Tag: editing

The Crash Test Novella and Other Updates

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

2020 is nearly over, and as we all know, it has been A YEAR.  There isn’t much I can say about it that hasn’t been said hundreds of times already.  Y’all been living it too.  So, I’ll just say, here’s hoping 2021 goes a little easier on us. 

In the lead up to 2020 the theme of clarity was a thing. It was an optimistic reference to 20/20 vision and the hope for a clear view of the future ahead.  But 2020 turned into chaos, confusion, heartbreak, political division, and all kinds of opacity about what the future holds. 

However, in a strange way, the pandemic shutdown of everything did give me some clarity on life and goals and the things I truly want to focus on.  The things that will make 2021 a happier, more successful year for me personally.  At least, I hope.

As long as I’ve been able to form letters and string together words, I’ve been writing.  But there was a long chunk of time where I was busy living and the only writing I did was for school, work (incident reports, ugh) and personal journaling.  That changed November of 2010, when my sisters talked me into trying National Novel Writing Month. 

I was reluctant to say the least. 50,000 words in a month?  With toddlers to keep alive and a tiny business to run?  That’s crazy.  So, I decided the easiest way to succeed was to write a fictionalized version of parts of my own life.  I was right, it worked.  I wrote just over 50,000 words.  I finished NanoWrimo with a story that has a beginning and an end—and tons of NanoWrimo filler.   

I attempted NanoWrimo again in 2012 and that’s when the seed was germinated for the story that has become The Compass Legacy series.  It has since evolved into something vastly different from how it sprouted, and it is the primary focus of my writing.  But it is a complex story involving many characters and decades of back stories.  It proved difficult to finish even before the 2020 disruption of everything.

So, I have largely shifted my focus the past few months.  For some time, I’ve toyed with the idea of using my very first NanoWrimo project as a test run for learning the ins and outs of self-publishing.  With The Compass Code getting close to being ready to publish, I’ve finally gotten serious about putting together my little crash-test novella and sending it off into the world. 

This story is vastly different from what I normally write, and it’s definitely not written in my usual style, so I don’t plan to publish it under my name.  I mention it now as an update on what I’ve been up to these days.  I am still writing.  Not as much as I would like to be, or as much as I was before March 2020, but I am getting things done. I’m re-writing the crash-test novella and cutting all that NanoWrimo filler as fast as possible so I can get back to the story I truly love.

All of this means I have to make 2021 the year of publishing.  First, the crash-test novella, then hopefully both book one and book two of The Compass Legacy series.  I also plan to make some changes to this website, start a newsletter, and conquer the fear of rejection that has kept me from launching a Patreon page.  (I’ve gotta pay for an editor somehow.) 

So, 2021, here we go. Check back for more updates in the coming months.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.

Creativity Adapting

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

No question about it, coronavirus has left me feeling like this is my writing career…

derailled
Image courtesy of Pixabay

Way back in January, I had hopes of publishing my first novel in time for the summer reading season.  Even before the pandemic-shutdown-of-everything in March, I was behind on that schedule and struggling with editing The Compass Code, for various reasons.  After the pandemic-shutdown, it felt like everything came to a screeching halt and was suspended in uncertainty.  Including my ability to focus and create.

After a few months, I was ready to give up on the train wreck.  Ready to take the easy way out…

novel burning
Image courtesy of Pixabay

I stopped thinking about it.  Stopped thinking about characters and plot lines, back stories and threads that need tying up.  Mostly.  Well, I mean, I tried, anyway.  But these people I created and have spent so much time playing make believe with just won’t go quietly away into oblivion.

I could burn the papers that hold the words that are their lives, but that won’t sear them, or their stories, from my mind.  I made them, I’m stuck with them.  At least until I can unleash them all on you, dear readers.

So, over the past few days, the irresistible urge has finally boiled over and I’ve sat back down with my laptop and my notebooks and all the words I’ve been neglecting.  I can no longer evade the work using the excuse that I’m just doing my best to get through this pandemic-shutdown-of-everything.

IMG_20200728_110133077_HDR~3.jpg

It’s nearly August.  COVID-19 cases are on the rise again and it looks increasingly unlikely schools will reopen in September.  My life isn’t going back to the old normal anytime soon.  I’ve got to adapt and carve out time from this hectic new normal in order get this train back on track.

There’s no question, it feels good to reunite with my imaginary friends.

 

Snow Days, Deadlines, and Editing Madness

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Last week, it snowed.  A lot.  Winter finally decided to really make an appearance.  Which is awesome.  I love the snow and we certainly need the water.  But, all that snow isn’t great for getting any editing and writing done.

Schools were closed for four days, and the smallish bi-pedal beings (and the one that is now taller than me!) were stuck at home.  And I can’t seem to get much work done when I don’t have the space to myself.

We survived being home bound and school went back to normal this week.  In order to get my head back in the game, I committed to another deadline.  It’s still got some holes, but I’ll be sending The Compass Code, draft three, to a couple of beta readers this weekend.   Which is exciting, but extremely nerve-wracking too.

In order to get the draft ready to share, I’ve been editing like mad.  I’ve also given a lot of time to learning different techniques for self-editing and improving my craft.  Much to my surprise, this has been a lot of fun.  Maybe after all these years with this project, I’ve just gone mad.

If so, it’s worth it.  I think.

Anyway, in my quest to polish my writing, I stumbled across a couple really helpful podcasts I want to share.  They are The Book Editor Show and The Writership Podcast.  If you’re looking for some great tips on editing your own work, check them out.

And so, back to the editing madness I go.

In With The New

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s that time again, where we reflect on our successes and failures of the past 365 days and look ahead to the next.  2018 has been a wild ride, and I feel pretty certain 2019 will be too.

As most of my readers know, I’ve been writing a novel for like, FOREVER, and had hoped to have it published by now.  That obviously hasn’t happened, but I’m 45,000 words into a third draft, and I’m feeling confident it will be ready for publishing early in the new year.  I promise to post some excerpts soon.  It’s been difficult to choose things I can post that don’t present too much of a spoiler problem, but I’ll find something.

I want to thank all of you readers for sticking with my little blogs.  My posting has been pretty sporadic this year, especially on Seeking Redress, but views have remained steady, so thanks to you all for stopping by.  I intend to be more active here in 2019 and I hope you’ll continue to join me.

Here’s to a good New Year, one that brings peace to our world.

A Bit of a Distraction

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s October.  I’m still not done editing.  I’m currently failing as a writer.  This is a perfect time for a distraction.  Right?

Art is a great distraction.  It’s still an exercise in creativity, after all.  I have always loved drawing with pencils.  I love the countless shades that can be achieved with one stick of gray charcoal.  I love having charcoal smeared on my fingertips and the side of my hand.  And, I love that I can erase what I don’t love.

October presents an artsy distraction opportunity in the form of #Inktober, a daily challenge to create something awesome that fits a given theme, and then to share the work on social media.  As the name implies, these daily masterpieces are made in ink. I highly recommend checking the hashtag on Twitter, or Instagram, you’ll be treated to some amazing work.

I don’t do ink well, but I’m going to give Inktober a shot this year.  I’ve done a few Inktober posts in the past, but didn’t stick with it.  I don’t know if I’ll draw something every day this time around either.  I am still working on The Compass Code (agonizingly slowly) after all.  But I’m going to enjoy mixing it up by playing around with the kids’ markers for the month instead of just my highlighters and red pen.

So here is my Inktober Day One post for the theme poisonous.  Because war truly is poisonous.

IMG_20181002_121640807~3

Why Do You Write Your Stupid Story?

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Slogging Through the Summer Slump

“Why do you have to write your stupid story, Mom?”

My child asked me this question in the car yesterday as we left the grocery store parking lot.  I didn’t take the stupid bit personally.  After all, my children aren’t allowed to read my story so I don’t think they’re qualified to judge its quality.

I think the sentiment behind the comment has more to do with a frustration that Mom spends so much time on the computer these days.  A sentiment we all share.  And that’s something that keeps a constant hum of guilt in my mind all the time.  Summer break amplifies that hum to a roar.

As I wrangle with the excruciating task of editing, the kids want adventure.  More adventure than can be found in our own back yard.  And food, constant food.  I struggle to keep my head in my story while they argue over one of thousands of Legos.  I find my patience waning and my temper shortening till my responses to their constant needs get snappy.   The guilt grows unbearable and I finally give up and push the story aside for several days in a row (or a week).

I have no idea how parents of young children have ever finished a book in the history of mankind.

When I return to the story after however many days I have spent appeasing my guilt and giving in to all the distraction, I feel as though I lose an entire working session figuring out where I was headed when I pushed the story aside.  Knowing this, it often becomes easier to just go another day without writing, and then another, and so on…and this project remains neglected.  Cue more guilt.

I’m sure none of this is conducive to creativity.  It certainly hasn’t been for mine.  My new draft languishes at nearly 50,000 words as summer heats up and pool maintenance joins the ranks of attention demanding distractions.  (Confession:  I actually really enjoy pool maintenance.  It’s a sanity-saving endeavor for me, like gardening, or meditating.)

Just like the pool, balance is key.  I know this, of course.  But, a month into summer break and I still haven’t found that balance.  Maybe I won’t all summer and maybe the answer is finding peace with that.  Because this story will get finished.  I’m not giving up yet.

When the question spilled out of my child in the car, I considered letting it go unanswered.  I could just turn the volume up on the stereo and silently sulk in my guilt.  It seemed much easier than explaining why I write to anyone, let alone my kids.  But, in the end, I settled on a simple and honest response.

“Maybe it is stupid, but when you have a dream, you have to do it.”

 

It’s Red Pen Time

On By Katie AguileraIn The Compass Code, Uncategorized2 Comments

I’m nearly a month behind schedule.  But, I printed a draft of The Compass Code yesterday, and I’m ready to dive into editing it.  It needs a LOT of work.  There are several plot lines that still need tying up in order to bring all the action together at the end of the book.  That is, if I want it to make any sense, anyway.

Even though I know it’s still a mess inside, I think all 345 pages are the most beautiful things I’ve ever held in my hands (well, except for the smallish bipedal beings, but it’s been a long time since they fit in my hands).  I’m sure I’ll change my mind about that in the coming days and weeks.

Today I’m just going to bask in satisfaction while sitting here next to my novel.  I’ll be back at it tomorrow, armed with highlighters, a red pen, post-it notes, and inspiration.  And coffee.

IMG_20180429_105927567~2
Me for the next few weeks, as depicted (lovingly, I’m sure) by the smallish bipedal beings.

Deadline Time

On By Katie AguileraIn The Compass Code, Uncategorized5 Comments

I’ve spent so much time wrapped up in my imaginary world lately and it’s really hard to switch back and deal with reality.  I just want to stay in my imagination 24/7 till I get this book done.  It would be nice if I could just hole up in an isolated cabin somewhere for a couple of weeks of uninterrupted writing.  Sadly, that’s not an option.

All this straining of my brain to make stuff up has left my blog world a bit neglected and quiet lately.  So, I figured a short update was warranted.  I’m still writing.  After the big snip, my draft has recovered back up to a little over 72K words.  My characters are wreaking havoc and plotting evil deeds.  Exciting times.

And so…

It’s also deadline time.  I’ve been kicking myself every time I see the news lately for not having finished this novel a year ago.  Since all that self-kicking is exhausting, I have finally decided to force a deadline upon myself.  I’m not sure I’ll make it, and if I do, the result will be beyond rough.  It’ll still need a lot of work.  But, I’m gonna try to find my way to The End for The Compass Code by March 31st.

Hold me to it.

The Daily Struggle

On By Katie AguileraIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Struggling.  Really struggling here.  Writing scenes that involve a reporter and law enforcement sources and all this enormous conspiracy is not easy.  Nope.  Not one bit.

But, I have set the goal to write every day.  And to finish this novel.  So, I keep vomiting ridiculously terrible strings of uninterrupted dialogue and other pathetic-ness onto the page.  All the while asking myself, is this just a huge waste of time?  Oh, and whyyyyy?!

First, I whine to the dog, or the cat, or both of them.  The usual response…

DSC_1887DSC_2340

Full of helpful tips, they are.

Sometimes, I go for a walk, or a bike ride, or something, in hopes of getting the blood flowing to my under-performing brain.  Unfortunately, no little house troll ever comes along to finish my scene while I’m gone.  In fact, I think one comes along to make the already terrible trash I’ve written even worse because I don’t remember it being that bad!

So, I move on to complain of my inability to write anything but complete garbage to my more helpful writing buddies, my sisters.  As usual, they have an answer for me.  And, as usual, it isn’t what I want to hear.  (Just kidding, for dramatic effect.)

Anyhow, my big Sis, being very wise, said the other day, “just keep writing.”  Just keep writing.  So simple.  And yet, sometimes, it’s agony.  Incredibly stupid, terrible, vomit-spewing, one-sentence-a-day, garbage agony.  But, just keep writing.  Somewhere in that dump is a gem, an idea, a thread that can be worked with to weave an epic scene.

Put on a hat so as to avoid pulling out hair, and just keep writing…

Snip Snip My Darlings

On By Katie AguileraIn The Compass Code, Uncategorized1 Comment

It’s already January 4th.  And I still haven’t written a word about goals for this new year.  In fact, I have managed only to write a few sentences of notes, an email or two, and a few tweets this entire year.  Maybe it’s a slump.  Or, it could be the whole winter break thing that results in some very distracting, smallish bi-pedal beings running rampant in my house rather than being dutiful students somewhere else.

Anyway, in the midst of all the frenetic chaos that is my winter break existence, I was struck by a revolutionary thought about my novel.  I guess I should say, it isn’t a new thought.  It’s more of an acceptance of what needs to happen.  Writers talk about this a lot, the whole “kill your darlings” thing.  I’m sure it doesn’t come easy for any of us.  But, the acceptance that I have darlings that need killing has brought with it a renewed surge of energy to do whatever it takes to get this ridiculously overdue novel finished.

A while back I was listening to an episode of Writers After Dark podcast (I highly recommend this podcast) and was suddenly overcome with an urge to chop out huge portions of the prologue of my book.  This took me by surprise.  I took out scenes I truly love, and have struggled for far too long to keep in the book.  Once I started chopping, however, I was instantly happier with the beginning of my book.  This past week, I took the chopping to a new level.

My story covers a significant span of years, and from the beginning, I have struggled to explain, or work around, large gaps in time when nothing of importance is happening.  This is a self-inflicted struggle, I now realize, that can be solved by simply snipping away at all those unnecessary darlings of mine.  No biggie.  Except that it’s the entire part one of the book!  Gasp!

IMG_20180104_125942747~2

In a brief moment of alone-in-the-kitchen calm, I realized that, while part one certainly helps to explain who, what, and why, the main characters are, it isn’t necessary to understanding or enjoying the plot of the story.  In fact, part one really just slows the entire thing down.  So, snip, snip, my darlings.

Oh, the freedom I feel now.  This solves so many complications and opens up so many possibilities with what was formerly known as part two.  Don’t worry, I didn’t waste years on a bunch of scenes that will never be read.  Now I have a nearly completed prequel!  And those chopped out prologue scenes?  Well, odds are good at least a few of them will make an appearance here one day.

 

Lego sculpture courtesy of the smallish bi-pedal beings.