June was a whirlwind. I started a new day job, did a week of training, then a different job offered me a more desirable position. So now I’m transitioning to that one, which gives me another week of free time! Here’s hoping the job is a great fit for me, not only for making money, but also for having the schedule to continue to write stories.
The last couple weeks have been a swinging pendulum. One way, I was productive. Back the other way, not so much. Some days I’m able to write a full eight hours, other days I’m fortunate to formulate one sentence. Don’t ask me how many words are in that one sentence or if it’s a functional sentence. Writing is a process peppered with perseverance through procrastination and pain (at least for me right now).
I’m receiving a deluge of feedback from writers which is wonderful and becomes overwhelming at times. Morvelving is at the forefront of criticism, which I am happy about. I’m at the point where I want to begin working on the revisions for the story. It’s been too long and I’m excited to delve in again. If I can get the third draft finished before the summer is over, I can begin the process of sending it to copy editors, and querying it again to publishers.
I started with writing down revisions I know I want to add in the story and what that looks like in a general outline. Also, looking at the interpersonal play between the two main characters. Plots and character growth within plots and character growth – it’s a lot of fun, even if it doesn’t make it into the story. There will always be more to add to a general outline, I’ll have that handy while I start going over inline edits from readers. It’s going to be a lot of work, but worth it!
My intention for Morvelving has been and still is to self-publish. Being Traditional Published is more like winning the lottery now, so there’s no harm in sending out queries while I work on self-publishing. I’m sure there’s a way to fast-track self-publishing, but I want to do it as thoroughly as I can. So, I’m taking the process slowly, making sure the story is the best version it can be. And that process gives me time to have the funds to pay for a cover artist and other editors – development, marketing, and copy. Every time the topic is discussed with other writers, I always learn something new about self-publishing.
The goal is to have Morvelving querying and on track to be published while I begin brainstorming and outlining other novels. I’ve started studying again to refresh and improve my craft, as well as to format and write pitches better. My “on the spot” and thought-out pitches usually make my novels sound worse than a foghorn blown in your ear at 5am.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time with the second chapter for A Cold Task. There’s a moment in writing where you have a great idea, but writing it down turns it into hot garbage. That’s what happened with chapter two. Which is fine. The first part isn’t bad. I’m still working on it, and will post it as soon as it doesn’t sound like a trumpeting fart in line at the grocery store.
My intention for the novella was something to write and share. That’s still on the agenda. Often the process takes longer than I realize. I’m excited to find what the story is missing and share it as soon as I do.
Besides all the crazy, I enjoyed two weekends with Hannah at the Renaissance Faire, and then at a Hobbit Festival hosted by friends of ours. Posted the photos to my Instagram – you can find the link in the Social Media page. We are also celebrating eleven years of marriage!
In A Cold Task Chapter 2 Part 1, Razi and Anmeli must escape from Magalayi, and plot out their next move.
C. J. Switzer 