With 2011 near and a hefty list of goals forthcoming, I need to edit like a madman and avoid complete failure for 2010.
I’m working on: Editing The Steel Spirit, book 2 in my Treasure Hunter Trilogy.
I’m listening to: Two Steps From Hell: Freedom Fighters
I’m happy because: I get to be a full time writer this week!
The devil on my shoulder says: The basement is a pit of despair, don’t worry about cleaning it. Just write.
I’m working on: EDITING! I’ve been a sleepy blogger lately, but not a lazy writer. This week, I worked out two scenes at the beginning of my second novel that needed rewriting before I could edit the rest of the story.
I’m listening to: Warm air blow through the nearby vent.
I’m happy because: I am finally on a good writing schedule…I think.
The devil on my shoulder says: Have another cup of “Dark Magic” (yes, it’s coffee).
I’m working on: Finally rewrote the first chapter of the second book in the trilogy. It was necessary before I could mark up the pages with line edits and note places to delete/insert scenes. That’s right, I said delete! Dear writers we must delete what isn’t working regardless of how many hours we spent on it (but save a cut file of course).
I’m listening to: Never Say Never by The Fray
I’m happy because: I’m finding time to write despite my crazy schedule.
The devil on my shoulder says: Finish off the chocolate bar…you deserve it.
I’m working on: A full read through of book 2 The Spirit of Steel. Doing a plot analysis of the book and finding places to spice up.
I’m listening to: Loreena McKennit: The Mystic’s Dream.
I’m happy because: I will begin the school year with a revision plan for book 2.
The devil on my shoulder says: Chocolate and coffee enhance writing!
I’m working on: Editing Treasure Hunter Tales: Dark Matter, book 2 in trilogy. It is quite refreshing to work on a new story (spent lots of time on book 1).
I’m listening to: Hans Zimmer-Road to Ruin from the King Arthur Soundtrack.
I’m happy because: July looks like a good writing month. Lofty goals.
The devil on my shoulder says: Just eat the Cheetos. They are crunchy and delicious.
I’m finally back to goal setting. This WIP will be ready to send to my readers in three weeks. Yes, three weeks!
I’m working on: Editing Treasure Hunter Tales: The Family Legend.
I’m listening to: Ramin Djawadi: Iron Man Soundtrack
I’m happy because: I worked through two problematic chapters that flow much better now. Nearly twenty pages edited and 1000 words added.
The devil on my shoulder says: Skip sleeping this week and we will be ready to polish edit soon 🙂
I’m working on: I am still editing Treasure Hunter Tales: The Family Legend (Book 1 in the trilogy). This was a fruitful weekend with 24 pages edited. This edit is a mix of things to fix from a read aloud and critique group comments.
I’m listening to: Sarah Brightman: Deliver Me
I’m happy because: It’s spring and my muse seems rejuvenated.
The devil on my shoulder says: You don’t need sleep, just keep writing! A part of me thinks that one late night a week might be something to look forward to. I am the type that has to be forced to go to sleep. My write brain just doesn’t want to shut down.
What I’m working on: Still editing Treasure Hunter Tales: The Family Legend, the first book in my trilogy. My critique groups have been extremely helpful in this process. I pinpointed several scenes to focus on in a recent read aloud. Hopefully it will be ready to submit again before summer.
What I’m listening to: Broken- Seether with Amy Lee
The devil on my shoulder says: Forget about the graduate research paper and work on your fiction.
What I’m working on: Reading Treasure Hunter Tales: The Family Legend OUT LOUD. Everything sounds quite different and I’ve found several areas to improve the writing.
What I’m listening to: Absolute silence, save the occasional air flow from the furnace.
Why I’m happy: I’m done with my weekend class for the day and can relax.
The devil on my shoulder says: Drink coffee and read until finished with the book.
Finally, I think I’m refreshed and ready for the fine tuning of Treasure Hunter Tales: The Family Legend. I felt such relief when I finished the 3 month manuscript overhaul and now, having read a few books, I’m ready for another rewrite. This time, however, I’m going to have a different focus:
1) I’m starting with the pinnacle scenes. They will come alive without a single word misplaced.
2) I’m checking every question posed to the reader and then mapping out how long I took to answer it in an effort to enhance pace and suspense.
3) Last, I’ll conduct a final polish that questions every word, sentence, paragraph, and scene. They will all hold their water in the end (oops…I cliched).
Author J.R. Roper 