So I’m finally able to take my finished manuscript – The Sundered – and begin the editing process. I have no doubt this is going to be an adventure.
It’s 105,670 words, which is just a little too big for a newbie writer to shop. Happily, I am a vicious editor. Sweat stands out on his skin, sliding down his shaved head toward the mud becomes Sweat stands out on his skin, sliding down his shaved head. Why? 1. Because I’ve already established they’re on a hill of mud, and 2. gravity + sweat sliding down = toward mud. Elementary, my dear Watson.
I know, it’s kind of a “duh.” Well, it’s my “duh,” and I’m proud of it. 😀
Of course, I know that even when I’m done with this, it won’t be done-done. Even if an agent took it tomorrow (or whenever it’s submitted) and an editor wanted it right away, it’s going to need some changes. So what does happen when your submission needs more work? The fantastic Editorial Ass, Moonrat, answers that question.
Need some inspiration? Here’s some from an unusual source: screenshots of 30 websites that make use of a really gorgeous watercolor effect. This is the kind of thing that makes me yearn for mad graphics skillz.
An interesting post on whether urban fantasy is all about sex, by author Philip Palmer. I’m not sure I agree, but it’s food for thought. On a completely separate note, here are the top five (hilarious) tips on how to do radio intervies, by author Graham Storrs.
Now, this is REALLY useful: How to write about guns from author and army man Bradley Robb. I also like this interesting advice about story openings from Writer’s Digest Jane Friedman. Author Georgia McBride suggests this for the YA writer: just do YOU, as opposed to trying to write like someone else. And on the heels of that, nine excellent rules by author Tera Lynn Child for writing YA.
Whew. Got all that? Good. I’m gonna go edit. And maybe take a nap.
