I really need to start coming up with better titles for my posts. 
Okay, here’s what’s up: going for a Super Sekrit Visit to a friend soon, which will result in additions to our household. ^___^ And no, I don’t mean kittens. Though there will be kittening in our future. This, I guarantee.
Book news: I’ve passed the 45,000 word mark in this rewrite, which means I’m-really-officially-and-truly beyond the halfway point. I cannot stress enough how fun it is now that I better understand what I’m doing.
For my aspiring writer friends, here is the thought-provoking question of the day.
If you removed that scene (or even that chapter) from the book, would anything change?
If not, then that scene/chapter needs to go. Yes, it may have things in there you love; jokes or pretty descriptions or what feels like character development. The fact is, however, that all of those things can be put in somethign that affects the plot. Don’t be afraid to cut it and redo. Don’t be afraid to rewrite from scratch.
Speaking of which, my husband gave me the most incredible encouragement today. We were talking about the state of the world, about how rough things are for people. I said how I felt even more driven to write than usual, sort of wondering – though unspoken – whether this was the right urge. He said this:
I don’t know how else to say it, but historically, in bad times people look for a way to escape. That is why MMO’s have been so popular for so many years -people are looking for a way to escape their crummy lives. Your story is a way for people to escape into an amazing world and truly lose themselves in it, even if only for a while.
Right, I’m gonna go cry now. While I do that, have some interesting links.
The Ark of the Covenant? Really? I can’t help imagining Indiana-Jones style melting.
A literary map of Manhattan – that is to say, the literary folks who live there. This is quite nifty.
Have some Renfaire-communication advice.
Rottweiler Loves Wolf Cub – oh, the cuteness abounds.
Creepy but fascinating – the first human voice recording ever made. I thought it was a trumpet at first. *shame*
And lastly, for any of you who enjoyed Sarah Rees Brennan‘s The Demon’s Lexicon (and if you haven’t read it yet, YOU MUST), here is a delicious extra: she’s doing short stories on her blog. Oooh, this is fulfilling.
DIY Thesis Theme
Editors and Predators