On Today's Menu -- Peanut butter and banana sanwiches (non-fried), and a big ol' glass of chocolate milk. May as well throw in a couple of chocolate chip cookies too. Brain food. (protein fiber carbs vitamin D and chocolate)
I am much better today, thank you all for your kind words from Wednesday. I think because I was almost at the end of my book, the stress to make it perfect was getting to me. I did this with the last two as well. I second guess myself, I hate what I've written, I deal with way too many questions, I read too many industry blogs to find my problems. Then I can't think straight. It's a vicious cycle.
And then we also have the time change which has really affected my sleep patterns. It's 4:38 in the wee hours of the a.m. as I write this and I am exhausted. I also internalize my stress which affects me in the form of weird, really weird dreams.
The one that got me up this morning was missing a writing workshop of Les Edgertons. He was giving it at the inn where I used to work. He came into the kitchen, we chatted for a few, and then he went back to the workshop.
What was it that woke me up? I forgot to tell him I was Piedmont Writer. And you know why I dreamed this -- because I didn't read the blog post he wrote the other day and I really wanted to, but I didn't have enough time. Yeah. I know. I really need to get a grip. (Hey Butch!)
Two very lovely ladies have offered to read my book. I heard from one of them yesterday. Pretty good so far, is what she said. So I'm happy about that. I did have the chance to re-read it myself yesterday. Start to finish. I need to add a few things to the ms. But as it stands, I still think it's pretty good. It's just a lot of stuff going on. We'll see what the ladies think.
I know many of you recommended for me to step back for awhile and let it stew. I can't. I need to get it finished, revised and queried before the end of April. I know that's a lot of pressure, but the weather has started turning, the yard needs dealing with, the house needs paint, the pool needs doing. I cannot remain attached to a book with all that. I also want to get this one out, so I can work on the first one again. It needs a little fixing, but I can work on it at my leisure. It's already there, it's not like I have to write it. You know.
Out of 37 queries for REMEMBERING YOU, only 1 partial and 1 full request. So, that one is definitely going under the bed. I think I'm not a contemporary writer. And that's okay. They all say to find your niche, well, I can honestly say, I love writing Regency romance and I think that's where I'll stay, thank you very much.
Congratulations to Carolina Valdez Miller on her scooping the elusive agent. Much continued success to her in her career.
And come back on Monday. I've received another award and I've finally decided to do an awards post. I think the last one I did was last July. So yeah, there might be a few to pass along. And there will definitely be some heavy duty linkage, so come on back.
And you know what, I think that's all I have today. Not much else is going on. I'm going to try and finish the book today. There's not a lot left to write, and I figure I may as well.
Have a great weekend.
31 comments:
I enjoy stepping away from my work but it sounds like that way just isn't yours. That said, I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better, for the most part. Hang in there, Cookie and enjoy that peanut butter and nanner delight.
Thanks Ivy. I am going to step away, but not just quite yet. I plan on taking a really really long break over the summer. No writing, just reading and blogging. I've been writing for three years straight. I want to finish everything up first before I get on to the really important lazing around.
Stepping away is good but then you hear about writers signing with agents still needing to rewrite half a book. So no, it doesn't need to be perfect. If it's as good as you can make it - send it out in April!
That's okay about that other manuscript. At least you know your voice and niche now.
I think it's great you're almost done. I'm aiming ot finish mine by the end of April and hoping to submit it in May sometime.
Now I feel tired as well!
Laura -- Yeah, and that really peeves me to hear that because EVERYONE says it has to be perfect. Well, mine will be as good as I can get it for the way I intended and if that's not good enough, well then. Back to the drawing board I guess.
Jennifer -- Some day I'd like to go back and take another look at the other book. I mean I like it and all but I'm growing as a writer all the time so someday I may have the chops to really go at it. Best of luck to you to finish. It must be crazy for you on deadline like that.
Alex -- Sorry.
You have a great weekend too, Anne.
I've only recently been able to step away from my work, and that's only because I have another project to work on. But my 'stepping away' never lasts for long, even if I plan to step away for more than a week. The itch to work on it returns a few days later--unless I'm immersed in the other project and can't put it down.
I couldn't write a contemp romance. I don't like to even read them. I prefer historical romances (not that I read them anymore) and romantic suspense.
Mr. MacNish -- I just love that name.
Stina -- I know what I say, and I'd like to believe it, but over the summer when I've stepped away, I know I'll be working, thinking, probably writing something else. I have to write. It's like breathing.
Well, I'm at that point again of not sure what to do. I'm working through it. I think you can push through. I just got advice and the person left me with the question--"Is a novel ever considered 'finished?' I guess it's a good point. It's hard for me to step away. I did it this time to work on something else, but now I'm questioning that one and thinking I should go back to the other.
Be happy on what you have accomplished (this is what I keep trying to tell myself.) You did get interest in the other one so keep going. It will come to you.
Enjoy the weather!
The dreams come from the full moon tomorrow. I had a whopper just before waking up this morning. Take a deep breath, or several, and then, good luck with your writing! Take some more deep breaths along the way!
I'm sorry you had a rough week. I hope you recharge this weekend.
Maybe keep that manuscript under the bed for a couple of weeks, and then look at it again with fresh eyes.
I'm having a contest if you'd like to visit my blog!
All of those feelings are so normal when you finish up an MS. It really did help me to step back from mine for a couple months. I wanted to query it right away, but I believe in it too much. I get one shot - once the agents have rejected it, all that hard work is down the drain. So I need to make sure it's the best it can be before going out into the big scary world of querying.
Good luck to you on the new one!!
Yay! Don't forget to do the "The End" dance!
Anne, I'm dying of curiosity! What workshop did we meet at? I'm so sorry not to remember and can only blame it on my Halfzeimer's... Was it one of the WRW events? That's the only one I can think of where a kitchen was involved. The only other ones with a kitchen that I can think of were the Writer's Institute at the U. of Wisconsin and Microburst at Phoenix College, but I suspect it was in Kentucky, right? I'm so, so bad at names! In fact, when I do booksignings, my wife goes along to whisper people's names to me as I forget--even people I've known for years and years. I'm just dying to know where we met and ashamed that I don't remember.
As for your rejections, 37 aren't many. Really. I had 87 for my first novel before it was published and it was only luck that it sold to the 87th. Keep at it! Just keep writing other books and sending them out. I'm pulling for ya--as noted philosopher Red Green says--"We're all in this together."
Now, I'm going to go pull my hair out trying to remember our talk in the kitchen... Oops. I guess I can't. No hair...
There is no one right way to approach revisions...or the first draft, for that matter. We all have different processes and when you know what works for YOU, you stick with it.
Have a lovely weekend, Anne.
Love,
Lola
PB and banana! A favorite.
And I know just how you feel about the time change. It's messed with my head too. Remember to breathe in, breathe out.
I'm glad you found your niche. Sometimes that's all it takes. Good luck with the ending--I'm sure you'll nail it.
I'm excited that you're so close to finishing :)
"I second guess myself, I hate what I've written, I deal with way too many questions, I read too many industry blogs to find my problems. Then I can't think straight. It's a vicious cycle." That could read like a line right out of my diary.
...up to chapter 20...just keeps getting better! :)
Finding your niche is important. I'm still not sure I've found mine, but it is fun figuring it out.
Have a great weekend!
I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches with chocolate milk. Must be our artistic appetites, huh?
Good luck with your goal of completing everything by the end of April! :)
I can truly relate to pushing yourself to get this book DONE. I've experienced the same stress as you are experiencing. I've decided it's not worth it to me to get so stressed out. So I'm relaxing. Really. Spring is here today, though tomorrow the temp drops again. Ah well. This is fickle March. I just count my blessings that my house and everything in it hasn't been washed away; that the day is calm and peaceful.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my brother's passing. I'm at peace for him. I know he's no longer suffering from all he's been afflicted with, and all he inflicted upon himself.
Now, time not for a peanut butter sandwich, but celery sticks stuffed with cashew butter. My daughter and I love this!!
Good luck with your goals, and enjoy the good weather; enjoy moving about physically and doing some "fixing"!!
Liza -- Yeah, that moon. Crazy thing. Shines right in my window. I bet that's why I've been waking up in the middle of the night.
Theresa -- The ms. under the bed will stay for a couple years. It's nothing I need to work on now. Call it a "practice" novel if you will.
Tara -- Yeah, one shot. That's what I'm dealing with now. Cuz if this one doesn't work, it's McD's for me.
Sarah -- Oh yeah, in my yoga pants and everything. Who knows maybe even OUTSIDE in my yoga pants.
Lola -- You know, that's what I'm finding on this novel. What exactly works for me. I think I knew, but with all that advice out there I had to try everything once, like the buffet line. But now I know (or almost know) what I'm doing, it's easier.
Bish -- Naps. I need two naps now. I feel like a baby. Down at 10, down at 2. UP all night.
Elana -- Thanks. Thanks for stopping by.
Natascha -- If I could just get it done this weekend. I would be singing from the trees on Monday. We'll see. I know what it is, I just have to write it.
Bridget -- I think that could be a line out of ALL our diaries. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Makes my heart smile.
Lydia -- It took me 3 years, 3 books to really say, yeah, this is what I want to write. And now, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Linda -- 4 basic daily requirements. Gotta love bananas.
Ann -- I know you know. I just want to get it done, so I really CAN relax. Just for a little while anyway before the next urge to write strikes. OOh, cashew butter. I will def have to try that. sounds yum! Hope you and Jen have a great weekend.
I hope the writing goes well! The finishing is the hardest thing. And I think a partial and a full is not bad at all...that's not true, I think it's great!
Duh, hit that button to quickly. I also wanted to say thanks for reading my interview over at Jen's place. I think it's hilarious that your friend only dated guys named Steve but married a John! Heehee
Have a great weekend! Enjoy finishing yet another novel. ;) I'm unplugged next week so I'll see you on the flipside.
Nicki -- You're right, a partial and full isn't bad, I just had really high hopes for that book and it didn't happen. Maybe someday.
Hannah -- Have a great week off!
Wow, you need a staff! I'm glad you feel better and that you know yourself well enough to know what needs to be done. And that you're doing it!
Good luck, sleep well, and have a great weekend!
...quite honestly, Anne, receiving a full request out of 37 queries is actually pretty good. I've read those horror stories of fifty or more out the door...and not one call.
My opinion? A pat on the back is an order! Enjoy your weekend, Anne, and no worries, it'll happen:)
EL
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