Ann Roth, Author of Romance

I finished the rough draft of my latest novel! Shazam! And I do mean rough. It took me just shy of 7 weeks to get the thing on paper. That’s fast! Even so, at times it seemed as if I were swimming through quicksand, working so hard, but getting nowhere.

This story isn’t nearly finished. It’s going to need a multiple, thorough revisions, during which I will flesh out the characters and their emotional arcs, and make sure that all the threads in the book are complete. This will take awhile, but at least I have something to work from.

Once the book is in reasonably decent shape, off it goes to an editor for her suggestions. Because as experienced and seasoned a writer as I am, I always, always miss things that need revising. When the book comes back to me, I’ll give it another round of edits, and so on and so on.

But just now, I’m patting myself on the back and taking a few days to play. Because no matter how much work lies ahead, I need to replenish and refill my creative well. That way it is always full.

Until next time, and wishing you the joy of finishing whatever your rough draft happens to be,

Ann

Connect with me on my Facebook Author page https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage
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Stop by my website: www.annroth.net

It’s hot! Here in Seattle, not many of us have air-conditioning. We usually don’t need it. But when we do… This is our 3rd or 4th day of temperature in the 90s, and the heat wave will continue through Thursday. People flock to coffee shops, malls and movie theaters to stay cool. We eat massive amounts of ice cream and popsicles, and drink gallons of ice water and cold drinks.

Thankfully, the nights are cooler. Put a fan in front of the open window, and a comfortable rest is guaranteed.

I am grateful to have slept well, especially over the past few days. On Friday, my editor asked that I cut 1,500 words from the book I turned in several weeks ago. The book ran long, and I’m lucky she didn’t want me to cut more! Still, paring down was a challenge. Not wanting to take away from the story in any way, I combed through the manuscript , carefully cutting phrases and words, and sometimes full sentences.

The end result? Not bad. I sent the shorter manuscript off today. Now I can focus on other things–just in time for the heat wave to break.

Stay cool and hydrated, and wishing you quick work of whatever challenges come your way,

Ann

Tag Archives: edit

Tada: Rough Draft Done!

Motivational Monday: Heat Wave and Deadlines