Today, I started off calling my parents, like any other Sunday. They’re planning to visit in a couple of weeks, and that should be fun.
After that, I had decisions to make. I could start another complete reread of Lanternfish. I could read some fiction I’m sorely behind on. I could read a craft book I’ve been chipping away at.
I decided to work on my new WIP instead. I find editing to be mind numbing. It has to be done, but not as a kind of death march. It just needs to be finished before publication. I’m still about a month and a half out from having all my promotional artwork.
The first thing I did was to delete 1000 to 1500 words I already had written. Then I added 3500 new words. Beginnings are tough, and there are some boxes I need to check off. I’m much happier with this version. All the characters have been introduced, and both the big picture and a secondary problem are on the table.
Oddly enough for me, this is where I’m going to start my outline. This isn’t how I typically do things, but it feels right in this case. With everything I have going on during October, I may not add new words for several weeks. I have some work related travel, the visit from my parents, and more going on. I’m okay with that. It’s a workable starting point, and a bit of daydreaming time will improve the final product.
A bit of theory is that editing can fill in the corners I’m left with. I’m also good at reading on airplanes. My storyboard app goes everywhere I do, so I can add index cards or sticky notes as things occur to me.
I mentioned last night that I built a storyboard for a subsequent project. I really like having even partial storyboards prepared ahead of time. It cuts down on that problem of wondering what I’ll write next.
Baseball ended without a whimper today. My team really stunk up the second half, and gets to watch the playoffs from a beach somewhere. I’m watching some football right now, and hope they deliver a better season than my baseball team did.
Hard work. Sorry about your baseball team. Steeler football is iffy so don’t look for any enjoyment there.
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That’s how sports go. Not looking too good tonight for the Steelers.
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Ravens are always tough for the Steelers.
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thanks.
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You’re welcome, Craig!
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How easy is it to go back into a project after leaving it alone for a few weeks? Do you do anything to get back into the rhythm?
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It depends. When it’s new material, I’ve never had a problem. That’s how I’ve had to write since the beginning. It was harder releasing Yak Guy, because I had it ready to go for months. My mind had moved on to a different project.
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Oh, back into the groove. I always re-read my last two chapters. Then I check my storyboard. After that, I just start writing.
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Good idea. Need to remember that.
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I wish my parents were coming to visit soon. Like this week. This week would be great.
I hope football went better for your teams.
I’m glad you worked on the new, it’s good to utilize that momentum đŸ™‚
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I earned some fun. I’ll tinker with Lanternfish in the small spaces I get. Today was pure pleasure.
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đŸ˜€
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So much to do and limited time, Craig. I think you made the right choice. You have to be in the mood to edit.
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That’s true. It felt like the right way to go.
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Sounds like a good day.
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It was, thanks.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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I find it difficult going back to a new project after leaving it for a while, but then your planning is better than mine, lol. I’m with you on the editing phase…not my fave. Best of luck with it all this month,Craig đŸ™‚
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I told Charles it kind of depends. I had Yak Guy ready for almost a year before publication. That was hard, because I’d moved on to another project.
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That’s the great thing about being head cook and bottle washer, you get to choose what you do all the time! (I wouldn’t have it any other way!)
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I like that too. Thanks for all the reblogs today too.
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You are welcome, Craig….
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I told you my Steeler jammies were bad luck. Sigh.
You’ve been busy, Craig. Seems you have some awesome stuff coming out in the not-so-distant future. Looking forward to it.
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I hope at least one thing comes out fairly soon. There’s work to do if I’m going to pull it together.
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