Revisions Ad Nauseum

Remember when I said it takes at least several times through a novel, to accomplish a good revision? How about twenty-five times?! I'm still not finished. When I write the first draft, I apparently don't notice the weather, or time passing, so these elements were not part of that rough manuscript. I knew I'd have to add description, the five senses, and more emotional words and phrases, but something as simple as time did not cross my mind. That means I need to be a better re-writer than writer. It also means that it's not over 'til it's over. Anything less than as-perfect-as-you-can-make-it, the story isn't yet complete. Time consuming? Yes. Worth it? A resounding yes!

Moving Forward

It's a good thing to keep moving forward with our hopes and dreams. My latest
book is done, and now it's time for the query process, agents rather than publishers at this point. Queries are not easy. First, you explain why you chose that particular agency, then follow with a blurb about your book, with a good hook, and the last paragraph should tell about your writing and/or life experience. Why should the agent represent you? It took me quite awhile to hone this letter. I'll let you know what the results are, if any. Once queries are sent out (multiple is ok, but not multiple proposals, if requested by several agents), it's time to begin the next book.