Remember last week when I was all excited about starting the next draft of The Other Side? I still am, but I haven't done much with it. I'm thinking about it, tossing around different ways to make it better, but as for opening the Word file and getting started... that hasn't happened.
Part of the reason for the delay is that I've been hanging out with my dad a little more in the past week. He's only here for another three weeks and I don't want to regret not taking advantage of seeing him while I can. Given how awful the publishing industry is right now, I figure a week or two away from my wip isn't going to make or break me.
The other reason is I've been working on my Dreamweaver tutorial, doing my best to learn the software so I can start designing sites on my own. I'm at the point where the exercises are getting into things that I don't necessarily need to start designing, so I'd like to start putting together my dad's site today. (I also said that yesterday and instead I read this all day long.)
The one thing I have been doing to help my writing cause is reading Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. It's given me a lot of inspiration for ways to improve my wip and really make it more exciting. One common note I received from my betas is that certain scenes lacked conflict, the key thing required to keep a story moving. This book has given me ideas on how to improve my slower scenes and make the entire wip much more exciting. It's also given me ideas for improving my nano novel, but I'm not allowing myself to work on that right now.
So, with all these different things on my plate, I feel like I'm back in school. A couple hours for Dreamweaver, a couple hours reading about plotting, plus a little time learning InDesign, a page-layout program from Adobe. At least I'm making good use of my time!
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Ok, three things:
1) I hadn't read The Tenth Circle's summary yet. Her subject matter always seems too heartbreaking for me, but she writes in such believable, pulling ways, it ends up not mattering.
2) Someday I'm going to need an author site. I am. And I'm going to want you to do it for me. Capiche?
3) I think it's great you're allowing the book to sit and stew more. Your research and thoughts are crucial, and when you do sit down, everything will come together. Good for you!
1) Yes, it was very touching, a bit shocking, and well written.
2) That sounds good to me!
3) That's what I'm hoping will happen. :)
I think it's way more important to spend time with your dad. You're so right. You're thinking about your book, and when you get back into it, you'll have nice fresh ideas.
Looks like you already have a customer! :)
Yep, totally. Take your time and enjoy your dad.
Robin, business is booming! lol. :)
Thanks Wendy. I forget sometimes that it's okay to adjust my priorities since I don't have a family to take care of like the rest of you ladies. I ended up having breakfast with my dad this morning and I'm just now hunkering down with my "work".
You know, I think it's a good thing that you're taking some time off from the editing. Sometimes you've gotta gain some distance in order to see clearly.
And btw, I'm gonna wanna hire you, too. *big grins*
Jen, that's a good point about the time off. I'm going to need to re-read the comments to get back into it, but I think this time will help.
I'll let you know when I'm ready to start designing sites. :) Aside from my dad's (which is for the entire family), I plan to create one for myself as well.
And I feel just because I'm in Zihua isn't a license to steal you away from one of your other loves.. But damn you have so many, glad I'm one.. :)
Gary, I believe we've found a balance... :)
Hey Melanie,
Enjoy your visit with your dad.
From the sounds of it, you've been doing lots of work on various projects. It's okay to take a break now and then. :)
Gypsy, it sounds like I've been doing a lot, but up until yesterday I was really slacking.
Enjoy the time with your dad. I'm sure the distance between you and the manuscript will help you end up moving faster towards completion in the end anyways.
Enjoy your time with your dad! The writing can wait and time with family is so important!
Lauren, that's what I'm hoping.
Nadine, very true!
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