Thursday, February 28, 2013

Revisions Done -- For Now

So, I've spent January and the first half of February revising my newest MG novel. I love revising. I especially love cutting! I also love going to different spots in the ms. and weaving in what needs to be there. I love that we don't have to get it right the first time, but that we can work at it to get it better and better and better. I love the story. I hope I can make it all it can and should be. And I love that there are so many things to love. :)

Right now, the book is in the hands of four much-appreciated beta readers, and I'm in the much-needed cool-off period before diving in again in response to their feedback.

Just in time to get our taxes done. :(

How about you? Where are you in your various projects?

18 comments:

Andrea Mack said...

Such good news, Marcia! That's the place I'd like to be at right now, so I have to get working on the ending to my story.

Jaye Robin Brown said...

I love revisions, too, Marcia. And I have to remind myself that first drafts don't have to be perfect.

I'm waiting on 2 final readers before sending this book off to my agent in hopes it will fulfill my book 2 requirement!

Faith E. Hough said...

I'm still revising...I wish I had your enthusiasm for it! I love getting the story right, but I find I need much bigger chunks of time to revise coherently than to just plain write...

Marcia said...

Andrea -- I find that I pick up energy when I get to the ending. It's the middle that seems endless to me. Hope your ending unfolds exactly right!

Jaye -- So exciting! I hope your readers and your agent are bowled over. :)

Faith -- I don't think we're opposite on too many things, but I find the first draft a much bigger haul than revisions.

Barbara Watson said...

Cheers to you! I, too, adore revising. I didn't used to until I started seeing the power it has.

Mirka Breen said...

Your post illustrates why you are such a good editor. For myself- I always need *another pair of eyes* to see what is not essential and where the holes are. I’m not my best editor.
First draft is a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows- mostly highs for me. Revision is closer to homework. Little joy, but a good sense of accomplishment.

cleemckenzie said...

I was just fine until you mentioned taxes, Marcia. Congrats on those revisions and good luck adding all those figures just right on your IRS form. I'm off to deal with those taxes now.

Marcia said...

Barbara -- Yes, I think when we see how much better it makes our work, we realize it's a powerful tool for us.

Mirka -- Oh, I think more pairs of eyes are always needed. Betas always have helpful things to say. Someone who can come to it fresh is such a help!

Lee -- I hope to get them done over the weekend. Sure hope that happens. Good luck with yours!

Anonymous said...

I love revising. That messy first draft is taking a better shape.

I'm in various stages of revising and editing a few WIPs.

Marcia said...

Medeia -- Hope your revisions go great!

Bish Denham said...

I'm working on my novel for the ICL course I'm taking. It's been a challenge because of the subject.

As for revising... I really have to learn how to turn on the "I love to revise" switch, because it's definitely not something I look forward to.

Emily R. King said...

Another three weeks and I hope to be where you are! I'm getting worn out on my revisions, but I'm nearly there. Congrats on finishing, Marcia. I hope you enjoy your break!

Marcia said...

Bish -- Hope you're making great progress on your novel through the course. :)

Emily -- I know what you mean about getting worn out; then it's time to get some other eyes on it. But now ideas for how to fix the remaining issues are starting to bubble up.

Stina said...

That's awesome Marcia. My ms is out with my final beta reader while I give it some distance. Then it's time to query this baby (after I do the necessary edits and read through). :D

Christina Farley said...

Yay for getting revisions done. So awesome. I got my done about a week ago and have been sleeping ever since. Sort of. :-) I also have a new website at: http://christinafarley.com/blog/

Marcia said...

Stina -- That sounds like exactly where I'm at.

Christina -- I saw your new website. Looking good!

Daisy Carter said...

The last time I visited, I think you were beginning revisions. So, one, sorry it's been so long. Two, congrats!

I love revising, too. I tend to try to do it as I draft, which just leaves a big mess. Really need to work on that.

Hope your betas are swift and have great notes for you!

Marcia said...

Daisy -- I do it as I draft, too, which makes me a little slow, but it works as long as I set some kind of goal for actually finishing!