So there we have it. Ten months into this project and almost 100,000 words later I find all my characters in the same place at the same time. All nine of them. Number ten couldn’t make it but then he is a master of delegation and has sent along some more than able deputies to represent his interests. I reckon another 20,000 words should do it et voila we have the first draft of my my first novel. There might not be ten of them left at the end of it all but I guess you will just have to wait and see.
It’s rough, it’s raw and it’s riddled with grammatical errors and continuity issues. But it’s real. it exists. I have unlikely, irritating, unwilling heroes and dashing, likeable and utterly evil villains. I’ve got witty dialogue (well I thought it was funny when I was writing it) and tonnes of naff pop culture references. I’ve got action; chase scenes, explosions and the occasional dead body. It’s gritty in places, ethereal in others and hopefully showcases the wonderful, horrible juxtaposition of a city that is Belfast.
There are flashbacks, fast forwards and occasionally sitting about not really doing a lot. Some chapters cover seconds while others span centuries. It’s geeky, it’s nerdy and occasionally other worldly. I hope the next time I update you that the first draft will be in the bag. That’s when the real work will begin. The editing, the rewriting, the polishing and weaving together of various themes and sub plots. I also have a tonne of research to do in order to flesh out a number of characters and their back stories. Will it ever see the light of day? I don’t know the answer to that question.
Maybe a literary agent will pick it up and sell it to a publisher. Maybe I’ll end up going down the self-publishing route. Maybe it will sit on my laptop and never be read by anyone except a trusted few. Maybe even they won’t be bothered. But I will be able to say I gave it my very best shot. Just like I said I would give this blog my very best shot 11 months ago. And it kind of turned out alright. I’ll keep you all updated over the next few months but, as always, your support and enthusiasm is what keeps my writing alive. The journey hasn’t even started yet.
Writing books sucks you in and flushes the other world out…
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Yeah when I get a free day. Thank you
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I’ve three novels – a fourth on the way! – and one children’s book and a handful of visual novels and, as you know, a slew of short stories on my blog. Get your manuscript edited (I recommend upworks.com) and published (I use Createspace/Amazon… screw the SJW gatekeepers at mainstream publishing houses!). For covers, I’ve twice now drawn on the talent you can find at 99designs.com.
You’ve filled the oil and trimmed the wick. Don’t neglect to light your lamp and certainly don’t put a bushel basket over it!
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Great advice!
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Great advice. Thank you 😊
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Keep going – this is the fun part. One editor I know calls this stage “Revision times Infinity.” Truly the best part, as far as I’m concerned.
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Thank you Carole 🙂
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Congratulations! That is no small task, my friend. You have just given birth to a book. You are on your way. The journey gets involved and there is lots of rewrites, “should I?”, “should they?”, “maybe. maybe not”, and the biggie for me is “Why am I doing this again?” But it is so worth it. You will stretch, and be stretch, grow and grown but it is all so good. Your family must be very proud.
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I hope so. Thank you 😊
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Thanks to Clatyon for the mention of upworks.com. I’ll have to check it out. I have a book in the works as well – only 46,000 words, but first draft is done. There will be stuff added not doubt. Glad to hear your novel is moving along!
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YMMV, but I’ve worked with Monica San Nicolas for two going on three books now. She’s a fantastic copy-editor and – now that she’s learning my future history of Machine Civilization, an editor as well. Not that swiftest in the race but I literally trust her with my literature. My books and my patronage are proof of her skill.
https://www.upwork.com/fl/monicas
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Hope it goes well for you 🙂
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A tough go but will be worth it. A little of you shared with the world-no matter the size of that world.
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Thank you John 🙂
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What an incredible achievement already and final goal, whichever route you take. Good for you!!!!! just had to cheer you on and support you
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Thank you. Hopefully you will have a copy in your hand one day 🙂
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Way to go!! I’ve been editing as I go, I’m still…under 10k…but I am finally working on getting back into writing the book first, and then blogging. Okay…so back to…is like day one again..BUT STILL haha!
Keep going strong!
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You too. I’m sure your words are very high quality
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Thank you so much! 🙂 The test readers that have looked at the chapters I’ve sent them have all enjoyed the story thus far. Two of them, though one will be my editor so she won’t look at it till the book is one, have been with me through the past three novels. Even if you only have a few readers sometimes that’s all you need to begin with 🙂
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I can’t wait to read it! You are my mentor. I learn so much about writing just by reading yours!
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Thank you Cindy. That’s a big compliment 🙂
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What a great accomplishment!!! Congrats!
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Thank you Sarah 🙂
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Congrats!!!
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Thank you 😊
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Your welcome 🙂
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On the bright side you are ahead of me. I am still in the research stage, finding out research is better than the actually writing! 🙂 I keep thinking of Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote later in life – encouraging me that it is never too late. God’s timing is perfect – so sit back and allow God to guide your thoughts and your fingers as you type and in His timing it will be published and it will bring restoration and hope to that one person – and to many others, that He is preparing them and you for the time they need to hear your words. 🙂 God bless you!
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Good for you for working so hard to fulfill a dream. Keep up the good work, you’ve got this!
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Thank you 😊
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Don’t give up! You are an inspiration to us aspiring authors!
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Thank you very much but I’m just an aspiring author as well.
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Keep writing. Even if no one ever reads it. The written word is a wonderful thing 🙂
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Yes I will. Thank you for the encouragement 🙂
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