I finished the first draft of the novel at the tail end of last week and have now started the laborious, but crucial, editing process. The first draft weighed in at a whopping 120K words and I’m presently around 18K words through the first edit. This has been useful in identifying plot gaps and clunky dialogue. I’m also working on greater detail regarding character development and scene setting. It’s a massive undertaking but I’m determined to see it through to its conclusion.
On top of all this I’m trying to conduct some background research which will prove necessary in order to add credibility to several of the characters. Also as I wander around Belfast city centre I am constantly seeing little details which I know will end up in the book. I’ve taken the plunge and booked a week off work later in the month where I will work exclusively on editing and rewriting.
I’ve allowed Fionnuala and Adam to read a chapter which was nerve wracking. Imagine what it will be like when I reluctantly hand over the full manuscript to a chosen few for constructive feedback, proof reading and general dismemberment. All this and I haven’t even broached the thorny subject of whether to go down the traditional publishing or increasingly self-publishing route. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
it’s slow but steady progress. Family and work commitments take priority and I’m not a night owl (I need my beauty sleep) so I work at the book where and when I can. I am fortunate to have a very patient and understanding wife. Hopefully one day it will all prove worthwhile and the finished product will see the light of day. I’ll continue to post regular updates throughout the summer. Thanks for your continued support.
Wishing you the best of luck with your novel and will be looking forward to your updates.
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Thank you very much Carol.
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You are most welcome
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Like giving birth!
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What is the novel about Commander? You got me interested here. 😀
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It’s an urban fantasy set in Belfast.
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Cool. That genre is very popular. 😀
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Writing a book sounds like so much work, but it also sounds like fun. I know the end results will be worth all of the effort. Can’t wait for the next update.
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Thank you. It’s so much more than I ever anticipated but I’m getting there slowly.
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Sounds as if you’re doing fine. This weekend I shall be forwarding my 88k-word manuscript for novel #4 to my copyeditor/editor. In parallel with that, I’ll be creating another contest on 99designs for the cover.
What a wonderful time to be alive!
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Thanks Clayton. Have you used the same editor for each novel?
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Good luck with your project! Writing a novel – including a first draft – is no easy task and something to be proud of. I hope your essential re-drafting process brings you closer to your writing and ends with a successful final draft.
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Thank you very much 🙏🏻
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Oh my giving it over to someone else to read, seems to me would be the most nerve racking part. What will they say, will the get it, will they like it, sorry as if you weren’t already having a little anxiety :):) It will be great :):) On another subject, sorry for the repeat “follows” I don’t know what the deal is. I follow people, and then they just disappear. I literally “followed” you AGAIN yesterday, and poof, you are off my list AGAIN today. So, sorry if it keeps popping up that I “followed” you, again. :):)
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That’s okay. I was wondering what was going on 😂
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It does it to me all the time. It’s why I don’t follow many people because if I relied on the “follow” list I miss peoples posts. Your blog is off my follow list again today…smh. I’ve asked wordpress, they don’t know either. hahaha Maybe God’s trying to help me with my patience hahaha I don’t know.
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You will get there Stephen. Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say. Take your time with it. Its going to be great.
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Thanks Matt. Belfast wasn’t born in a day either 🙂
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It certainly wasnt
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You’re making good progress! Keep at it 👊
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Thanks Shae 🤛🏻
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It’s a long, hard process, but the end result is definitely worth it. And don’t forget to celebrate the steps along the way. Many people start writing a book, but few actually see it through to the end. You’ve completed yours! That’s something to be proud of.
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In my mind it’s not complete yet but the skeleton is in place. It just needs fleshed out now. Thank you 😊
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Well done you are doing great, can’t wait to read it 😁
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You might live to regret that statement ☺️
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Unknown to those who don’t write, it’s a difficult business to say the least. On this side of the pond, getting a good agent is near impossible and the big five publishers won’t accept a submission unless it’s from an agent they know. There are lots of small presses (digital) and there is always the self-pub option.
I’m sharing this not to discourage, and a lot of this you may already know, but to encourage you to write for the sake of writing. Since it’s such a tough biz, try to find a writing group sincerely interested in the craft, not a cadre meeting to pat themselves on the back. Not only will fellow writers hold you up when the going gets ugly, they’ll share your triumphs, give honest advice, and know what you’re going through when you hit a writing slump and don’t know how to dig out of it.
And I love the written witness to your faith in this blog. Don’t ever give up and a prayer is winging your way. We writers must stick together. To most publishers we are nothing but “content providers” or a sales number on a spreadsheet. Best of luck to you, Stephen.
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Thank you very much for your kind words and advice.
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Good luck. I am trying to figure out the plot of my book but with so many ideas and random prompts, it’s proving very difficult
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Yes it’s hard to pin down. Thank you.
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I attended my first-ever writer’s conference recently. When you finally get to this stage, one of the presenters said she charges $60 or so for editing. I’ll have to look her up again, but I was surprised at how inexpensive it was (possibly not the best editor, but she had a lot of experience anyway).
That’s the thing: yes, it takes work; but, this book-writing thing IS possible. 🙂
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Thanks Chelsea. Maybe you could e mail the details when you get them.
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If you put the same amount of effort into the publishing as you do the writing, editing, running, family and all the other things in your life, you have absolutely no reason to worry or doubt yourself. You undoubtedly have the talent, but you also have the drive. It’s a win, win outcome. Katie. Ps. Can I have the first signed copy please?!
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Seeing as you asked so nicely you may 😂
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😀😊
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You’re welcome. Good luck!
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Congrats! The hardest part is writing that first draft especially with an ending. I’ve been writing my novel for almost two years. It’s a magical process❤
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Thank you. What stage are you at now?
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I passed the first few chapters to people I trust for feedback while I edit and write the last few chapters.
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Writing is my passion! I encourage you to never stop writing. If you ever have any questions or I can be of some assistance feel free to contact me via the contact portion of my page or direct email at writerdavison@gmail.com.
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Thank you Kevin. I certainly will 🙂
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Well done!!!! That’s exciting and nerve inducing at the same time! I hear you! I just started Ch. 7 today. I didn’t realize before I visited family that I actually finished CH. 6. That was a nice surprise.
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Are you writing it in order. I’ve kind of written a lot more loosely?
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Yes, I’ve always written in chapter order. And yet outlines have never worked for me despite that, haha.
I want that connection to already be in place. And I do quite a bit of editing while I write through, which is frowned upon by many. But no one can say, “If you edit now, you’ll never finish.” Wrong. I’ve completed three novels doing this…so. While some people may never finish if they get caught up in editing early, which I have seen. I’m not one of them.
But I’m not a quick writer because I’ve careful in how I think and what I want to happen, and sometimes I totally let that get in my head. I compare with the success of how fast others are able to write. And I have to sit down and remind myself, “Everyone is different, and my style is unique.” It all takes time.
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We all have different methods. What works for you works for you. Do you intend to go down the self publishing route?
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No. I have a couple of Christian publishing houses I’ve been eyeing. I fully intend once I completely have book one ready, I will begin book two, while looking at the publishing process. Should nothing happen, then eventually I will go down a self-publishing route. Now, I have thought about making a devotional and self-publishing that. I will not do it on Amazon though. I’ve looked into it, and read the fine print. Should Amazon finding anything online, from you, that looks similiar to your book, they will match price. Meaning if I had a book for $15 American dollars, and they came across my blog and thought some things looked similar, since my blog is free, they would change my book price to free. And I do not agree with that.
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Yeah that’s why I haven’t released anything about my plot or characters on here. It’s frustrating as I want to tell people more in my updates.
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