SOS

I’m deeply entrenched in editing one book, while writing another. These past few days I’ve found it difficult to put my thoughts to words.

I’ve decided to post a song that stirs up a lot of emotions I’ve been working through.

Look out for one another.

Book Outings

In the midst of all that’s chaotic out there I’m thrilled to let you know my novel, The After Glimpse, releases in ONE week! Everything leading up to release day has kept me super busy. Here are a few of the many things I’ve been invested in…

The After Glimpse is now on Goodreads. Tell the world you want to read it by clicking that cool green Want to Read button.

While at soccer practice last week, I had the pure joy of Facetiming with an endearing group of women. They discussed my book, The Short & Sincere Life of Ellory James, and asked me thought-provoking questions related to the book. I was greatly encouraged by my interaction with this Florida book group.

In a few days I’m visiting my first Georgia book club! I can’t wait to see what the group thought of Ellory and Pete. Will let you know how it goes. If you’re a member of a book club interested in discussing any of my books, I’d love to know—and participate. Please reach out!

I’ve begun the initial stages of planning a local Book Release Party for The After Glimpse. Cannot wait to share more details about this in coming weeks.

Another women’s fiction manuscript has captivated my focus. I’m deep in the editing stages. Goal is to pitch this one soon.

Finally, if somehow your eyes skimmed over this before, The After Glimpse releases in ONE WEEK, on Monday, October 16^th. I seriously cannot wait for you to get your hands on this one. I’ve been told by more than one person (both have read all of my published works) that this one is their favorite.

Full Life

I saw this while walking around one of my favorite local shopping centers. 

  

It embodies so much of how I aim to live.

Know that I realize I’ve been somewhat quieter lately. It’s funny in a way because as I’m getting ready to release a new novel this fall I’m finding I have to gear up, I have to ready myself to reenter the noise.

It’s not like I haven’t been busy this summer. In the past week alone I’ve given feedback on two novels for critique partners, as well as a non-fiction health book my friend is publishing soon. I’ve signed kids up for dance and soccer and am still in shock I’m preparing them for school in one week (big change from going back the first week in September). I said goodbye after my mom visited, met up with a family from Connecticut, attended a dynamic dinner party, gone on six mile walks with my husband, painted more drywall (because I really can’t stay away), and worked with the cover designer on my new novel. I wrote 5,000-words of one novel, while editing major sections of another. Oh, and I signed up for a writer’s conference in November. So, yes, I’m keeping active. Behind the scenes for now.

Much like an athlete, I’m feeling myself stretch and prepare to get back out there. It’s been years since I’ve released a book. Even with all of the preparation, it’s easy to forget how daunting it is.

So, when the world rattles or my confidence wavers, I try to remember one thing.

I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. And my life is full.

Greetings from Edit Land

I’m immersed in revisions. And this is a good thing. There’s nothing quite like having direction and running with it. I like to joke that entering a season of editing closely compares to visiting a famous hotel in California. You can check in any time you like, but you can never leave. At least it feels that way. I’ve frequented my novel a lot in my dreams lately. Ideas for plot changes filter through conversations. Even in the midst of a fairly significant life transition my family is going through, I still find myself hacking through details in my book. It feels glorious. It’s not that I love editing. I don’t particularly enjoy coming across ridiculous mistakes I’ve made, slashing chapters, disappearing characters, or the laborious task of reimagining entire sections of my book.

But I do love working toward improvement. I’m all in when it comes to that.

If I’m a little quiet on social media you’ll understand why.

I’m playing Edit Twister

or coaching my dog how to tackle edits on the days my brain is mush.

*posting again on Feb. 27th.

Novel Pruning

Just like shrubs and bushes need to be cut back in order to help new growth to develop, sometimes the same needs to happen with the stories we write. Our novels must be pruned. Today I’m centering in on four ways we can snip away at our work. By taking time during edits to cut the following, we are in turn creating a healthier story.

Characters

It’s tempting to think every character we’ve invited into the story must stay. But our work isn’t Hotel California. They can leave after they’ve checked out and sometimes it’s our job as the author to evict them.

Some questions to ask in order to discern whether a character needs to stay or go…

Does this individual reveal anything important in this book? Does the character feel like an awkward third wheel in most scenes? Do you, as the author, know enough about this character to support them playing a role in the story? And probably the most important question, does this character move the plot along in any essential way?

Scenes

It happens quite often as an author that I’ll hear conversations between my characters and then I’ll rush to capture them on the page. They feel important. They sound good. But I’ve spent enough time constructing novels and tearing them apart to realize there are times those conversations aren’t meant to be included in the book word for word. Sometimes they are just meant to reveal something deeper about a character, to help me get better acquainted.

Some questions to ask in order to discern whether a scene needs to stay or go…

Am I bored while reading this scene? Is this scene sticking out like a sore thumb? Are the events that occur in this scene part of an already flowing, fluid plot? Is this scene too contrived? Finally, does the particular scene do its job to move the plot forward?

Words

Ask the editor I’ve hired for several books and she’ll tell you I’m a fan of stuffing multiple words in a sentence where only one—the best word—is needed. I’ve been learning to hack away at superfluous words. Words that in my head sound descriptive, but on the page come across clunky.

Some questions to ask in order to discern whether a word needs to stay or go…

Have I selected the best word in this sentence? Am I over-describing this? Does this word paint the most vivid picture for the reader? Does this word feel a bit like a rock climber dangling from a cliff? Is this word necessary to the sentence?

Dead Descriptions

I also sharpen my pruning shears when it comes to the cousin of unnecessary words, dead descriptions. You’d be surprised how many flowery corpses I encounter while reading (and even when going through early drafts of some of my books).

Some questions to ask in order to discern whether a description needs to stay or go…

Am I distracting the reader from the story with these details? Have I overdone it? Does the scene feel crowded or as though it’s bulging in a certain spot when upon further reflection you realize nothing is really happening? Do the descriptions better help the reader to understand a character or the setting? Am I leaving a certain section in because I love the way it sounds and not because it serves a purpose that involves moving the story forward?

What’s the hardest part about pruning your novel as you edit?

*Taking next week off. Catch you back here one week from today.

The Link Between Refurbishing and Editing

Recently, I tackled this project.

 

And as I washed, stained, painted, distressed, and searched for baskets, etc. I began to identify strong similarities between my two creative loves.

How so?

Seeing the Potential

I don’t pick up a piece of furniture or invest in a concept unless I have a good feel for what the project could become. Assessing potential is an absolute must when it comes to refinishing furniture or writing novels.

Cleaning off the Dirt

Whether weeding through a rough draft or scrubbing down old piece of furniture for the first time I know going in my hands are going to get dirty. Anything muddying up the manuscript has got to go.

Adjusting the Color, Stain, and Distressing Techniques

With furniture, and with novels, I make changes based upon what I feel will work best for the overall piece. This includes considering color schemes, cutting characters, reworking scenes, and applying a darker stain. I’m constantly stepping back and asking myself what would add value to the finished project.

Taking Time to Let Things Adequately Dry

If you apply multiple layers of stain too quickly it causes the furniture to get sticky and clumpy. This could easily translate with editing a novel, too. It’s essential to take some time away from a manuscript during edits to think through changes and to allow for new ideas to leave an impression. This is where meticulous work pays off.

Hunting for the Perfect Accessories

I found the knobs for this piece on sale at Pier 1 for $2.00 each. But I spent a good deal of time evaluating my options. I held at least five unique kinds of knobs next to the picture I’d taken on my phone of the drawers.

I give careful thought to word selection during the editing stage. I work hard not to settle. It’s worth it to hunt for the most powerful, impactful words that complement the sentences, and overall work.

Filling in the Missing Spaces

It’s clear to see there were just a few things missing with this piece of furniture. I measured. Then I went shopping. While looking for baskets, I thought a lot about what would work best. I’m thrilled with what I found and how the baskets blend nicely with the rich stain of the drawers.

During the editing phase, there are times I encounter notable gaps—places in the novel where more tension is needed or more explanation for character motivation. I don’t just stuff any old thing in those holes. I measure, then do my best to fill the spaces with useful scenes or information. I’m constantly taking the entire novel into consideration. 

Have you ever stepped back to realize two areas you invest your time in are more closely connected than you once thought?