It takes a village...

OK, I'll admit I've never been a fan of this phrase as it's commonly used, but with writing I think it thoroughly applies. I was talking with my mom this morning, just our normal morning chat, and she commented on something I told her yesterday. I said something to the effect of getting "steamed" when she's suggested changes to my book as my unofficial editor. I felt it essential to clarify what I meant.

With every draft of my book, which has been at least 4 maybe 5 with a million edits in between, I hit a "I can't handle any more edits for today" wall. A girl has her daily limit to the amount of marks and scratches to her manuscript she can handle. But it was important to understand the coal creating my "steam" was not found with the editor herself, love you Mom! Instead, it's found with the drafting marks that accompany each draft.

BUT, as in every process of becoming a writer, I have learned both the joy and necessary pain in editing- steam can be both uncomfortable and cleansing. It forces me to improve my writing and allows me to better understand what my readers will see. Even though the source and heart of my book remains mine, it still has to face it's own refining fire before it can be shared and enjoyed (hopefully) by others.

So thanks to all individuals future, past and present who will strengthen my story that much more. Your edits are essential. To publish a book, it really does take a village.

Quote...

Saw this quote the other day and wanted to share...

"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."

-Victor Hugo

Rollercoaster Emotions

I've noticed during the past few days the extreme range of emotions transferring from my mind to my heart and then back again. I know it all stems from the reality that my safe haven in seclusive writing is about to be thrust, like a college student, into a world of professionals. Will I succeed? Is my work professional? Will people like my writing, which can be further translated to will people like me? The questions and doubts have made their debut.

But I know this is part of the process of stepping out on the stage (of publishing). Nerves are mixed with excitement. Fear is mixed with confidence. It's like feeling schizophrenic. Or maybe it's the long hours trapped in front of a computer making up new realities and talking to people who don't exist :) After all every writer has a little crazy in them. But seriously, I pray my writing will reach a point of notoriety. Not for fame or success, but for the pure desire to write well. There is something so precious about gaining the acceptance of your peers.

In the meantime, I'll soak up the roller coaster moments as a rite of passage. They will shape my appreciation for this craft, this career, this dream as I go along. All I have to do is strap in.

Inspiration

So the 6th movie installment of the Harry Potter series came out this week, and of course I went to see it. When the last scene cut away and the credits began to role with the oh so familiar Harry music playing in the background the only thing I wanted to do was sit down and write. I've found I get jazzed when I watch or read others' artwork. There is just something about creativity that stirs more creativity.

Now I have heard to be careful not to let others' work affect your writing too much. I guess they fear copying ideas and story lines. And for that reason I understand the concern and caution in reading a book while writing your own. Originality is a book's soul. But on a more important note I have to say I disagree. If it weren't for the visual stimulation of seeing a new world created on the big screen or being completely frustrated with a character in a book so much you can't sleep I'm not sure how much depth my writing would hold. These new creations and accounts of things both real and created allow my mind to explore beyond the day-to-day. They are stimulants and inspirations to better and more interesting writing.

So thank you J.K., C.S., J.R.R. and all other writers with initials or not. Your work extends to even more audiences by way of inspiration.

A writer's work is never done.

Yes I know it's been a while, long while, since my last post. I'm still new to this blog thing, and I've been out of the country so I'm granting myself pardon for being late. I can do that- it's my blog :)

Anyway, this past Saturday I "completed" a rewrite of my first book. I've been working to revise it since the spring and finally proofed the last page (pg.333). I was of course thrilled to have this part done, yet again, and ready to share it with a few select individuals. So I printed it off promptly, inserted the many pages carefully in some binder rings and began to pass it off to my eager readers.

But low and behold...my mind was not done thinking about it. I know a shocker! Well this morning as I'm in the shower (the best place to think) I had an epiphany. The idea in and of itself is only a small detail for the book, but my heart was racing and my fingers were antsy to type. I'll admit I rushed to work and the first thing I did was write the idea into my story line. Again it was only a simple event about an incoming fax, not very thrilling by itself, but to me it carried meaning the story would be richer for containing. No detail can be too small when writing a book. Sometimes the smallest of details can carry the largest of meanings and unlock a treasure trunk of information if you're paying attention.

So, once again I have a "completed" version of The Keeper's Tale. I anticipate more moments like today - that exhilarating and frantic feeling to sit down immediately and write one more thing into the story. Wouldn't have it any other way!