2:44 pm August 11, 2010Revisions and Attempted Hijackings
There was a time (about two whole months ago), when I was naive enough to think that once I had a rough draft finished, the rest would be a breeze.
Stop laughing. It’s not nice to laugh at people who are idiots by accident.
So it turns out that revision? Is a JERKY PAIN IN MY BACKSIDE! Going back over the words I’d slaved over for months and months, I read them now and say to myself, “Pshaw, self, you are such an amateur! Who wrote this? A second-grader? On allergy medication?”
Then I get it in my mind that everything I’ve written is crap, and that I should just shred my manuscript and recycle it as hen-house bedding. (y’know… so it can get pooped on? by lots of fat birds?)
But *sigh* instead I try to push my way through it (partially because we don’t actually own any hens). I write different scenes from different character perspectives just to get it all nice and fleshed out, hoping that one day this dumb manuscript will be able to pass for something readable.
Also, I doodle a lot, y’know, when I can’t think of words to write.
Unfortunately, I don’t really know how to draw anything but the swirly-things. So my notebook is full of them. And when revision becomes too much and I desperately need a break, I go outside… where I promptly draw swirly-things on my driveway with sidewalk chalk.
No, seriously.
On a totally unrelated note, I caught someone in our garage trying to steal my car. And though he had the keys, was in the front seat, and knew how to honk the horn… well, he couldn’t seem to figure out how to actually steal the thing.
I went out to get a closer look at the punk.
He was so cute that I couldn’t press charges. I agreed to let him off with a warning if he’d come live with me forever and let me smooch his little cheeks whenever I darn well pleased.
It was an agreeable agreement.
And now, back to drawing swirlies… err, I mean, revising.
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you draw the best swirlies. and…that punk who tried to steal your car…what a cutie pie! I wouldn’t have pressed charges, either.
Comment by ShayLo — August 11, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
Whatever I read was amazing Suz! And I can’t wait!!! So hurry up.
Comment by Katie Stanworth — August 11, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Writing is difficult enough, I can only imagine how had it is to edit! Be kind to yourself, I’m sure it’s amazing through different eyes….Can’t wait to read the finished project!!!
Comment by Stephanie — August 11, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
You should totally use those swirlie things as the cover artwork when you finish! I would buy your book just for the swirlies. As to your car thief I would also being willing to forgo charges for the promise of unlimited smooches!
Comment by Diana — August 12, 2010 @ 5:22 am
I was going to write to you and tell you that I think you have something going with the swirly things and that you should use it on the cover of your book- it could be your signature. Then I saw that someone already beat me to it- two of us can’t be wrong!
Comment by Yolanda — August 12, 2010 @ 6:54 am
Well, I have to admit that I perked up a bit at the mention of potentially free hen house bedding… but then I snapped out of it and realized you are CRAZY woman! You are one of the best writers I’ve ever “met!” It does sound like a terrible process though, and one of the main reasons I’ve never started writing the book I have swirling around in my own head. Good luck!
Comment by Heather — August 13, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
Can you post of video of that swag walk Deacy does from behind – it’s the coolest stroll ever, with flowing frolicy curls he has, he totally has my heart.
Comment by Shahara — August 16, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
your writing always brings a smile to my face. i can’t wait to read your manuscript! even if it is written by a second grader on allergy meds.
xoxo
Comment by jenica — August 21, 2010 @ 11:11 pm