Revisions and study time

Struggling with the revisions to the beginning of PLS. It seems to be difficult like the first fifty pages of TKQ were. Tying the two books together so that I'm not losing the readers seems to be what's throwing me off. I just want to plunge ahead as if there wasn't any space between them, but the reader needs some background reminders in there and that entails some revision work. I've had a lot of critters on chapter one and the suggestions varied a lot. I went with the ones that spoke to me as being right and posted part one for the chapter on Novel Crit. Hopefully I'll get a few crits that will let me know if I did it right or not. It sounds good to me, but I'm awfully close to the subject and feel I need an outside look.

I'm going to study a book on novel writing and then Holly Lisle's Create a Character Clinic before I get into final revisions for TKQ. This seems like the plan because I feel that I know my characters so much better than I did when I started the book and if I study about building characters before I revise, I believe I can strengthen them.

I'm anxious for someone to read the entire novel, and my daughter is going to be the first one. But I'm waiting until just before I want to start the final revisions. Keep her comments fresh and I work better that way. I'm anxious because I'm excited about how the ending came out. I always had it planned out, but in writing (and rewriting due to lost files) I think things came out 100 times better than I expected.

I hope that happens with PLS.

In the meantime, I also have to finish getting the chapters on CotRT too. I think I have the last 6 or 7 to put up there yet.

This week I hope to rejoin OWW. Maybe not for the novel writing, but for getting the stories ready to go. I miss the connections there and I might even pick up a few friends to exchange novel readings with.

The other novels are sitting in their places - every once in awhile a character speaks up and have have to write a short piece or make a page worth of notes to remember. I think they'll turn out well also.

Revisions and study time

Struggling with the revisions to the beginning of PLS. It seems to be difficult like the first fifty pages of TKQ were. Tying the two books together so that I'm not losing the readers seems to be what's throwing me off. I just want to plunge ahead as if there wasn't any space between them, but the reader needs some background reminders in there and that entails some revision work. I've had a lot of critters on chapter one and the suggestions varied a lot. I went with the ones that spoke to me as being right and posted part one for the chapter on Novel Crit. Hopefully I'll get a few crits that will let me know if I did it right or not. It sounds good to me, but I'm awfully close to the subject and feel I need an outside look.

I'm going to study a book on novel writing and then

Under the weather

Our clan has the cold bug that's been going around. Well, except for our son, who we kept getting on for not wearing the proper clothes when it was cold out. Go figure!

My sister also has back surgery tomorrow. My parents are still sick from probably a cold flu.

It wouldn't be so bad, but I'm so tired and yet I can't sleep. I know - take stronger meds. Can't. They raise my blood pressure and I'm a weirdo - can't handle full doses of most synthetic meds either. So, I'm fighting it the best I can. Might still have to get more antibiotics from it settling in my throat. I'm really fighting that and hoping I don't have to. I hate strept throat!

So, I'm resting. No Whispering Spirits work, website work, or anything taxing while home. Doing a little revisioning, research work, books on tape - that sort of thing. Moving forward ever so slowly....

Writing Space

Many authors have showed pictures of their writing spaces on their blogs. I don't have a digital camera - yet - and I don't have any pictures to show. But I do have two, well three areas I write. Designated areas anyway. I don't have an iPod or notebook - yet - but my trusty pen and notebook follow me everywhere.

At home we now have two computers in diagonal corners of our dining room. Our newest and main computer is my first and most used workstation. The desk is a jumble of notes and folders, with many of our game discs under the monitor's shelf, my fishbowl next to the monitor, and my boombox on a small table next to the desk.

I drive my husband insane by taking over the desk and the dining table with my papers. Maybe the fact that I have my own space upstairs contributes to this.

Upstairs I have a small room that's my studio. As I haven't rearranged since bringing the big table downstairs for the second computer, it's a bit of a mess. A drafting table is the main workspace with file boxes on each side with my materials. The easel in one corner and a small set of shelves next to that. Through the middle sits the bench that holds my english and western saddle. An easy chair is in front of the window overlooking the back yard. Rest of my art and writing materials are in the closets as neatly as possible.

It's nice, but not ideal. Our house is exceptionally small.

Which is why my office at work is my third back up writing space. I love it. It represents my ideal workspace and I have permission to use it anytime I want. The room is huge. Probably fit at least 4 average sized bedrooms in it.

Windows line the outside wall. My computer station sits there. Desk in middle of floor on that side, long computer desk along the wall, with a long worktable in between the two. Like a 3-sided box that takes up 3/4 of that side of the room. The other 1/4 is taken up by a counter and sink where the coffee maker is.

Rest of that wall to the door is bulletin board area. From the door to the other corner is a pantry closet and shelves. From the middle a very large library type shelf system jutts our through the middle of the room.

From that corner is the copier and two more large tables, and three large filing cabinets.

Yeah, that's my little bit of heaven. Open, creative environment with lots of shelves, paper, files, and a constant supply of coffee.

Crystal Rain Review

Book Review: Crystal Rain

Price: $24.95 Hardcover
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 0-765-31227-1
Publisher: TOR
Publisher's Website: http://www.tor.com/tor.html
Publication Date: February 2006
Genre: Science Fiction
Author: Tobias Buckell
Author Website: http://www.tobiasbuckell.com


For centuries, a mountain chain called the Wicked High Mountains protected the people from the savagery of the Azteca. But the Azteca, under the guidance of the Teotl, secretly built a tunnel through the mountains and prepared for the day they would be able to take over the land on the other side.

When the Azteca march upon the peoples by the thousands, John deBrun, must escape from them and recover his lost memories in order to save the people. Meeting up with new friends and old, John's journey is filled with challenges.

In a quick-paced, page-turning novel, Tobias Buckell brings us a story rich in character depth, vivid detail, and fascinating culture. Once I was finally able to sit down with this book, there was no way I was going to stop.

The combination of Science Fiction with a lost culture produced an intriguing read. There was just enough technology to make the story interesting without taking away from the rich natural environment. He did a great job allowing me to see and understand the areas I was not familiar with.

His characters lived, they suffered, they rejoiced equally - both young and old, male and female. Characters on both sides were intelligent and real, both sides had emotions and needs and concerns. It really balanced out well.

I especially loved Pepper. I would have never thought of naming him Pepper, but it just worked so well. He is a character who would be difficult to give depth to, but Tobias pulled it off beautifully.

Crystal Rain is a definite must read. Perfect for those slow, lazy days when your life needs a little excitement.

The writer's space

Lee Goldberg's writing area is much like what I'm thinking of for mine. Big differences are a larger outdoor window and dark wood.

Our kids will be out of school in five years so I've been planning. Let's face it, five years isn't that far away.