Woo hoo!

That's right, uh huh. I finished the first draft today. What a great feeling. Even though I know I've got a lot of work ahead of me, I can now honestly say that I started and finished a novel. With the bulk of the hard work and heavy lifting out I the way, I'll be turning my attention to the more enjoyable process of editing. I suppose that means I like fixing things more than making them from scratch.

I'm taking the weekend off then starting the rewrite on Monday. The way I think it's going to work is that I'll make several passes on it myself until I'm confident that a minimum of 85% of it doesn't blow chunks. Then I'll hand it over to my beta reader(s) for some fresh eyeball feedback. After I get those notes, I'll do another pass or two (or three or four...) before writing up the synopsis (and possibly a query letter). The reason I'm not automatically writing the letter is that I have an in at two publishing houses thanks to my picture book editors. Once I get the novel into reasonably good shape, I'll meekly ask them if it might be something they'd be interested in taking a look at. No guarantees, but a definite advantage over being agentless with no publishing contacts.

First draft word count a/o today: 80005 -- Woo hoo!

Onward!

Finished off another draft of my chapter book, Malcolm, and sent it off to the publisher. A chapter book is kind of an early novel -- designed for elementary school readers. My editor Liz has really been giving me some good notes that have been a joy to work from -- really ended up making the manuscript better. Take it from one who's HAD to execute bad notes, (cough) TV animation (cough), it makes a huge difference when the note giver is on the ball. I'm well pleased with how it turned out and hope they like it, too.

Started back on Leonard. Two more chapters then it's off to rewrite land. Send powerful energizing vibes my way so I can "crank this sucka!"

First draft word count a/o today: 64867

Stand by...

Putting the novel on hold for a bit while I work on the rewrite for a chapter book. Got the notes from my editor back in the middle of December and have finally been able to wrap my brain around them enough so I can start the edit. After literally battling my way through the third to last chapter of Leonard, it's actually a nice break to work on something different. Hope to be back at the novel by the end of next week.

First draft word count a/o today: 64591

Closer Still, Again

Man! This third to last chapter is taking me forever! Lot's of battle action that by its very nature cries out for careful description. It's a fine line though. Being overly descriptive can be as "unenjoyable" for the reader as not writing enough for them to sink their teeth into. I have to make it exciting yet be sure that I "leave out the parts readers tend to skip".


Oh well, I'm deciding to treat this chapter as a case of "slow and steady wins the race".


First draft word count a/o today: 64591

Closer Still

Reached a personally important but largely symbolic milestone by breaking 60k. I'm on the third to last chapter and steaming toward the finish. LOTS of action in these closing chapters as I build toward the climactic confrontation between my boy hero and the evil arch villain. From experience with my spec screenplays I know that while I find writing action to be challenging, it's also a lot of fun. When I get it right, penning a good action sequence is like watching your kid beat some challenge that could have gone either way -- you're filled with a mixture of pride, excitement, and relief. Onward!

First draft word count a/o today: 61125

Getting Closer

Knocked off two chapters and added a decent amount to the word count. I think breaking 60k will feel pretty good. I know I've got my work cut out for me when I start the rewrite. Seems that every time I open the file and start typing I discover things that I'll have to go back and fix. There are some major issues (like an entire King Arthur subplot that vanishes about halfway in -- it involves onions and captivity) and a lot of minor stuff. I have a page at the end of the draft where I keep notes on these future fixes.

First draft word count a/o today: 59239

Getting Close

Had a fairly productive last couple of days. Did some structural edits -- combined a couple of chapters for flow and did a little word cranking. A quick look tells me I've got five more chapters to go before I'm finished with the first draft. Charge!
I've also been re-watching the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (a Christmas time tradition here at stately Eschbacher manor). Talk about inspirational! Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are certifiable geniuses with the way they masterfully adapted such a monstrously complex work as LOTR. I'm so glad that Jackson and New Line worked out their differences -- two Hobbit films! Yahoo!

Anyway, I think it's safe to say that watching films that connect to your novels theme is a no-brainer way to get the creative juices flowing.

First Draft word count a/o today: 58,004