The Agony And The Ecstasy

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a few days. I've been struggling, not with my writing, but with my self. Delving into pieces and parts of me that have surfaced that I'm not sure I like. I had to get it out of the way. I think I've made some great strides.

However -- I need creative lightning. I need to be around creative people and that has not been possible for a bit. Today I was blessed.

I fought the urge to go to Starbucks and write -- instead I went to my writers' group and sucked in their creative juices. I left the place feeling renewed. 

Tonight, my writing buddy came. She brought her synopsis. She wasn't going to show it to me, at first, but I wheedled her into it. We spent almost three hours flaying the flesh from the bone. It was excruciating work. Her synopsis was six and a half pages, single-spaced. We took off at least three pages of the first draft. My friend showed such courage during the process. I know what it's like to cut beloved words or scenes from a book. This was just as hard.

When she came into my home, she was burdened down with the thought of the editing and with the hope that the synopsis was strong and exciting and told what needed to be told to get her agent to want to read the book itself. 

By the end, she was worn out and exhilarated. But with a very strong second draft. We laughed at the end. I told her she had been through the agony and now could rejoice in the ecstasy of a job well done.

I love her book. I can't wait 'til it comes out. It will be huge, I think. 

The evening also gave me hope. I work on my synopsis at least once a week, as my book progresses, and I had almost given up hope of paring it down to one or two pages. From tonight's success, I know that will be possible.

With a little help from my friend.

Life is awesome.