Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post. I'll let you know how it goes...I'm deep into tweaking my latest novel "MURDER ON TWILIGHT CIRCLE." It's a cozy mystery that has been way too much fun to write! I've brought some of the characters along from "SPARKS FLY SOMETIMES: CONFESSIONS OF A ROCK PRINCESS," and it's interesting to see them tossing a ball in a different field.
What I've realized is that the first draft is like a pencil sketch. When you're done, anyone can look at it, understand it, and appreciate it. It's already a work of art. However, the editing is where the masterpiece comes to life. It's where vibrant colors and subtle brush strokes turn your sketch into a textured masterpiece.
I'm currently adding color and brush strokes to my finished sketch. Bear with me if I'm not as attentive as usual. I'm finding out what I already know: the more you paint, the better of an artist you become.
Rich, vibrant colors and subtle textures to all. And remember: little by little all your sweet dreams come true. ;-)
(Oh, and a big, fat, Happy Birthday to one of my favorite followers!)
20 comments:
Editing is the most difficult part but refreshing at the same time. You described it very well. Good luck with creating your masterpiece.
Oh, but when that masterpiece is finished, in book form, someone buys it and gives you a wonderful review, let me tell you, from personal experience it's worth all the agony to get it just right. I love your analogy and Vincent has a special place in my heart and in particular the Roulin family. HUGS Debbie, you're the bestest. If you're interested, I'll let you know when my book trailer is up. The book is selling and at the end of the summer I'm going to take some to the domestic violence shelter here. Wish me luck.
CCD, Editing is hard, but it's also rewarding. Thanks for the good luck wishes - I'll need that along with the hard work.;-)
Val, Of course I'd be interested in your book trailer! I'm sorry you had to live through what you did, but I applaud your use of creativity to communicate. And, I'm glad you liked my use of Vince.;-)
Do you edit yourself, or do you work with a regular editor for you drafts?
One more question, how many drafts before you feel comfortable to call it 'a book'?
Glad to hear you're in the "prettying it up" stage. :)
Mark, I mostly edit myself. I used an editor for my last novel, which was helpful, but still did the vast majority of editing myself. Beta readers, other writers or folks you feel would give you good advice, are also helpful.
As far as when I call my work a book, I actually do that when I've got the basic idea in my head. Yup, before I've even written a word! I don't start querying, however, until I've finished editing. For me, start to finish is usually 3-6 months. I write the first draft (sketch) and then go through the ms once for the more "obvious" edits, and at least one more time for enhancing and perfecting (masterpiece!). Of course, it'll never be perfect, because there are always things you can change. Therein lies the beauty and the challenge.
I'm sensing a blog post here, but in the meantime, I hope this helps!;-)
Beth, Too bad the "prettying up" stage takes nearly as long for my ms as it does for my face!!!!
My first drafts as a masterpiece - that's something I've never considered but i think it's a positive way to look at it - perhaps even inspiring. I usually look at it as a mess!
Amy, I must have made myself unclear. I'm not Van Gogh, and my first draft is NEVER a masterpiece! It's only a sketch. After lots (and lots) of editing, then it becomes my little masterpiece. Although, you're right - maybe looking at the first draft as a masterpiece is inspiring.;-)
Hmm, I LOVE that analogy. I just RIPPED up my sketch and started over, though. So will this be a new sketch, or since I have it in my head already, will it be more of a masterpiece when I'm finished? And what if I paint in the color as I go? What, then? Oh, heavens, I'm just unconventional!
Michelle, I have a sense that everything you do is a masterpiece! I'm glad you like this analogy. It was rumbling around in my head for a couple of days and I was excited to do a post on it. It think it's so true! Have fun with your new sprouting masterpiece, and being unconventional is the ONLY way!!!
I just have to say that I love your work...and the way you express yourself.....good luck with creating your masterpiece!!
Dena, Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment. I appreciate your kind words, and am working hard applying the tiny brush strokes.;-)
Me too! Me too! Too much yellow, too much blue, take that out, get some glue! I hated it, now I love it and I am falling in love with the book again. Thanks for this. EXACTLY what I needed tonight to anchor my chapters and remove a lot of my very favorite prose parts. Delete baby! It is MY Friend.
*I should not write comments after 10pm.*
Suzanne, It's great that you're falling in love with your book all over again. That's the beauty of editing. You get to take the basic elements and mold them into true works of art. Yay! Go Suzanne!
Oh what a wonderful analogy you have used here. And I so salute you for writing and completing what you have - in pencil sketch or full blown colour!
Lilly, Thank you, but no need for a salute! I'm working my ass off and enjoying every minute of it. (Plus, my ass could always use a little reduction!)
"the editing is where the masterpiece comes to life."
Absolutely. It separates the "wanna write a book" people from the real authors. Best of luck with the rewriting.
MJ, Thanks! It's coming along really well - am quite excited!!!!;-)
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