Tuesday, June 30, 2009

WHAT TO DO TODAY? A writer 9 to 5

I called and changed my reservation for 2 night for the Athens Conference just now. What to do with my day? Let me first record how I spent the last three weeks regarding THE JUDGING. Adonai (BBHN) introduced me to a wonderful aspiring author named Suzanne H. who taught me so much in one or two emails. I learned from her about common mistakes new writer's make--and I had made 10 out of 10 of them at least once. She also taught me about overused words such as SUDDENLY, SEEMED/SEEMS, and wasted words like 'he/she thought'. She valiantly critiqued my Prologue FOR FREE before I knew that she did it for a living. What a huge blessing because I had no money until July 1st. Side bar: I intend to PAY her to critique a bit of DAMASCUS ROAD for me. She is really super and I learned a TON from that critique she did. With the knowledge I acquired from Suzanne, three weeks ago I began WORD WHACKING on THE JUDGING. For the record, the original document is 178,000 words. Remember, I did not know the ins-and-outs of writing a first novel then... I had already whacked it instinctively months ago and got it down to 149,000 words. So three weeks ago, I began to WHACK the manuscript to whip it into 110,000 max. I worked at it steadily and with real zeal, having a great time in the process. My main offenders were: PASSIVE VOICE, and MIXING MY POVs. At the end of the 3 weeks, THE JUDGING was down to a little less than 113,000 words. For now, I am satisfied with that number. It is likely that I could cut a little more if I need to, but for now, it stays like it is. So when that was done, I wondered what to do next? answer: PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE. So I promoted. On FaceBook I began a group for THE JUDGING. Let's see if I can insert a LINK here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=96952574559&ref=nf Ane then I started this blog today for it. I also opened a MYSPACE page to have THE JUDGING there too. I'll see if I can find a link (I am new to this blogging thing remember...) http://www.myspace.com/484635835 Not much on MYSPACE yet. THat is difficult for me to figure out. It will take some time when I am able to chill. So today--I am about to work on THE JUDGING sequel DAMASCUS ROAD. It was 191,000 words believe it or not before I started WHACKING IT. Now it is 142,000 before my more knowledgable edit, which I am beginning now. So I am off to write. God bless you all and BOKER TOV (have a good day)!

THE JUDGING preparing for the Writer's Conference 7/17/09

So on July 17th and 18th, I will be headed to Athens, Ga for the 16th Harriette Austin Writer's Conference. I am very excited. I will be taking workshops under MAYA ROCK, JUDITH GEARY, TODD SENTELL, and BEVERLY VARNADO. My manuscript for THE JUDGING will be evaluated by Katie Sulkowski who is from a primarily Christian Agency. So what are my steps now? This is my first writers conference for adult fiction. I attended a one-day conference for Children's Illustrators and Writers in 2004 and this will be a lot different. I am flying by the seat of my pants, besides chatting with some other authors online now, plus the admin for the conference. So here is what I will take with me, so far: 1. business/calling cards 2. spiral-bound copy of THE JUDGING in the latest edit 3. a packet with THE JUDGING synopsis, long and short, and 15 pages double-spaced (as if someone might ask to see it or take it with them. Or to share with an another attendee that I meet there. 4. a new spiral bound notebook to take notes in 5. a print out of all my books and their short synopses, or their hooks. I'm sure I'll think of some more things along the way. Right now I have to call the motel and add another day. Somehow I accidentally got us down for one night when I need two. This is my first ever blog for a novel series that will surely knock the socks off the reading community--Christian and Mainstream... pray for me