Trying to Find Time

One of the things I really hate is trying to find the time to write. Watching my little one takes the entire day... and so it's at night that I finally grab the opportunity to edit or write. Usually can't do both! 

I know I've sworn I will set a time each day, but my life is not my own. When the little one goes to school next year, things should be better. But, dear God I do so hope I've got a contract by that time!

However, I keep plugging. I've got 122 pages left. I'm on Chapter 47 of the 61 left. I have to laugh. The chapter numbers keep changing. So the end count will definitely be different, but such is life. 

The word count continues to grow, which is another odd thing. I've been cutting mercilessly, but the editing has brought to light places that need further explaining, etc. The characters love to chat with each other and that adds more too - though I tell them daily the book is not about EVERYONE! 

Life is good. Hope you are all smiling. It's the only thing that will save us!

Chacters (Bless their little hearts)

My editor suggested I change the name of one of my main characters. Two of the characters were too close sounding, in her humble opinion. I figured she was right. So I set off on a quest to find a name. Of course, these kinds of quests are not simple. Finally, after about four hours, I decided I would make a different change.

The lead character's name begins with a B - the secondary character's name began with a B also. So - I changed the secondary's name to begin with a K - BUT, as life would have it, the first character we meet (who gets himself killed immediately) - well, his name begins with a K. So I found a good name for him that begins with a G and then changed the secondary's character to begin with a K and life is good... I was thus able to leave the main character's name the same. I had really gotten used to it, over the past four years!

FYI - Brynna changed to Kendra. Kendrick changed to Garvin. Life is good - if you don't mind delving deep into names.... I like to make sure the names all work... that they're from the same background or etymology for each kingdom. It takes a lot of work, I probably spent weeks on the originals, but it is well worth it. 

Now - these friends are easily distinguishable. I hope. *giggles*

I digress

A quick note - on the teeth front - went to two dentists (one a real dentist and the other a surgeon) and both don't think the teeth need extraction OR root canals.

Found a book about psychology and health and aches and pains. It's called 'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay. The book's pretty good - but the real treasure is towards the back. There's an 'excel-like' section of bodily woes, the psychological causes, and then the 'good thoughts' to get you back to health. A real treasure.

Now - One of my favorite books is 'The Four Agreements' by Martinez - I even bought ten copies and gave it out to friends and family. The 'You Can Heal' book is a long-winded copy of the 'Four Agreements.' If you've going to get a book that will change your life - it's the 'Four Agreements.' But again, the little appendage in the back of 'You Can Heal' is excellent too. 

Forgive me for digressing from 'writing' - but the editing and trying to get published phase of writing can drive one to drink or to have a physical meltdown. One of my favorite blogs likens the process to Chutes and Ladders. A great analogy. http://jenniferanielsen.blogspot.com/

Life is good

*giggles* 

That character I was going to 'flesh out' - seems I already did it. Checked out the chapter and there he was... down to his hair color. What a relief. I fixed the ending so the main character does not die... but I've got to go back and change the funeral scene to the father's instead. it will work. Both things were giving me gray hairs. So I can, indeed say, life is good.

Haven't had a chance to look at my stuff since yesterday - today was filled with a tree-lighting ceremony, a choir, and a visit to Santa - such fun!