BLOODSISTERS
I have slowed down the query process on BLOODSISTERS, for various reasons. It's not in a drawer yet, but I will probably not send out any new queries at this point.
THE HEALER
Out for submission to an anthology.
KNIGHTLY TALES FOR A RAINY DAY
Out for submission to a contest.
ATHEISTS IN THE CEMETERY
Out for submission to a contest.
THE STONE AGE GAP
Out for submission to a pro market.
THEN AND NOW
Searching for a submission market.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Searching for a submission market.
THE HOLLOW QUEEN
My biggest work to date is now at 107K words. My original goal was 120K, which -- using the Stephen King-approved method of paring down 10% of your wc in revisions -- I intended to revise to between 105 and 110K before querying it next year. That goal, unfortunately, had to be adjusted to 110K, with a revised draft goal of between 95 and 100K.
The reason for this was pacing. For most of the novel, I feel the pacing is fine. I have good lead-ups, plenty of foreshadowing, and lots of character and setting development. After I hit the 100K mark, though, I felt the action needed to be sped up -- but I ran out of smaller plot points that would lead up to my big, climactic finale. At some point while writing yesterday I realized I was stalling. I had to get to the point. My characters were where they needed to be; what needed to be revealed had been revealed; all that was left was the big showdown. And so, rather than keeping myself chained to a word count that no longer felt realistic, I cut it down to 110K, and with that, I should have a complete first draft by the end of tomorrow.
I'll take a one week break before jumping right into revisions: I've already made notes as I've gone along so I know the major changes I need to do, and I've promised my critique partners they'll have a draft by Labor Day. My goal is to have a query-worthy draft by spring 2015.
How about you? How are your writing projects coming along?
Congrats on nearing the end (of the draft)! I tend to sort of hold my cards close in terms of talking about my writing. These days it's been rough - we're selling the house, so all my time is taken up with that, and I'm outlining, so the drafting won't even start for another couple of months. Enjoy revising!
ReplyDeleteWell done Meredith! Coming to the end of a draft is a huge event, and over 100k, no small feat. I haven't tried a novel yet... but I feel like that time is getting closer.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing about revisions in the future.