Things I've learned this summer

Yes, I've learned a few things this summer. Some of these actually caught me off-guard.

I like reading more than I like writing. I think this is because I can read lightyears faster than I can write.

When the going gets tough, throw in an unexpected plot-twist. It seems to me, that the newest middle-grade books all employ this solution to problems. When the MC is backed into a corner, instead of working through the issue, the situation suddenly changes. I just have to remember that these authors have been published while I am not.

When doing intensive edits, it's disastrously simple to get frustrated and burned-out. Yes, my plans for the summer were sidelined by my frustration, and an intense longing to get healthier. I swam, I biked to nowhere (stationary bike), and I'm on my way to healthier.

Writing a book on an iPad comes with extra distractions. Games, news, etc...

Reading the news helps with writing sci-fi. For example, I learned about vertical gardening, which is very helpful in an enclosed habitat.

I also learned that I really do believe in my story, even though this fall and winter will bring another intensive rewrite. All I need to do is get started.

My Drawing Board Awaits

Another wonderful Beta reader, who I respect immensely when it comes to children's lit, has flagged many pages of my story for corrections, thereby reinforcing the concept that a diverse selection of beta readers is necessary for success.
My school of beta's includes:
-- A HS English teacher
-- Moms and their daughers
-- A technical writer
-- A children's librarian
-- My sons
-- A friend

So, it's back to the books for another major revision.  My one comfort is that my story will be much stronger when I come out the other side.  Also, I miss doing research.   There must be an alien lexicon out there somewhere on the web?  I will find it!

Cover Art Avatar

Here's what my iPad and I created for Brenda Drake's cover art redesign blogfest contest.  Wish I were skilled enough to create a full book-cover!  :-)

Josin does an awesome job with covers:
http://josinlmcquein.blogspot.com/2011/06/making-covers.html

See more (and better!) at Brenda Drake's blog:
http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2011/06/redesign-book-cover-blogfest-contest.html

The Bleary-eyed Editor

Yup, that's me. Ten chapters of light revisions completed in a single sitting. I must be excited to get to another round of queries. Or insane. Or maybe both!

Of course, there is more to do after the edit: synopsis and writing a prize-winning query letter. And, the best part, researching and selecting agents or agencies.

Then, there's decision-making: whether or not to send out exclusive queries. Does anyone have any experience with serial querying and how long to give an agent or agency to respond to an exclusive?

I'm thinking 3 weeks on the first query, and then (hopefully!) 3 weeks on a partial, and up to 6 weeks on a full.

Please let me know what your experiences have been.

Note: Due to the nature of my day-job, I must moderate comments before releasing to my blog.

Anticipation--upcoming brunch with a beta reviewer

I'm having brunch with one of my extra-special beta reviewers on Friday.  I have soo many questions for her:

What did she like / what didn't she like?
Where does she recommend that I revise to expand / contract / remove?
Does the plot make sense?
Does she see a clear genre?
Is the voicing truly consistent?
Does my main character grow as someone who is fourteen years old and on a grand adventure would grow?  (Of course I think so, but does someone else see what I see?)
Is the world that I've created interesting and engaging?
Is the main mystery answered by the end of the book?
Are there enough unanswered questions for a second book? For a series?
...and the biggest question of all....Would she purchase this if it were in hardcover with brilliant artwork and in a pretty display case in a bookstore?

Calling all English Majors!

Have a question / need help!

I'm editing my book and have found that I use a lot of "be" verbs to help tell the story in past-tense.  What else can I use without (egads!) using adverbs?

Brain Block -- How Do I Get Past It?

It's been 3 days since I've worked on editing my book.  I'm struggling with what additional obstacles I can add to the story but still keep it PG-rated.

Yes, I have storyboard-ish notecards where I can just "choose one" and then write about it.

Yes, I have a good plotline (at least that's what my Beta readers said), but just not enough of a build to the climax of the story.

Ideas, O' blog-buddies?  How do you handle editing where you must add sub-plots?

Need Help!!! Character Development Worksheet

I found a great character development chart at PamelaDowd.com. The only trouble is that it's five pages long!!!

My challenge to you, dear readers, is to please take a look at the character development chart and tell me what you think are the five most important attributes to note about each character.

Feedback and Editing

Feedback was requested and received.

I'm not as thick-skinned as I hoped I would be.

Final revisions are in progress this weekend.

Still on track for sending out my query letters by August 31st!