Marissa Priest's Blog, page 3
December 11, 2015
Why can't I stop editing!
For someone who complains about it, I take a lot of time to edit and edit and edit. Technically, the books are done. A lot of shorts are done. But my Muse fails to agree with me. She keeps nagging about little things here and there. I doubt she'll stop even after the books are on the shelves!
I've been submitting the agents, and then using the waiting period to edit some more. I just don't know how to stop myself. I really should. I guess the previous rejections have it stuck in my head that it's not good enough.
In the end, I'm happy with what I wrote. I'm in love with this book. That's what matters, right? Everyone knows agents and editors make their own tweaks once they get the book. I guess I'm just trying to get ahead of that? Tolkien was the same way.
One of these days, I'll find a way to cut myself off. Maybe just not today...
I've been submitting the agents, and then using the waiting period to edit some more. I just don't know how to stop myself. I really should. I guess the previous rejections have it stuck in my head that it's not good enough.
In the end, I'm happy with what I wrote. I'm in love with this book. That's what matters, right? Everyone knows agents and editors make their own tweaks once they get the book. I guess I'm just trying to get ahead of that? Tolkien was the same way.
One of these days, I'll find a way to cut myself off. Maybe just not today...
December 2, 2015
WIP Wednesday!
Still chugging away on edits. The end is (somewhat) in sight! At this rate, it'll be done by mid-December. Let's hope the muse keeps on agreeing with me.
Fun fact! This scene was actually the third one I outlined when I began this novel. I was still figuring out the quirks of Bryan's personality and he decided to have a lovely chat while sailing to Egypt. It was a bit long winded at first, but we've all come a long way since then.
Here's today's tidbit of new words:
“Perhaps we should speak with your cousin to confirm,” he retorted. “He would agree that there is something much larger at play here,” Esther resumed speaking in a harsh tone of voice. Before he could continue arguing, she pressed one of the heavier books into his hand.
Fun fact! This scene was actually the third one I outlined when I began this novel. I was still figuring out the quirks of Bryan's personality and he decided to have a lovely chat while sailing to Egypt. It was a bit long winded at first, but we've all come a long way since then.
Here's today's tidbit of new words:
“Perhaps we should speak with your cousin to confirm,” he retorted. “He would agree that there is something much larger at play here,” Esther resumed speaking in a harsh tone of voice. Before he could continue arguing, she pressed one of the heavier books into his hand.
November 29, 2015
The Gas Lit Future
Further thoughts on my plans for 2016. First, I need to find a better way to balance multiple projects at one. Maybe assign certain days of the week for each one? This is the schedule I just wrote for myself:
Submit Resurrected Thief to agents
Reformat the prequel serial for Esther
Finish The Ghost Circus
Write more of Bryan in Denmark
Start The Unbound Specter
Introduce Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling to the short fiction
Cases with James and Esther
Does Thomas need a backstory?
--Spend some time on Our Fathers and Epic Fantasy
So what does all that mean?
The first should be obvious. Since most of the submission process involves waiting for an answer, that won't be too hard.
Esther's origin started as a jumble of short stories, but has worked its way into a great idea for serial fiction. The trick is finding someone who agrees and wants to publish it that way. I have a suspicion it might be easier with the rising popularity of the serial format.
Since novellas are still popular, I want to seize on that trend and finish up The Ghost Circus. It's about halfway finished. But that schedule is also dependent on when the publisher I want opens its doors for novellas again.
At the same time, I want to start writing more than the prologue to the second book. If I manage to snag an agent or publisher, I want to provide them with a sequel soon instead of waiting until I finish a bunch of jumbled shorts. It's fully outlined, so may prove to be a fast right.
I also have plenty of ideas for other mysteries with the Hawke men, but don't know how much of a priority that should be in comparison to writing novels. Right now, the Muse says hold onto them to provide filler between the larger books. We have to keep producing a steady stream of fiction!
More books obviously mean more characters. Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling are ones I've started to dabble with already. It could lead to a string of short stories or novellas. I have no idea yet.
Similarly, I don't know how much writing should be dedicated to Thomas. I had intended him to be without a complicated history. Esther and Bryan are supposed to lead him into all the adventures. But I don't want him to be a neglected character. Who knows what will happen on that front. The Muse is silent, despite Thomas being one of her favorite characters.
Finally, I should probably spend some time with my Non-Gaslight projects. Again, submissions for Our Fathers should be fairly simple. I want to return to epic fantasy so I'm not limiting myself to murder taking place in the 1880s. Unless the Muse comes up with something other than a vague two sentence idea, or lets me write everything else quickly, this is how 2016 will be playing out.
Submit Resurrected Thief to agents
Reformat the prequel serial for Esther
Finish The Ghost Circus
Write more of Bryan in Denmark
Start The Unbound Specter
Introduce Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling to the short fiction
Cases with James and Esther
Does Thomas need a backstory?
--Spend some time on Our Fathers and Epic Fantasy
So what does all that mean?
The first should be obvious. Since most of the submission process involves waiting for an answer, that won't be too hard.
Esther's origin started as a jumble of short stories, but has worked its way into a great idea for serial fiction. The trick is finding someone who agrees and wants to publish it that way. I have a suspicion it might be easier with the rising popularity of the serial format.
Since novellas are still popular, I want to seize on that trend and finish up The Ghost Circus. It's about halfway finished. But that schedule is also dependent on when the publisher I want opens its doors for novellas again.
At the same time, I want to start writing more than the prologue to the second book. If I manage to snag an agent or publisher, I want to provide them with a sequel soon instead of waiting until I finish a bunch of jumbled shorts. It's fully outlined, so may prove to be a fast right.
I also have plenty of ideas for other mysteries with the Hawke men, but don't know how much of a priority that should be in comparison to writing novels. Right now, the Muse says hold onto them to provide filler between the larger books. We have to keep producing a steady stream of fiction!
More books obviously mean more characters. Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling are ones I've started to dabble with already. It could lead to a string of short stories or novellas. I have no idea yet.
Similarly, I don't know how much writing should be dedicated to Thomas. I had intended him to be without a complicated history. Esther and Bryan are supposed to lead him into all the adventures. But I don't want him to be a neglected character. Who knows what will happen on that front. The Muse is silent, despite Thomas being one of her favorite characters.
Finally, I should probably spend some time with my Non-Gaslight projects. Again, submissions for Our Fathers should be fairly simple. I want to return to epic fantasy so I'm not limiting myself to murder taking place in the 1880s. Unless the Muse comes up with something other than a vague two sentence idea, or lets me write everything else quickly, this is how 2016 will be playing out.
November 25, 2015
Happy Pre-Thanksgiving!
I hope everyone is enjoying the fleeting quiet before the mad rush of the holiday. Enjoying those spare moments before you have to start cooking that massive turkey and the countless side dishes. Not that I'm complaining. I always have fun when cooking with my family. Except that last year, the onions finally decided to attack and I can't chop them without tears blinding me.
Sadly, cooking does take away time from writing. I attempted one year to bring the laptop into the kitchen with me. It did not end well. The holiday break is coming as I try to finish up editing a rather difficult scene. Perhaps two days of no writing will be good. Then I can return and vanquish this block.
Part of the issue, is that I'm distracted by planning for the future. I have a detailed writing schedule already set up for 2016. As ever, it's flexible to change. I really want to get Our Fathers and Resurrected Thief out there, and then focus on my other new projects. I keep thinking about ideas for a serialized novel, plus about four unrelated fantasy epics. Then of course come all the sequels. I have a sneaking feeling that 2016 might be busier than 2015.
But I'm thankful for my writing. I'm happiest when I'm writing. I'm inspired by the ever growing mountain of new ideas. Once this turkey is out of the way, the Muse and I must get back to climbing!
Sadly, cooking does take away time from writing. I attempted one year to bring the laptop into the kitchen with me. It did not end well. The holiday break is coming as I try to finish up editing a rather difficult scene. Perhaps two days of no writing will be good. Then I can return and vanquish this block.
Part of the issue, is that I'm distracted by planning for the future. I have a detailed writing schedule already set up for 2016. As ever, it's flexible to change. I really want to get Our Fathers and Resurrected Thief out there, and then focus on my other new projects. I keep thinking about ideas for a serialized novel, plus about four unrelated fantasy epics. Then of course come all the sequels. I have a sneaking feeling that 2016 might be busier than 2015.
But I'm thankful for my writing. I'm happiest when I'm writing. I'm inspired by the ever growing mountain of new ideas. Once this turkey is out of the way, the Muse and I must get back to climbing!
November 19, 2015
The Edits Never Stop
Despite the end in sight, it sometimes feels like I'll never be finished editing any of my books. So much to change, to add, to cut, to reorder.
I forgot how jumbled the journey to Egypt was for our poor heroes. Ten days of being trapped on a boat with nothing but your fears and a bunch of books. At least it's a much more exciting voyage this time. Plus, it leads into some of my favorite scenes.
Despite that, I must resist the temptation to skip ahead. Doing that is what left me a messy scene and even messier notes. I must press on!
December is always crazy in the publishing world. A lot of places open to queries and submissions just before the holidays. If all goes well, I can send queries to everyone I want to. I just can't stop writing.
I forgot how jumbled the journey to Egypt was for our poor heroes. Ten days of being trapped on a boat with nothing but your fears and a bunch of books. At least it's a much more exciting voyage this time. Plus, it leads into some of my favorite scenes.
Despite that, I must resist the temptation to skip ahead. Doing that is what left me a messy scene and even messier notes. I must press on!
December is always crazy in the publishing world. A lot of places open to queries and submissions just before the holidays. If all goes well, I can send queries to everyone I want to. I just can't stop writing.
November 18, 2015
WIP Wednesday!
Editing went very well today. To date, we've added 20,897 words to Resurrected Thief. With the changes to the ending, I suspect this might be longer than I initially thought. But it's better, and that's what counts!
“Have you had the pleasure of reading about the missing mummy?” Bryan’s voice held no amusement as he flicked the newspaper at Thomas. He fumbled to catch it with his one free hand; several of the interior pages slipped out and landed on the ground.
“You’ll have to forgive me. I haven’t slept,” Thomas mumbled as he knelt over to gather the loose pages.
“Have you had the pleasure of reading about the missing mummy?” Bryan’s voice held no amusement as he flicked the newspaper at Thomas. He fumbled to catch it with his one free hand; several of the interior pages slipped out and landed on the ground.
“You’ll have to forgive me. I haven’t slept,” Thomas mumbled as he knelt over to gather the loose pages.
November 17, 2015
The Tricks of Editing
Never ever EVER stop in the middle of editing. Don't write vague notes for yourself in the margins, and then return to those notes months later. The train of thought you attempted to scribble will be long gone.
This is also why people suggest finishing writing the entire book before editing. I was never good at that. The Muse comes up with an idea for chapter seven while I'm writing chapter twelve. The Muse knows nothing but bouncing around. We are working on fixing that.
This current scene is all over the place, as are my old notes. We're slowly getting back on track, which is excellent. And the edits are ahead of schedule. This sequence was troublesome from the very beginning, but it's coming along. It's important for the plot, but is missing something. Maybe the Muse will bounce back and tell me what that something is today.
Wouldn't that be nice!
This is also why people suggest finishing writing the entire book before editing. I was never good at that. The Muse comes up with an idea for chapter seven while I'm writing chapter twelve. The Muse knows nothing but bouncing around. We are working on fixing that.
This current scene is all over the place, as are my old notes. We're slowly getting back on track, which is excellent. And the edits are ahead of schedule. This sequence was troublesome from the very beginning, but it's coming along. It's important for the plot, but is missing something. Maybe the Muse will bounce back and tell me what that something is today.
Wouldn't that be nice!
November 11, 2015
WIP Wednesday!
Edits are about halfway done! We're are chugging along ahead of schedule, which is fantastic. More so because I suspect the edits of the end will take longer since I made a lot of changes.
Here's some more exciting new scenes from The Resurrected Thief:
"He left this one alive,” Bryan sighed while squinting at the small wound across the guard’s brow. Without ceasing her frantic movements, Esther tossed him a small handkerchief. The scent of lavender wafted through Bryan’s nose as he pressed it against the bloody gash.
Here's some more exciting new scenes from The Resurrected Thief:
"He left this one alive,” Bryan sighed while squinting at the small wound across the guard’s brow. Without ceasing her frantic movements, Esther tossed him a small handkerchief. The scent of lavender wafted through Bryan’s nose as he pressed it against the bloody gash.
October 29, 2015
WIP Wednesday!
(I just realized it's not actually Wednesday. Oops.)
Edits and rewrites mean the word count rises very very slowly. But, since I've begun I've added nearly 12,000 new words! Here are some of them.
“The man lost his arm, not his life,” Bryan scoffed, while Esther lowered her head. A laugh threatened to emerge from his throat. Instead, he gritted his teeth until his jaw ached.
Edits and rewrites mean the word count rises very very slowly. But, since I've begun I've added nearly 12,000 new words! Here are some of them.
“The man lost his arm, not his life,” Bryan scoffed, while Esther lowered her head. A laugh threatened to emerge from his throat. Instead, he gritted his teeth until his jaw ached.
October 26, 2015
Plenty of Changes
Edits on The Resurrected Thief are coming along nicely. However, the biggest thing for me is all the re-writes. I don't mind doing them. Sometimes they can be enjoyable. It just takes up a lot of time as you try to smash together the original concept and the new ideas, or just do everything over from scratch.
The structure of The Resurrected Thief and the entire series has undergone some changes since I started writing. First, the ending is completely different. Same villain, but a new resolution. It works better within the overarching themes, which have also changed slightly. Plus, there a few scenes which are down right terrible. Two men talking about college times while a mummy attacks? Not good at all!
I also have a tendency to write scenes out of order, and then reassemble into the first draft. Rewrites fix all those awkward and clunky transitions. In the end, the entire book is a much better read.
If I didn't spend all that time rewriting, the final book would be long winded and jarring. No one wants to read something like that.
The structure of The Resurrected Thief and the entire series has undergone some changes since I started writing. First, the ending is completely different. Same villain, but a new resolution. It works better within the overarching themes, which have also changed slightly. Plus, there a few scenes which are down right terrible. Two men talking about college times while a mummy attacks? Not good at all!
I also have a tendency to write scenes out of order, and then reassemble into the first draft. Rewrites fix all those awkward and clunky transitions. In the end, the entire book is a much better read.
If I didn't spend all that time rewriting, the final book would be long winded and jarring. No one wants to read something like that.
