So, I'm nearing the finish line, yet again. I have 144 pages left to edit. I've stopped reading a loud at time point, mostly because it's easier and I get more done when I don't sit in a quite room and listen to myself talk. I still think I need to print out the whole thing and do one more edit, but I'm going to try to hold back on that for now. And when all is said and done--I haven't cut much more out of this draft. Mostly I take things out and put them back, hopefully in a better way. My focus is about to shift to the synopsis/summary. I'll only be sending the first 5 pages and 1-2 pages of synopsis to the agents--so both of these samples need to kick ass.
I feel a sense of desperation. I worry that just around the corner some novel is going to come out that mirrors mine--and then suddenly I'm not so original. I freaked out a little bit after looking at the new releases at B&N where I found a book called SPACE IN BETWEEN. The plot is nothing like my novel, but the main character is the daughter of Lilith and the Devil, which is somewhat similar to one of my characters. Curses!! I'm going to try not to worry about it because (1) I'm pretty sure my plot is original and out there and (2) if I fail at finding an agent for this book there's always the online e-book market to try.... What I'm most desperate for is to hold my own novel. There's something about holding a big thick book and feeling impressed with how much the author wrote (from a writer's POV). I want that for myself. The e-book craze scares me a little. Library's are starting to offer e-books. I'm a little appauled by this, but I suppose it makes sense considering most libraries carry multiple forms of mass media (CDs, DVDs, etc.) Still... e-books in a library? Soon we'll have e-libraries. I feel like this craze is a few years from murdering my ultimate dream.
I just finished NAME OF THE STAR, which is a story that takes place in London (modern time) where someone has been killing people a la Jack the Ripper. It was a good read with an interesting paranormal twist. I recommend it, but THIS DARK ENDEAVOR was still off the charts good.
In more personal news: I started working out. One step toward self revolution, in a way. The only downside is that I'm starving all the time now. It's been two weeks, shouldn't some of that have gone away by now? Ugh. It's just frustrating because it feels counterproductive. We'll see--maybe it will get better soon. Maybe I just need bigger meals during the day.
Current editing goals: Finish up this last edit by the end of this month. Have a solid synopsis drafted by Christmas. Complete the query letter by the end of this year. January = submission time!!
Honestly, when it comes to ebooks I'm not worried.
ReplyDeleteThis might be because I own some ebooks but I've also gone out of my way to buy the physical version of the book because I prefer the tactile experience of actually holding the book in my hand and I know quite a few people who have done the same.
At the same time, the instant process of ebooks is super satisfying when I need something to read but I don't have anything new on hand physically and it's easy to try new authors for $.99 and if I like them I can always buy the books physically later.
Also, with self-pubbing online there are places that allow you to create print versions of the book as well, so you can still hold the book in your hand if you like. I think Createspace is one of them (not sure though).
And congrats on being so close to finishing your edits! I wouldn't worry so much about what anyone else has out there, to be honest Lilith and the Devil/Satan/Lucifer [because they're apparently three different entities] is a common theme in adult supernatural stories so I figured that they would be in YA as well.
I haven't read many adult supernatural stories (I should get on that!), but I haven't seen Lilith as a character really in YA. I need to stop worrying in general and just keep working. I always have these little road blocks (usually when I'm getting close to the end).
ReplyDeleteI too have a few ebooks on my Nook, but mostly I read hard copies. My sister was just saying that she wanted to buy a few of the books she read on her Kindle. That makes me happy in general--I do think there will always be a few die hard traditionalists :)
So, I'm behind with Supernatural. I think 3 episodes, maybe 4. I need to get caught up.
Hope you're well!
You do, this season has been a bit iffy for me but they've been going back to the creature feature aspect which is always nice.
ReplyDeleteYeah, just focus on your story because being worried about everyone else's work and changing yours from your original vision could just cause problems.