Reading

There was a news report about a school in my town that received a really big award. A reporter interviewed a student (maybe a fifth grader?). The reporter asked how many books the boy had read during the school year and the kid responded, "Fifty." The reporter reeled. So did I. 

I feel the lack. If I'm lucky, I read a couple books a year. One of the reasons is I'm a consummate over-reader. I can't stop, once I start. The second reason, and it's probably false, is that I don't want to have my own writings impacted by what I'm reading. What I mean is: I don't want to find out that I've written a scene that is like one I've read. I really fear this. Yet, I haven't yet. And I'm on my fourth book. Baseless fear, I think.

Those in the know continue to exhort writers to read. I really believe it's true. But I did spend my entire childhood and teen years reading voraciously -- long into the night with a flashlight. *g*

Styles have changed and such, but good writing and proper grammar, etc. don't change. Well, most times. 

My little one now reads, unbelievable to me, and so I have made it a summer priority that she will read two books to me a day. She reads two to her mom and dad at bedtime. That makes four a day. Well on the way to expanding her life.

Life is knowledge.

Getting An Editor

My writing buddy and I have been meeting since April 30th. We are both enjoying each others' stories and the critiques. We met again last night. It worked out really well. Though I've been sick since last Friday, she wasn't concerned (I'm on antibiotics). We giggled and laughed and then got down to business.


She has been seriously considering self-publishing because she's been afraid of what an editor might do to her work, changes that she wouldn't be comfortable with, and just losing control of her story. All valid thoughts. 


I'm not against self-publishing per se. I've been seeing more and more success stories and it gives me hope. 


However, once we began looking at her chapters, she was astounded by what an editor can bring to the table. There were many places where her wording didn't work. There were also 'mistakes' in the continuity of her story. She would have an event happen, forgetting that she didn't lay any groundwork for it. Or she would forget to follow through. Using the same word over and over can make a story boring. I told her to use the search and replace feature in Word to help her get rid of redundant words. Lots of little things that I've learned over the past two years with my editor.


We are both more than pleased with our progress. Having a supportive friend reading your work aloud is really an awesome tool. I'm very glad my friend was open to this way of growing.


Life is wonderful.

Publishing

I spent today perusing the internet looking for publishers that might just be right for my childrens' picture book, 'Sorrysorrysorry.' There are a truckload of publishers out there, but I'm concerned about up and up ones - meaning I'm concerned about ones that won't mess with me, take the money and run, leave me with no control whatsoever. 


I had already sent the giraffe tale out to four of the 'big' publishers last fall. If you recall, I got responses from three, all very nice, and all rejections.


I found two publishers who are independents. I found two others who are of the rather large variety. I sent an email to my editor asking her advice on these four. I made it my goal to send out the MS to four publishers by the end of this week. 


I feel pretty good about this time around. The first time, it was truly difficult. I was afraid of the responses. As I said, they were nice. I don't know what kind I'll get this time, but I'm feeling more sure of myself. 


Still working on 'Blue.' I've got three chapters to be edited using the comments from my writers' group. I also have three MSs to critique for this Saturday's writers' group. 


Life is stepping out.

Returning To Editing

I'm so close to being able to finish writing the next chapter of 'Blue.' I've got some written, and now have a clear idea of what's going to happen next. Always a plus! *g*


As I discussed a few posts ago, listening to reviews and critiques is great, but I must stay true to myself. I received the critiques back from last week-ends conference. They were (blushes) really encouraging and full of heartfelt enthusiasm for what I had written. 


'Sorrysorrysorry' had few additions/corrections to it. I'm not even sure if I will make them. The critiquer suggested I add a stanza of all the animals looking on as the giraffes play, but I'm not sure. I'll have to think long and hard about it. There were NO corrections to the poetry. Phew! Changing poetry can be daunting and I've been daunted long enough with this one. 


My goal for next week will be to find publishers to send it to and sending it off to at least four. That's my goal. *crosses fingers, buckles on sword*


As for 'Blue.'  I'd only sent eight pages but there were an awful lot of strike throughs. I was a bit daunted when I saw the marked pages. Thankfully, the critiquer did not use red ink! Once I got over the dauntingness of the pages *g* I saw the changes were great. Mostly taking out a word here, shoring up a phrase there. Gentle little things that definitely cleaned up the chapter. The critiquer liked the characters, the setting, the voices... all really important 'little' things. She wants a little bit more description of settings, but that's easy enough to do. I've got the settings emblazoned in my mind. I was told by one critiquer that there was too much description. LOL. I'll have to insert just enough. I'm glad though. Personally, I felt the absence. She also wanted more of Kathleen's brother, but he's only in the first chapter. We don't see him again until probably Chapter 38 or 39. (maybe even 40 *g*). Best thing was, she said she wanted to read more! That's always a good thing. In fact, it's a very good thing. *g*


I was definitely encouraged by both critiquers. I have learned that editing is an extremely important part of writing, that listening to others thoughts on my writing can be creative expanding, and that I still must stay the course. 


My editor, bless her little heart, said to not worry about the two endings. She said listen to my characters. They'll tell me how to end it. I am feeling more confident because of that comment. Such a little thing. Such a positive thing. 


Life is daunting.