Revision Obsession

Well, it’s official: I’m so obsessed with revisions right now that I’m actually dreaming about them. I woke up from a nightmare to realize that I had been reading it like a manuscript. I can’t really describe it, but as people were dying (it was a pretty bad nightmare), part of me was thinking that the scenes were out of order: I should have introduced this character sooner. I should have had this one batch of people die before another batch. It was seriously strange.

I think about revisions while I run, while I make dinner, while I get ready in the morning. All the time, really. I can go whole days trying to figure out how to fix one problematic scene. I’ve also become a terrible listener: as I talk to people, half of me is still mulling over what I’ve been working on that day.

I suppose it’s a good thing. I’m so close to the end of these revisions. The manuscript is almost there. But it’s just consuming me, and it’s exhausting.

Has this ever happened to you? Should I just give in and let revisions take over my life until they’re done? Any way I can at least stop dreaming about revisions?

Pelicans and Random Brownies

Things that make me happy, even on a Monday:

1. Pelicans. Strangest looking creatures ever. This one was just hanging out with people in St. James’ Park in London.

2. Gardenias. They just have the most wonderful scent—strong and just a touch exotic and sweet.

3. Bookmarks. I have a pile of them in my desk, because I tend to lose them. But somehow it makes me feel so much more legit when I have a nice bookmark in a book. Strange? Probably.

4. Making random brownies. Yesterday I had to do a ton of revising, so I made a batch of brownies as a reward. Nearly ate my weight in them—they were so good! And they made revising much yummier.

5. When browsing through library bookshelves leads you to an amazing book you never thought you’d enjoy. This is why I bring home stacks of books from the library, even though I’m not as excited about some of them. You never know.

Happy Monday, everyone! Anything making you happy this week?

Five Random Thoughts on a Friday

1. I’ve been dreaming of Paris. Of macaroons and early morning strolls through the Tuilleries and nights in a dimly lit café.

2. A lot of this dreaming is due to the fact that I went to see Midnight in Paris. Go see it, for the Parisian scenery if for nothing else! It’s breathtaking.

3. Revisions are making me a hermit this week. I’m so close, though—I’m hoping to be done by the end of this month (except for a few small additions I’ll make later). I can ignore my friends and family for another week, can’t I?

4. Per Kristin Rae’s suggestion, I’ve started watching the miniseries Lost in Austen. A modern London woman gets sucked into the Pride and Prejudice story and chaos (of course) ensues. I’m hearting it so much.

5. I’ve just finished Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly, and I absolutely loved it. It’s such a powerful story, with a protagonist who’s so real and amazing that you’ll be thinking about her for a long time after you finish the book.

Have a great weekend, everyone? Anyone have any fun weekend plans?

Killing the Darlings

I’ve been killing a lot of darlings this week: cutting scenes that I love from my WiP. I think it’s the worst part of editing. You write this really hilarious or beautiful or meaningful scene, and then as you revise, you realize it doesn’t fit anymore. It disrupts the flow of the novel, or it doesn’t stay true to the characters, and it just has to go.

I try to console myself by saving these scenes and telling myself I will put them, somehow, in the next WiP, but it’s still difficult. And I know I’ll forget all about that darling scene by the time I move on to the next novel (where it wouldn’t fit anyway). So I’m discarding these wonderful pieces of the novel, and I’ll never get to use them again.

It’s so much better for my WiP that I’m cutting these scenes. I know that. I have to keep my eye on the bigger picture and make sure every bit of the novel fits and is necessary. Eventually, it will all work out.

Have you ever had to kill a darling? How do you cope with the loss?

Eclairs and Movie Trailers

Things that make me happy, even on a Monday:

1. Wither by Lauren DeStefano. She creates such a fascinating world with beautiful descriptive writing. A book to savor.

2, Eclairs. Especially very chocolatey ones. They're just the perfect dessert, and they make me feel all French and sophisticated.

3. When my TBR pile is overflowing. It’s not such a bad problem to have, really.

4. The ballet! Taming of the Shrew was hilarious and beautiful. I might have to subscribe to next season.

5. Movie trailers. For some reason, I think I could watch these for hours. Even though I’ll probably see maybe a couple of movies in the theater this year.

Happy Monday, everyone! Anything making you happy this week?

Five Random Thoughts on a Friday

1. I saw this closed-down store on one of my random Texas road trips, and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more amused/horrified. Double Shot Liquor and Guns drive thru. Only in Texas…

2. My revisions have been going remarkably well this week. Mostly due, if I’m honest, to my Colbie Caillat Pandora playlist. It makes me happy and content to sit in front of my laptop for hours at a time. How’s your writing progress going?

3. I’m starting to miss New England autumn as the Texas summer heats up. I miss pumpkin spice lattes and comfy scarves and that little touch of cool in the air. But of course, once winter comes, I’ll be missing the summer heat. Vicious cycle.

4. I’m starting to become more interested in historical young adult. Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution got me started off, and I just read Y.S. Lee’s The Agency: A Spy in the House, which is fabulous. A secret female spy agency in Victorian England? LOVE.

5. I get to go to the ballet this weekend! The Houston Ballet is doing a production of The Taming of the Shrew, and I can’t wait. I know I’ll be comparing it to the movie 10 Things I Hate About You as I watch. :)

Happy weekend, everyone! Anyone have any fun weekend plans?

Revising the First Page

I’ve focused a lot recently on the first page of my novel as I revise. Trying to figure out what I’ve revealed about my main character and the conflict.

I’ve realized as I’ve read that I am drawn to the books that either introduce me to a strong, compelling protagonist or introduce me to a gripping plot. When I’m browsing books in a bookstore, I read that first page, and if it doesn’t hook me, I’m probably leaving that book on the shelf.

So I’m taking every sentence and trying to make sure it reveals something important. Something that will keep the reader engaged. I’m filling it with my MC’s voice and hinting at the initial conflict, but it isn’t easy. I want the writing to feel natural, not forced, not overanalyzed. It’s a very fine line to walk.

How important is that first page to you? What is your approach to revising it?

Possession and Wedge Heels

Things that make me happy, even on a Monday:

1. Possession by Elana Johnson!!! Oh my goodness, how I love this book. I can’t decide if I’m Team Zenn or Team Jag, but I’m definitely Team Vi! This book is a must-read: one of those thrill-a-minute, can’t-put-down books with absolutely gorgeous writing.

2. Nights when I’m fried from doing so much writing. Because even though I’m exhausted, I’m so very pleased with myself.

3. The fact that I’m currently keeping up my French knowledge by reading the Harry Potter books in French. Best. Idea. Ever.

4. Wedge heels. They really are the best invention ever—so much more comfortable than regular heels, and so adorable!

5. Olive oil. I use it in almost every meal I make, it seems like. It’s my secret cooking weapon or something.

Happy Monday, everyone! Anything making you happy this week?

Five Random Thoughts on a Friday

1. I took a walk around a park here in the city this week, and it’s just gorgeous! I want to spend every pretty day out there, writing or picnicking or just people-watching. If only it weren't so crazy hot.


2. Revising by the pool might be the least painful way to do revisions I’ve ever found. I love taking a stack of papers out there (I print my manuscript out to revise it) and getting lost in the words. It’s sort of like being on vacation…only not.

3. Revisions continue to eat my life, but I get to go have dinner with Jen tonight! I must catch up with all my YA book gossip. :)

4. I’m loving the last season of Friday Night Lights! I just don’t want it to end. I always hate series finales.

5. I want to read more poetry. There’s something so creative and beautiful about a good poem, and I think I need that in my life. Does anyone have a favorite poet I absolutely must read?

Happy weekend, everyone! Anyone have any fun weekend plans?

I'm Totally Fangirling Out Over Here

You guys! Possession by Elana Johnson is finally out!!! I'm so excited!

Alright, I'm off to buy my copy. Hope everyone's having a great week!

Random Road Trips and Literally Smelling the Roses

Things that make me happy, even on a Monday:

1. Spur-of-the-moment road trips. I went to a state park this weekend in Central Texas and found an old brewery in ruins: random, but awesome.

2. When you recommend one of your favorite books to somebody, and they end up loving it. I can’t get enough of connecting my favorite people with my favorite books. I think my dream job would be literary matchmaker.

3. Waking up and feeling like having a productive day. I do my best writing in the morning, and if I wake up energized to get to it, it’s that much better.

4. Also, there are some morning where I’m actually excited to go for a run, as opposed to the mornings where I have to drag myself out the door.

5. Taking a couple of minutes in the grocery store to look at and smell all of the fresh flowers. I never buy any, but I like to appreciate them.

Happy Monday, everyone! Anything making you happy this week?

Five Random Thoughts on a Friday

1. I’ve become so involved in revisions that I’m even staying up late to keep working, which rarely happens. Usually, by nine o’clock, I can’t write anymore, but I’ve become so productive from nine to midnight now. It’s a little bit scary.

2. Is there anything better than a big mug of coffee in the morning? Well, yes, probably, but it sure is awesome.

3. I’m hoping to have a cultural month this June. I want to go to art galleries, the ballet, the theater, and museums. There are so many amazing things to do in Houston, and it always helps my creativity when I see other art forms.

4. It got to 100 degrees yesterday. I might have forgotten the power of this whole Houston summer thing…

5. On the bright side, I’m transitioning into summer food, and I’m loving it. Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, spinach salads, tons of berries—basically, anything I don’t have to cook.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Anyone have any fun weekend plans?

Sporadic Revisions

I’m a very sporadic cleaner. I find it way more fun to run around the apartment, finding one job after another. For instance, I’ll put some shoes I’ve left out in the living room in my closet, and then, instead of continuing to clean the clutter of the living room, I’ll clean my closet. I really do go around in circles as I clean, just picking out what needs to be done.

I can be the same with revising. After that first draft is written, with all of its inconsistencies and plot problems, I’m tempted to read through it, fixing each little issue as I come to it, without looking at the bigger issues.

I’m trying not to do that this time. This time, I’ve focused on the bigger issues, and now I’m taking the book chapter by chapter, focusing on one issue at a time. It’s making the process much more streamlined, and I know the end result will be a clean, fully revised manuscript.

Do you do revisions piecemeal, or do you try to focus on the bigger issues first?