Writing Update 2019 Q2

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a writing update, and quite a bit has happened. So I’m definitely overdue.

Feathers Sharp as Knives – After finishing the first draft in record time (for me), I sent it off to alpha readers for large-scale critique. Once I got those back, I started my second draft … and quit writing in January once I hit the third trimester of my pregnancy. It wasn’t my plan, but my brain just wouldn’t cooperate. The pregnancy wasn’t bad, but I was so terribly tired, especially at the end. While I didn’t put words in my manuscript, I did solve plot problems, work on worldbuilding, and tweak character motivations. Lots of brainstorming. I also edited my first chapter for the Storymakers Conference contest, which was fun since it was all about polishing. Which, if you ask me, is the best part.

The day after Bean was born, my brain started functioning and I wanted to write again. I spent May fixing any remaining problems, smoothing my new outline, and compiling a list of all the edits I need to do. I have over 20 scenes to rewrite (due to changing an entire storyline, yay), then I’ll go through the book by editing each POV at a time. My goal is to send my beta draft off at the beginning of September, but with a new baby who requires a lot of time, and summer break, I don’t know if it’ll happen. Writing during the day is next to impossible right now. I’m going to have to start writing at night (which is problematic for me, since devices make my insomnia worse) and in the morning before Kurt goes to work. If I do that, I might be able to make it. But if I don’t, I’ll push back to October.

Constellations of Fate – When I resumed blogging last year, I was querying CoF. I’ve decided to set it aside for now. It’s not because I’m giving up. Last November, while an editor had it, I started thinking that FSaK would be a better debut (for several reasons). As time went on, I became more and more convinced of it. So when the editor passed on it in March, I was kind of relieved. Don’t get me wrong, if they’d wanted it I definitely would’ve sold it to them. I’m not an idiot to pass up a book deal. But I’m glad that FSaK will get the chance to be my debut, because I do feel it would be a better choice than CoF. As I said last May, I will publish CoF one day. It might be indie or traditional. I don’t know yet. I still love the story and believe in it. Its time will come, but it isn’t right now.

I queried 20 agents and editors (including 2 editors who requested it from pitch sessions at conferences). I had some good nibbles and received encouraging feedback. One editor told me I have “a knack for a charismatic narrative voice” and they see a bright future for me as a writer. A top agent praised my character development. So, while I wasn’t successful, I’ve come away from the experience feeling hopeful. I also learned a lot about querying, and will use that knowledge to help me once I query FSaK.

Now to rewrite those 20+ scenes …