The Writing Life #8

This was a big week in my writing life! I spoke with my editor about my third novel, Left To Chance, how to make it better, how to make it the book I want it to be. So, I’ll be diving into the pages again, visiting my beloved Chance, Ohio. I can’t wait until you can visit as well!

At first, I was nervous. I’ve spent the past eight weeks away from this story and these characters, steeped in my first draft and research for book #4 (Boop! How I love Boop! How I want to write more Hannah and Boop!)

But what I realized when I unlocked the door to Left To Chance, was that it was as if I was visiting with that old friend I only saw once a year. You know, how you can see that certain someone infrequently and pick up right where you left off, as if you’d just walked around the corner and come right on back, when months or even years have passed.

But unlike a comfortable friendship, a book edit presents challenges along with its embrace. Luckily, I love a challenge.

This one I will tackle with index cards.

 

My editing often results in quite a bit of rearranging. This is not new for me, but the use of index cards is new. I used multicolored cards to create a balanced timeline for the novel, to make sure that the who and what and where were varied and made sense. Now I’ll use the card to pull out pieces of the manuscript that need to be re-purposed. I can see them, touch them, and move them around the old-fashioned way. I also have the opportunity to create index cards with new tidbits, new pieces to be added into the story.

Edit is not a four-letter-word.

***

On social media, I’ve taken more of an interest in Instagram. You can follow me — wait for it — @AmySueNathan. I’m finding it a good way to wake up my workday. Here’s a recent photo of my writing books #shelfie. The shelf does not include the writing books I keep by my bed, ‘natch.

If you’re looking for a great read on author social media, check out Andrea Katz’s blog post on Great Thoughts. And like all advice on writing or the writing life, take what you need and leave the rest. I think there’s something there for everyone, but not everything is for everyone, as usual. If you’re not familiar with Andrea’s FB group, Great Thoughts Great Readers, take a look at that as well. It’s a place for readers to connect, share books they love in threads, book clubs, giveaways, and to connect with authors as well.

See you this week on WFW for two great guest posts!

Amy xo