I've sketched out notes on seven scenes, which when complete should accomplish a good part of what I need to do. Keyed in changes, too, but I'm not going to print until I add the new material. Pre-additions, still hovering in the 43,000 word range, but that includes some rewrites on the fly.
Watched "Big" and "While You Were Sleeping" while keying in. I have this whole Texas woman solidarity thing going with Sandra Bullock.
Am going to try to do something very radical for me tomorrow. Write new scenes in daylight. I'm moderately optimistic about the idea. Maybe if I pull the shades...
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Sweep Complete
Did one more swoop through the manuscript and, armed with the APD interview answers, I'm ready to work on new scenes tomorrow. Thrilled to report that the entire weekend is wide open for just that very purpose, though fall speaking events are increasing a competing force.
Took off tonight to watch the debates, it being my patriotic duty and all. Had some scrambled eggs after at Katz's with my honey.
Took off tonight to watch the debates, it being my patriotic duty and all. Had some scrambled eggs after at Katz's with my honey.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Cause of Death
I got busy yesterday and today with administrative stuff for fall speaking, four family calls, and meeting with a friend at Sweetish Hill to discuss her witch manuscript.
So I'm only up to page thirty-something of this sweep. I'm adjusting the backstory timeline a bit to make the custody situation more plausible and continuing to minimize the exposition.
Currently reading for research:
Cause of Death: A Writer's Guide To Death, Murder & Forensic Medicine by Keith D. Wilson, M.D. (Writer's Digest, 1992). The section on what happens to the body at/after death is the best argument I've ever heard for organ donation.
So I'm only up to page thirty-something of this sweep. I'm adjusting the backstory timeline a bit to make the custody situation more plausible and continuing to minimize the exposition.
Currently reading for research:
Cause of Death: A Writer's Guide To Death, Murder & Forensic Medicine by Keith D. Wilson, M.D. (Writer's Digest, 1992). The section on what happens to the body at/after death is the best argument I've ever heard for organ donation.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Kindred Souls
People who have to think hard and a lot about death shortly after the death of a loved one: funeral/cemetery directors, medical/emergency professionals, clergy, greeting card writers, trusts and estates attorneys, horror novelists. I'm sure there are others. Here's sending up a prayer for them.
Called APD yesterday and talked to the public information officer about police procedures that would affect the first part of the novel. She was helpful and straightforward and brisk in that police officer kind of way. The assistance was most appreciated!
At her suggestion, I'm printing and studying a number of APD news releases to get a feel for the kind of information the department might release to the media under certain circumstances.
I'm also trying to figure out what adjustments might be made at a police station to accommodate the threats present in my fictional world.
Today, the goal is to read the latest version with cuts and get a feel for the adjusted voice.
Called APD yesterday and talked to the public information officer about police procedures that would affect the first part of the novel. She was helpful and straightforward and brisk in that police officer kind of way. The assistance was most appreciated!
At her suggestion, I'm printing and studying a number of APD news releases to get a feel for the kind of information the department might release to the media under certain circumstances.
I'm also trying to figure out what adjustments might be made at a police station to accommodate the threats present in my fictional world.
Today, the goal is to read the latest version with cuts and get a feel for the adjusted voice.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
The Gender Genie
Tried the Gender Genie on my past few spookycyn blog posts.
These are the results:
F 309; M 351 -- author is male!
F 129; M 126 -- author is female (by three points)!
F 420; M 450 -- author is male!
It's supposed to be 80 percent accurate. Once it called me a "butch chick." Just FYI.
These are the results:
F 309; M 351 -- author is male!
F 129; M 126 -- author is female (by three points)!
F 420; M 450 -- author is male!
It's supposed to be 80 percent accurate. Once it called me a "butch chick." Just FYI.
Monday, October 04, 2004
The Old Willis Place
Lately I'm reading The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn (Houghton, 2004). It's a contemporary ghost story with a nostalgic feel to the prose, which includes a couple of young ghosts/wild children (not sure yet) who steal books. Interesting. More interesting because I can't find my book now. I'd swear I left it on the night stand. I suspect it was stolen by my ghost!
If I can find the book, I'd love to finish it.
Hahn is the author of one of my faves:
Look For Me By Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion, 1995). Cynda's fight with her mother and new stepfather over moving to Italy results in Cynda being shipped off to live with her father, pregnant stepmother, and five-year-old half brother at their historic inn in Maine. Cynda, 16, is fascinated first by rumors that the inn is haunted and then by Will, the grandson of the cleaning woman. But then appears a guest, Vincent -- an older, sophisticated, and attentive man who seems to be the only one who really understands the displacement Cynda is feeling in her family life. Apparent sympathy grows into apparent romance, but it quickly turns more bitter than sweet. Ages 12-up.
Recovering today from newly inserted stitches. I feel like a skin corset. Ew. Saw a lady at the dermatologist/plastic surgeon who had lips like a rafting tube. Also ew.
New favorite song: "1985" by Bowling for Soup. Yes, I'm ancient.
If I can find the book, I'd love to finish it.
Hahn is the author of one of my faves:
Look For Me By Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion, 1995). Cynda's fight with her mother and new stepfather over moving to Italy results in Cynda being shipped off to live with her father, pregnant stepmother, and five-year-old half brother at their historic inn in Maine. Cynda, 16, is fascinated first by rumors that the inn is haunted and then by Will, the grandson of the cleaning woman. But then appears a guest, Vincent -- an older, sophisticated, and attentive man who seems to be the only one who really understands the displacement Cynda is feeling in her family life. Apparent sympathy grows into apparent romance, but it quickly turns more bitter than sweet. Ages 12-up.
Recovering today from newly inserted stitches. I feel like a skin corset. Ew. Saw a lady at the dermatologist/plastic surgeon who had lips like a rafting tube. Also ew.
New favorite song: "1985" by Bowling for Soup. Yes, I'm ancient.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
Kill Your Darlings
Previous draft: 55,479 words
New draft: 42,126 words
I love to revise, to dig deep and make the story better. It's terrific fun.
A few years back there was a much discussed debate on process between Jennifer Armstrong (follow your head) and Nancy Werlin (follow your heart) in the pages of Horn Book.
That's oversimplified, but you can read their full comments at the links above.
We're all probably hybrids in terms of our approaches. But the one thing that's clear is that being open to to revising, learning, and growing is essential. You have to push yourself and accept that it's hard sometimes but also a joy.
New draft: 42,126 words
I love to revise, to dig deep and make the story better. It's terrific fun.
A few years back there was a much discussed debate on process between Jennifer Armstrong (follow your head) and Nancy Werlin (follow your heart) in the pages of Horn Book.
That's oversimplified, but you can read their full comments at the links above.
We're all probably hybrids in terms of our approaches. But the one thing that's clear is that being open to to revising, learning, and growing is essential. You have to push yourself and accept that it's hard sometimes but also a joy.
Friday, October 01, 2004
The First Cut Is The Deepest
One hundred pages to go keying in, already down by thirty pages total.
Did keying in today while watching "Sex In The City" season II. Fave character: Steve.
More personally, under attack from energy vampire hereafter referred to as "E.V."
What I'm reading: Margaux With An X by Ron Koertge (Candlewick, 2004).
Did keying in today while watching "Sex In The City" season II. Fave character: Steve.
More personally, under attack from energy vampire hereafter referred to as "E.V."
What I'm reading: Margaux With An X by Ron Koertge (Candlewick, 2004).
Inching Forward
Keyed in changes on about fifty pages today.
On quest for multiple copies of the Hallmark card of vamp girl. Figured out yesterday that I could just look them up on the Web site. Working on it today but the site is a challenge because they're already marketing for Christmas. I finally find the Halloween cards page, and it's not featured. With respect to The Great Pumpkin, I was unimpressed by the Halloween beagle. I know this makes me a cruel woman.
Most perfect spiderweb has been crafted from my arbor. It's about the span of my hand and glistens at about ten a.m.
On quest for multiple copies of the Hallmark card of vamp girl. Figured out yesterday that I could just look them up on the Web site. Working on it today but the site is a challenge because they're already marketing for Christmas. I finally find the Halloween cards page, and it's not featured. With respect to The Great Pumpkin, I was unimpressed by the Halloween beagle. I know this makes me a cruel woman.
Most perfect spiderweb has been crafted from my arbor. It's about the span of my hand and glistens at about ten a.m.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Scary Movies (Not)
The good news: finished the first full read through and am pulling together a clearer, more streamlined ending.
The eh news: keying in is taking forever, and it's extraordinarily hot in the sunroom.
Context: watched "Hairspray," starring Rikki Lake, and "Erin Brochovich," starring Julia Roberts while keying in. Both enjoyable but possibly need to raid my scary movie collection for something more mood appropriate.
The eh news: keying in is taking forever, and it's extraordinarily hot in the sunroom.
Context: watched "Hairspray," starring Rikki Lake, and "Erin Brochovich," starring Julia Roberts while keying in. Both enjoyable but possibly need to raid my scary movie collection for something more mood appropriate.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Good Intentions
What I had meant to do today: read and cut from my last chapter then key in changes while watching two Netflix DVDs ("Erin Brochovich," starring Julia Roberts and "Hairspray." starring Rikki Lake).
What I did: go to PO Box, grocery store, Goodwill (three jackets), talk to my mama and grandmama, split a bottle of red on the terrace with Greg.
Tomorrow, I have to deal with James about the gutters and will hope for better progress. I'm thinking of killing one fewer major characters.
Next fall, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has a new book coming out, titled Snakecharm.
Also check out: Mystery Writing With Joan Lowery Nixon. I miss JLN. She was so nice to me at my first TLA. Old-school graciousness at its best.
What I did: go to PO Box, grocery store, Goodwill (three jackets), talk to my mama and grandmama, split a bottle of red on the terrace with Greg.
Tomorrow, I have to deal with James about the gutters and will hope for better progress. I'm thinking of killing one fewer major characters.
Next fall, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has a new book coming out, titled Snakecharm.
Also check out: Mystery Writing With Joan Lowery Nixon. I miss JLN. She was so nice to me at my first TLA. Old-school graciousness at its best.
Monday, September 27, 2004
I Love The Nightlife
Firmly in the groove now. I can tell because I kept waking up in the night with ideas about the love story thread. I don't know if any of them will make it to the manuscript, but just in case I was afraid to go back to sleep and risk forgetting in the morning.
So, at about four a.m., I grabbed an extra yellow thank you card envelope and red pen from my desk to take back with me to the nightstand.
I have no idea why I hadn't been prepared in the first place, but I sort of forgot what it's like once you're really sucked in. Ideas just hit and you have to do something with them, if only as a precaution.
This morning, I copied them back over onto the notepad I'm keeping in the manuscript folder, and really, there's some potential there, including a logical explanation for a key character scene that otherwise would've had to have been cut entirely as part of the plot re-focus. Encouraging.
So, at about four a.m., I grabbed an extra yellow thank you card envelope and red pen from my desk to take back with me to the nightstand.
I have no idea why I hadn't been prepared in the first place, but I sort of forgot what it's like once you're really sucked in. Ideas just hit and you have to do something with them, if only as a precaution.
This morning, I copied them back over onto the notepad I'm keeping in the manuscript folder, and really, there's some potential there, including a logical explanation for a key character scene that otherwise would've had to have been cut entirely as part of the plot re-focus. Encouraging.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Shaun of The Dead
Cutting is ongoing. The decisions seem crystal clear. The edits definitely are improving the landscape, but... Yikes! I'm worried that when I get done nothing will be left, but that's just fear talking. It's a (too) long manuscript. This'll do wonders for the pacing.
Told my friend Sean about "Shaun of the Dead," which he's supposedly viewing today. I look forward to a full report.
Told my friend Sean about "Shaun of the Dead," which he's supposedly viewing today. I look forward to a full report.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Staralicious
I'm trimming my manuscript, on the second section now.
I'm also taking the occasional break to watch of the the E! 101 Staralicious Makeovers segments. It seems appropriate because in some ways the novel is about two "staralicious" (great word) makeovers.
This has led me to a pop-culture breakthrough conclusion.
Michael Jackson is a vampire.
Think about it.
It's the only logical explanation.
I'm also taking the occasional break to watch of the the E! 101 Staralicious Makeovers segments. It seems appropriate because in some ways the novel is about two "staralicious" (great word) makeovers.
This has led me to a pop-culture breakthrough conclusion.
Michael Jackson is a vampire.
Think about it.
It's the only logical explanation.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Bat By Bat
Am I freaking out?
No, I'm sure it was just an accident that I accidentally knocked my tea glass into the granite counter, causing it to burst into a thousand fairly invisible shards all over the sink, kitchen tile, and breakfast room hardwoods.
I'm also pretty sure that even though I got up early to start working, it was really necessary for me to watch a romantic comedy ("Chasing Liberty") on DVD and talk to my mother and whatever else I managed to do until about 2 p.m.
But then I remembered that I'd already broken the whole thing into a to-do list and just started in on cutting. Shifting voice, trimming exposition, simplifying fantasy element.
That's enough to get me into it, and I can already see where additions need to go.
What I'm most worried about is adding more police scenes because of the need for the background in Crim Pro. What is the one standard 1L class that Michigan doesn't require?
You guessed it. And I didn't take it as an elective either.
I'm asking friends for recommendations, and Page has already come through with a handful of names--any of whom I'm sure would know the basics in Texas.
But big picture I'm back in. Really working with the manuscript, taking it bat by bat.
As a sidenote, Trick-Or-Treat for Unicef has expanded it's Halloween night fundraiser to a month-long national education program, raising the awareness of children about their world and how to make it better.
No, I'm sure it was just an accident that I accidentally knocked my tea glass into the granite counter, causing it to burst into a thousand fairly invisible shards all over the sink, kitchen tile, and breakfast room hardwoods.
I'm also pretty sure that even though I got up early to start working, it was really necessary for me to watch a romantic comedy ("Chasing Liberty") on DVD and talk to my mother and whatever else I managed to do until about 2 p.m.
But then I remembered that I'd already broken the whole thing into a to-do list and just started in on cutting. Shifting voice, trimming exposition, simplifying fantasy element.
That's enough to get me into it, and I can already see where additions need to go.
What I'm most worried about is adding more police scenes because of the need for the background in Crim Pro. What is the one standard 1L class that Michigan doesn't require?
You guessed it. And I didn't take it as an elective either.
I'm asking friends for recommendations, and Page has already come through with a handful of names--any of whom I'm sure would know the basics in Texas.
But big picture I'm back in. Really working with the manuscript, taking it bat by bat.
As a sidenote, Trick-Or-Treat for Unicef has expanded it's Halloween night fundraiser to a month-long national education program, raising the awareness of children about their world and how to make it better.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Gothic Beauty and Batman
Picked up my comics (for fun) and a copy of Gothic Beauty magazine (for research) today at Dragon's Lair and am pleased that everyone finally seems to accept that, even though I'm a female person, I'm not (just) buying the books for Greg. The cynic in me fears this will last only until they hire a new male salesclerk, but I love them all anyway. The Batman "War Games" crossover is quite good. Per expectations, I hate Tarantula and am most distressed about the whole Nightwing/Oracle break-up. How's that for girly?
In other news, I'm about to begin applying the office supplies.
Be afraid.
Be very afraid.
In other news, I'm about to begin applying the office supplies.
Be afraid.
Be very afraid.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Dino Decapitation And Office Supplies
I'm most distressed to report that vandals pushed Mangiasaurus Rex, the dinosaur on top of Mangia's Pizza on Guadalupe Street (the drag), off the roof and onto the parking lot where his head, tail, and at least two limbs broke off! Bad vandals! Never mind that I don't eat pizza; Mangiazilla is an Austin institution. Please note that there is a $1,000 reward for any related info.
Sigh.
More personally, I met with Anne at Sweetish Hill about her middle grade fantasy, combed through the second two pages of my revision letter, typed up my to-do list based on the comments, and--this is very exciting--went shopping for office supplies at Office Depot on South Lamar.
I take my office supplies very seriously.
No way am I attempting to revise again without virgin office supplies.
I purchased a Globe-Weis 3.5", expandable legal three pack of wallets for the version of the manuscript in revision, red and purple two pocket Mead folders (one for the letter, the other for my to-do list), a packet of turquoise, yellow, hot pink, and purple Post-It notes as page markers (because what is life without color coding), and a package of tri-color, heart-shaped Post-Its (because I'm all about the love, baby!). However, I'm most thrilled about the package of three sheets of Mrs. Grossman's stickers in various friendly bat designs.
Dinner was chicken tacos at Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard; watched the season premier of "Smallville" with much appreciation for the Margot Kidder cameo.
Sigh.
More personally, I met with Anne at Sweetish Hill about her middle grade fantasy, combed through the second two pages of my revision letter, typed up my to-do list based on the comments, and--this is very exciting--went shopping for office supplies at Office Depot on South Lamar.
I take my office supplies very seriously.
No way am I attempting to revise again without virgin office supplies.
I purchased a Globe-Weis 3.5", expandable legal three pack of wallets for the version of the manuscript in revision, red and purple two pocket Mead folders (one for the letter, the other for my to-do list), a packet of turquoise, yellow, hot pink, and purple Post-It notes as page markers (because what is life without color coding), and a package of tri-color, heart-shaped Post-Its (because I'm all about the love, baby!). However, I'm most thrilled about the package of three sheets of Mrs. Grossman's stickers in various friendly bat designs.
Dinner was chicken tacos at Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard; watched the season premier of "Smallville" with much appreciation for the Margot Kidder cameo.
Junk DNA (Dialogue, Narration, Analysis)
When confronted with a revision letter, what to do is to boil down the comments into a more manageable checklist so you can evaluate and apply them. Otherwise, you try to take in the whole thing at once and become overwhelmed.
I'm noticing as I do this today, that some of the flags are related to things I thought I was supposed to be doing per the last letter and misinterpreted (dumb Cyn).
Some are related to aspects of the story I thought were well delineated, but clearly are confusing to anyone who is not me (also dumb Cyn).
And some of the flags are related to things I was doing in previous but now defunct versions of the mythology (even dumber Cyn).
This is what I mean by Junk D.N.A. It's dialogue, narration, and analysis (or exposition) that's no longer relevant after revision that you don't catch because you're too close to the manuscript.
What happens with so many readings is that you get too familiar with certain passages and your eye skims over them, even when they no longer apply, especially when the manuscript is hot. Hot, meaning something you've been working on steadily.
Right now, after five-and-a-half-months stagnant, my manuscript is ice cold and they all stand out. It's embarrassing.
I'm embarassed.
I'm noticing as I do this today, that some of the flags are related to things I thought I was supposed to be doing per the last letter and misinterpreted (dumb Cyn).
Some are related to aspects of the story I thought were well delineated, but clearly are confusing to anyone who is not me (also dumb Cyn).
And some of the flags are related to things I was doing in previous but now defunct versions of the mythology (even dumber Cyn).
This is what I mean by Junk D.N.A. It's dialogue, narration, and analysis (or exposition) that's no longer relevant after revision that you don't catch because you're too close to the manuscript.
What happens with so many readings is that you get too familiar with certain passages and your eye skims over them, even when they no longer apply, especially when the manuscript is hot. Hot, meaning something you've been working on steadily.
Right now, after five-and-a-half-months stagnant, my manuscript is ice cold and they all stand out. It's embarrassing.
I'm embarassed.
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