The Revision Shuffle

So, I'm beginning to think that progress with writing is two steps forward, one step back.  I had a wonderful talk (skype) with a crit partner yesterday, and he had fabulous things to say about my work in progress.  So fabulous, in fact that I have tons more work to do.  Because the revision sparked new directions, and switching more things around.  Sigh.  I'm very happy to take this work to the next level, and bummed out about the amount of work which still has to come.  Two steps forward, one step back.

A word about this--I only consider changes in my manuscript that ring true for me.  And I know that what my partner said is right.  And I'm glad he's saying it.  Even if it means a ton more work, when I was hoping to be almost finished.  The road is long, especially during the revision shuffle.  It's good when someone is as excited about your work as you are--and willing to say "I know that you thought that you were almost done, but this part is so strong, that it would be great to move it up, and craft the next couple of chapters around it." He says what I would say to myself if I had perspective.  I love working with him, and I hope that everyone has multiple partners like him.  Writing partners, that is :)!  I'm excited to see what other feedback I get about this past revision.

You just can't hurry writing.

And, when I'm overwhelmed, I'm glad I have writing friends to put it into perspective.  And to tell me to just revise one word at a time. In that light, I wanted to let everyone know that Tina is hosting another unplugging in The Practice Room at 12:00 PM EST tomorrow, Thursday.  The first one was very successful, and I'm excited that she's hosting another so soon.  Here's what you do:  show up a few minutes early, and tell Tina what you're planning on accomplishing in the hour.  Then when the clock strikes 12, shut down the internet, put the dog out, set the kids up with a craft, and write for an hour (or some writing type activity--revise, organize, daydream...).  At 1 PM, return to the room, and talk about how your hour went.

It's a great way to jump into writing, and get something accomplished.  And it's great to have other writers there to talk with, and bounce ideas off of when you get stuck.  I'm excited about the practice room.  If you can't make the unplugging, but would like to, just let Tina know, she would love to hear about times that would work for you.

And, if you are ready for an edit of a ms--here's a chance to win one from a former Harcourt editor.  It's a new blog called Dear Editor, where you can ask all those burning questions--pretty cool.

Okay, now I am sheepishly apologizing for doing absolutely nothing with some awards that I got a while back.  See, I love it when people tell me that they appreciate me by giving an award to me or my blog.  But, I don't always have the time or peace of mind to do that award justice by passing it along.  And the most meaningful thing to me are the people behind the award.  So, I decided to put all the awards in a page, where I can tell you how I appreciate the people behind the awards that they gave.  So, please check out The Treasure Trove page, and thank you all, for gifts that you give me on a daily basis--all your thoughtful comments, and camaraderie.