my writing career at the moment. :)
Also, I'm on Goodreads! WOOT! I can't believe it! I've seriously been freaking out all day. It's so awesome to see my book on there. Add it if you'd like. ;) Also, here is the link to Crescent Moon's website. My book and bio are on there as well! :D I still can't believe this is really happening. It all seems like a dream.
March 9, 2012
Random Thoughts From This Week
1. I have had zero desire to write lately. Thank goodness the first trimester is almost over. I don't think I can go another week without writing! :P
2. Heck freaking yes. That is all.
3. Hubby is taking me to one of my favorite places to eat tonight. The Old Spaghetti Factory. I know, it's not some fancy place, but I love it. We haven't been on a date forever. We're going to the University of Utah gymnastics meet after. He is WAY excited for that... Haha. :)
4. The weather is seriously going crazy here. Snow one day, wind the next, sunny today... Mother Nature, make up your mind!!
5. And last but not least, here is me signing my book contract. My very first contract! I should have dressed up or made myself more presentable, but that didn't happen. Don't mind my glasses. :P Anyway, I'm still SO excited. I'm in the middle of plotting my sequel ... now if I can stay awake long enough to write it.... :)
Anything interesting happen to you guys this week? Do share!
Have a great weekend! :D
2. Heck freaking yes. That is all.
3. Hubby is taking me to one of my favorite places to eat tonight. The Old Spaghetti Factory. I know, it's not some fancy place, but I love it. We haven't been on a date forever. We're going to the University of Utah gymnastics meet after. He is WAY excited for that... Haha. :)
4. The weather is seriously going crazy here. Snow one day, wind the next, sunny today... Mother Nature, make up your mind!!
5. And last but not least, here is me signing my book contract. My very first contract! I should have dressed up or made myself more presentable, but that didn't happen. Don't mind my glasses. :P Anyway, I'm still SO excited. I'm in the middle of plotting my sequel ... now if I can stay awake long enough to write it.... :)
Anything interesting happen to you guys this week? Do share!
Have a great weekend! :D
March 7, 2012
Books I can't wait to read!
Can I tell you a secret? I totally don't do horror. BUT, this book sounds really good. I may have to leave all my lights on while I read, but I'm going to do it. Do you like horror? I loved Carrie Ryan's Forest of Hands and Teeth series, but I don't know if those would be considered horror ... Would they?
Release Date: September 18th 2012
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives – an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school's most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off the from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn't scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
Okay. I'm in love with this cover. The greens, the butterfly, the title. Love. The story sounds amazing as well.
Release Date: April 10th 2012
Convinced she's a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe—the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they've been lying to her all along.
As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she'll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.
And finally, a dystopian. This looks so good.
Release Date: October 2nd 2012
Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . .
The world is dead.
The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.
ALINA
has been stealing for a long time. She's a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she's never been caught before. If she's careful, it'll be easy. If she's careful.
QUINN
should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it's also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn't every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.
BEA
wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they'd planned a trip together, the two of them, and she'd hoped he'd discover her out here, not another girl.
And as they walk into the Outlands with two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?
Do you guys have any books you're excited for?
Release Date: September 18th 2012It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives – an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school's most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off the from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn't scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
Okay. I'm in love with this cover. The greens, the butterfly, the title. Love. The story sounds amazing as well.
Release Date: April 10th 2012Convinced she's a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe—the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they've been lying to her all along.
As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she'll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.
And finally, a dystopian. This looks so good.
Release Date: October 2nd 2012Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . .
The world is dead.
The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.
ALINA
has been stealing for a long time. She's a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she's never been caught before. If she's careful, it'll be easy. If she's careful.
QUINN
should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it's also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn't every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.
BEA
wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they'd planned a trip together, the two of them, and she'd hoped he'd discover her out here, not another girl.
And as they walk into the Outlands with two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?
Do you guys have any books you're excited for?
March 5, 2012
The Never Ending Sea of Editing...
How many of you absolutely LOVE editing?
*crickets*
I, for one, really don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I love how my book ends up after editing and revising, BUT getting there is so time consuming and really draining.
When I first started writing, I thought I knew how to edit. Ba ha ha ha ha!! Obviously, I didn't. When I look back at my first manuscript, I shudder. I had no idea what I was doing. After I joined my critique group and found some beta readers, I finally realized how much work I'd actually be doing to get my books polished.
I used to write and edit at the same time. I can't do that anymore. I just get the story out and edit after. Sometimes I'll go back and read what I wrote the night before and fix any glaring mistakes, but I don't do any deep editing until my story is finished.
A lot of people wonder how other writers edit. Me? I'm a list maker. Once I figure out the problems in my book, based off of my beta readers/crit partners feedback, I write everything I need to fix down. I start with the major things first. Like, scene cutting, character cutting, re-writing a scene or two and any plot problems. Once I get those taken care of, I move on to smaller things like doing a search for "just" , "was", "even" ... and deleting half of them. Those are my problem words, FYI. :) I tweak sentences, add more character thoughts, make sure my dialogue is okay, etc.
Each time I finish something, I cross it off my list. I LOVE crossing things off my lists. It makes me feel like I'm actually getting somewhere.
Once I'm finished editing, I have a few more betas read. They catch any leftover mistakes, and once I get their feedback back, I go over things one or two more times. Then I'm usually ready to query or whatever. Well, I think I'm ready to query, even though no one is ever really ready for that, you know? :)
What is your editing process like?
*crickets*
I, for one, really don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I love how my book ends up after editing and revising, BUT getting there is so time consuming and really draining.
When I first started writing, I thought I knew how to edit. Ba ha ha ha ha!! Obviously, I didn't. When I look back at my first manuscript, I shudder. I had no idea what I was doing. After I joined my critique group and found some beta readers, I finally realized how much work I'd actually be doing to get my books polished.
I used to write and edit at the same time. I can't do that anymore. I just get the story out and edit after. Sometimes I'll go back and read what I wrote the night before and fix any glaring mistakes, but I don't do any deep editing until my story is finished.
A lot of people wonder how other writers edit. Me? I'm a list maker. Once I figure out the problems in my book, based off of my beta readers/crit partners feedback, I write everything I need to fix down. I start with the major things first. Like, scene cutting, character cutting, re-writing a scene or two and any plot problems. Once I get those taken care of, I move on to smaller things like doing a search for "just" , "was", "even" ... and deleting half of them. Those are my problem words, FYI. :) I tweak sentences, add more character thoughts, make sure my dialogue is okay, etc.
Each time I finish something, I cross it off my list. I LOVE crossing things off my lists. It makes me feel like I'm actually getting somewhere.
Once I'm finished editing, I have a few more betas read. They catch any leftover mistakes, and once I get their feedback back, I go over things one or two more times. Then I'm usually ready to query or whatever. Well, I think I'm ready to query, even though no one is ever really ready for that, you know? :)
What is your editing process like?
