Sometimes We Writers Have To Change It Up

I'm happy to report I am finally getting back into a writing groove.  And it feels great! Now that I've had some time away, I have been re-evaluating.  I began querying SHARDS OF GLASS at the beginning of this year, and all I've received so far is standard rejections.  I'm of the opinion that taking a new look at the query letter or the manuscript itself never hurts, especially when no agents have shown enough interest to even offer a bit of advice.

So being of that opinion, I took a fresh look.  More than ten months have passed, so I'd say that is a sufficient break away.  The query itself isn't a problem, I don't think.  But there is one major setback.  The word count.  *sighing while wiping bitter tears*  The best fit for SHARDS is YA.  And 90K words is long.  There are exceptions of course.  But I really believe in this story and want to see it published.

I shared my struggle with this story about a year ago here.  Getting the word count down was a nightmare.  And part of my writing style is to let the story write itself.  This is where I have to change it up, hence the title of today's post. 

Last year, I tried to remove Part I in an effort to reduce the word count.  It didn't work.  The story, mainly the dynamics between the FMC and MMC, suffered.  So I put Part I back in.  However, in a more determined effort to get this story right, I have cut Part I off again.  And off it shall stay.  Making that decision wasn't easy.  I love that part of the story.  But taking it off cut my word count to the 67K range, which is much more acceptable for YA.  And now that I've come to terms with that move, the story doesn't seem to be suffering.  I'm anxious to get it in the hands of some betas though to make sure. 

I've done some more editing and revising; I had to with Part I gone.  And this evening I plan to finish editing and revising the final 40 pages.  Then I will be seeking betas.  I'll see how that goes before beginning another round of queries.  And while taking care of SHARDS, REKINDLE has been put on hold.  I'm anxious and ready to get back to it, though. 

So there's my current writing dilemma.  I'm curious about all of you.  What part of your preferred writing style/technique/etc have you had to change? Even if the change wasn't permanent, please share below. 

Changes Are Coming

*Listening to the crickets and sweeping out the cobwebs*

It's been quiet here on my blog lately.  With everything going on, I needed to take a step back to re-focus.  Besides working full time and trying to write, I have been trying to help my husband with his lawn care business.  Plus we are in the process of adopting, we're getting ready to apply to become foster parents, and we buried our furry baby, Tucker, a couple weeks ago.  That was a heartbreaking experience, and we are still grieving his loss.  If you have pets, you understand.  It's been a roller coaster few months to say the least.  My head is still spinning.

Anyway, I'm not typically a fan of change.  I know, I know, this is coming from someone who is preparing for a lot of change! But sometimes change is necessary, and not all change is bad.  When I started this blog, I didn't want to set a schedule for what I would post and when.  It was easier for me to have the freedom to write about anything, whether it was writing related or about life or whatever.  However, at this point in time, having something to focus on would be better.  So I am in the process of creating a schedule for myself.  I'd like to start participating in my blog chains, also.  Currently, the only one I take part in is the one at Absolute Write.  I love it, but I'm skipping this month's.

So it's going to be quiet for a little while longer while I switch gears even though I could probably come up with plenty of things to write about.  I spent yesterday evening on a mower with large mosquito looking bugs constantly flying into my face.  They love that tall grass.  Wow...maybe I should have participated in AW's blog chain this month.  That could be the basis of a good horror story. :)

But sometimes I just need a break.  I hope my fellow bloggers don't mind.  When I return, I should be refreshed.

Hope all is well!

Back to the Beginning

I had to take another break from editing my story; circumstances prevented me from working on the task.  And that's probably a good thing.  Editing is all about finding a balance, and I think I lost mine.  At some point I fell off the balance beam and didn't have enough enthusiasm to get back on.  I began dragging my feet because I didn't like the changes I was making, even though I believed they were necessary.  Most of the changes I am sticking with because I still believe in them.  However, I made one very big change that I've never been content with.  The removal of Part I.  I mentioned in a previous post that I thought maybe it wasn't as necessary as I originally believed.  Now I am reconsidering.  There is a lot of character development in Part I.  Actually, there's a lot of everything in Part I.

I'm probably over-thinking it.  And doubt does creep in occasionally.  This story is unlike anything I've ever written, and I want it to be right.  This is why I'm going back to the beginning.  In other words, I'm asking myself the following questions: what was the point of writing the story? what was the motivation? what is it supposed to be about? And I think I've got the answers.  My enthusiasm has returned!