Since my first edition of SUBLIMINAL MONDAY was wildly successful [compared to my "modeling career"], I thought I'd make a tradition of it. This week's post is about EDITS! I don't know about you, but I love them [they make me want to throw myself from a bridge.]
Last night I received the edits for the 2nd draft of my novel from my agent. I was thrilled since she barely made any suggestions. [The manuscript (mss) looks like a triple homicide was committed on it. Red splattered everywhere. Shocking. Horrible. Terrifying.] My agent is brilliant [no really, she is], but apparently hates me and thinks I have no talent. [She hates me and thinks I have no talent.]
Actually, all those red marks are a good thing, right? [No.] I mean, it shows she cares about me and my writing and wants me to grow as an artist. [She's banging her head on the wall wondering why she signed me.] So, now I've got work to do, which is great, because I love reworking my novel over and over again. [Yeah, right, and I love cleaning bathrooms, too.]I've got to buckle down and get cracking. [I have no idea what that means.] Since I'll be alone most of the day in a hotel room all week looking out my 31st floor window at the beautiful Inner Harbor of Baltimore, my plan is as follows:
2) Make changes as requested. [Nap.]
3) Read the editorial letter with keen interest. [Editorial letter? What editorial letter? Oh, you mean the attachment sent along with the mss? Dang, how did I miss that? BWAHAHAH!]
4) Call my agent and tell her what a genius she is for "fixing" my ms. [Call her and tell her she's a genius and thank the agenting gods for like the millionth time for sending her to me.]One more thing: In the email Awesome Agent sent along with the bloodied mss, she said the following:
"Think of this like boot camp. It really sucks to wake up at 5a.m. and go to the gym, but in six weeks when you need a skinnier pair of skinny jeans, you feel pretty damn good about it."
[I told you she was brilliant. Mean, but brilliant. And, yeah. I'm thinking "coral."]
Be sure to check back next Monday when I report on all the hard work I've done to whip my manuscript into shape. I promise, you won't want to miss that post! [I also promised my mom I'd wait until I got married to.... Oh, never mind.]
67 comments:
DON'T JUMP! It will be okay...
It's great to get editorial notes when they turn out to be enriching charaters or points of clarification, but the big plot stuff is hard--especially if it doesn't exactly fit your vision of the book. Hang in there!
I may need you to talk me down from the ledge tomorrow. I'm expecting my Ed letter from my seriously cool editor. (Said she had to work from home Friday to get it done, which scares me a little.) O_O
OMG! You're so on the mark! Enjoy your edits!!!! I'm still waiting on mine (still don't plan on going to the gym today, though!!!!).
BTW - That is a beautiful view you have from your room. True inspiration for what is coming next w/your story.
- Julie
Lisa, I'm here for you. Like you said, "Don't jump!" Actually, it's pretty thrilling to see how much better the story can and will be. I'm so excited! [Scared to death.]
Julie, I know - the view is stunning. You should see it at night with the lights glittering on the water. It's gorgeous. [It really is.]
Love today's post. I needed a laugh, thanks for that. You'll get through the editing process I'm sure. [Because tweeting is what one always should do instead of editing.]
*still smiling* That was a great post! Beautiful view and I'm in the same process this week, only my edits came back from a great crit partner, still waiting on the ones from the editor. LOL.
And no jumping! Tweeting on the other hand, it's what we ALL do instead of editing ;)
Great post! Edits are like doing the dishes; necessary. I like getting that unbiased point of view, what I've written may be clear to me, but it ain't necessarily so to another person!
Elspeth
Hahaha that was a really great post, I'm giggling! It's funny because when we write our first drafts we have that brief feeling that it is exactly as it should be. But we know deep down that really it's a bunch of crap.
Jessica, I'm glad I made you laugh, and I know you're right - I'll survive the editing process. I'll probably even learn a lot as well. [Yeah, right, whatever, blah, blah, blah.]
Stacia, I promise I'll avoid jumping at all costs (especially since I'm on the 31st floor!!!!). And, thanks so much for the retweet.[Hope to see you soon!]
Elspeth, "what I've written may be clear to me, but it ain't necessarily so to another person!" Ain't that the truth! [Why can't everyone just "get it?"]
Kaela, I'm glad I made you giggle. ;-) And, you're so right about first drafts. We think they rock and make total sense, but the truth is? [First drafts suck.]
Futher proof that although I fantasize about having a book, chances are that by the time it's published I'll despise the thing.
Ann, No you won't. You'll love it even more, I promise! [I make a lot of promises I can't keep.]
LOL!!!
First of all, great (hypnotic) picture! Seeing the little wheels move was awesome [and now, I no longer doubt I've gone insane}!
Secondly, there's nothing wrong with looking out the window, taking pictures, and tweeting. That's how books get made! I thought everyone knew that? : )
And lastly, you're agent loves you [no, deep down she finds it entertaining to make you crazy with all of those edits. REally, really funny stuff!] and so do we, because [subliminal] Monday's are the best!
Oh my goodness, this post made me laugh out loud ... love subliminal Monday! :-) Good luck with the editing (boat watching).
Kimberly, If you watched the little wheels go 'round and 'round, then you are 100% within my hypnotic power. [GIVE ME ALL YOUR CHOCOLATE!] So glad you enjoyed Round 2 of SUBLIMINAL MONDAY!
Kelly, I'm editing [boat watching] right now! How did you know? [The boats are pretty.]
Karen, I'm sure the manuscript will improve exponentially. Until then, ACK! [I love editing, but don't tell anyone. I'll get a bad reputation.]
Good to edit now, while everything is still fresh in your mind. Waiting for a long time (like I'm doing with one NIP) or till you're bloody sick of the whole damn thing (like I am) is much, much harder and far less fun.
Good luck!
FL, I'm reading through my agent's comments and realizing how much fuller and more incredible the story will be. Editing is truly the icing on the cake. [Don't use cliches when you write. It shows how weak you are.]
Oh my goodness this made me laugh. And here I am at work pretending that I'm not on the Internet. Well, at least it will be worth it when I have to explain to my supervisor that I was reading your blog.
Tiana, Why, thank you! That is quite a compliment. Glad I could entertain you. [Hope you don't get fired.]
Yikes! Sounds like joy and terror all rolled up into one ball. Good luck - I bet once you're into it, it won't seem so bad!
Can't stay, I'm off to bang some manuscripts against a bridge.
How do you do it my friend...I know I could never write anything{ok...I do do a blog post but that is so so different} I soooo admire you. Edits...deadlines...you deserve a treat! Now do not talk to me about skinny jeans...I am just squeezing into mine after all the sweets from the season. Boot camp would be a good thing for me right now. Blessings to you my sweet friend...I really need to get my hands on one of your books. xoxoxo
LOL. For some reason I want to send you some chocolate. Weird?
Tell me what you like and I'll totally send you some chocolate, and maybe one of my dogs, too. I'm sure you'll love my Pug! : )
How wonderful you are being tortured. What a great thing!!! Now go to work.
Good luck on your edits Debbie! You'll hit it out of the park, I know you will. Let me know if US Weekly is good this week...probably another cover story about Kate Gosselin's hair. :)
Jemi, Yup, joy and terror all rolled together into one joyful terrorizing ball! [Great description. Too bad I didn't think of it.]
mo., As long its the mss on the bridge and not you. Seriously, dude, like I could live with that on my conscience. [I'd throw myself off a bridge if you threw yourself off a bridge.]
koralee, No matter how creative I ever am in this world it will never compare to your genius. I'm not saying that lightly, I mean it. Michelangelo couldn't make your blog look any better. [Either could Leonardo da Vinci.]
Kimberly, Seriously? You want to send me chocolate? Wow. I mean, I love chocolate and everything [Toblerone], but I have no idea why you'd have the urge to send it to me. [GIVE ME ALL YOUR CHOCOLATE!]
About the dogs, I'm not sure they'd get along w/my six feline captors. [My cats would rip the dog to shreds and enjoy every torturous minute of it. Either that, or they'd keep sleeping. It's anybody's guess.]
JW, Wait, what did you say? I don't think I like that remark. [Torture? Work? Are you my agent in disguise?]
Angela, Tiger and Elin are on the cover, along with Charlie Sheen and his wife, Brooke. I'm sensing a them here. [Men who make terrible husbands.]
As far as hitting my edits out of the park, I pray you're on to something. [Please, God, let her be right! I hate disappointing people.]
Now we know why authors enjoy their time off(drink).
Jenn, Time off? I'm sorry, could you explain, please? [If you mean the napping, tweeting, and reading US Weekly, that's all part of any writer's research. Along with eating chocolate.]
All I heard was "blah, blah, blah...alone most of the day in a hotel room all week looking out my 31st floor window...blah, blah, blah"
Can I steal your life today and get some peace?
Good luck with the edits!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Michele, I know. Things could be worse. The view is spectacular and I've got lots of writing to do. [Life is a blessing.]
Sounds painful, yet helpful. Your editor believes in you and your work. I'm sure when all is said and done, you're book will shine above and beyond what it would have.
Goooooood Luck and may the force be with you! :)
VW, No pain, no gain, right? [Yeah, right, whatever.] You're right - the book will be probably better off in the the long run, and I may even learn a thing or two along the way. [The more you know, the more there is to know.]
Love, love, love Subliminal Monday... even if it took me till Tuesday (oops, the name of a band I used to like) to read the post. Now get away from that window and get to work! You are an inspiration to millions (of fish who are watching you at that window).
Love ya.
Julie, You have no one but yourself to blame for the awesomeness that is SUBLIMINAL MONDAY! And I can't step away from the window, after all, I have so much to teach those little swimmers! [Like how to avoid doing REAL work!]
And, I still love Til Tuesday - "Voices Carry" is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. [Aimee Mann is a rock goddess.]
Gayle, Why, thank you! [Are you my mom in disguise?]
I'm getting ready to go through the edits from my publishers and the galley proofs and looking at covers and trailer stuff and and ....ohhhh! But really, it's a wonderful "dilemma" to have isn't it....and skinnier pair of skinny jeans? I have to have a skinnier pair...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *laugh*
so excited for you
Debra,
Brilliant Post! I love the way you illustrate the split mind about the whole editing process - the logical mind and and thoughts that run through our mind that want to whine, be fearful, and just plain FUNNY.
I have seen other writers talk about the terrorizing red ink - but your take is delightful. When you go through challenging times, ya just gotta laugh, right?
Kat, Good for you - how exciting! I love how you put your insecurities on the table for all to see - it's brave, and is part of what makes you a great writer. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! [I want to be just like you when/if I grow up!]
Anne, So glad you liked the post! It's really fun to write. I'll have to talk to my agent - maybe we can do a SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE book or compilation. Wouldn't that be fun? [Definitely a compilation. Less work for me.]
Love it! Awesome post as always.
I had to smile at the skinny jeans comment. I just started a six week boot camp, and boy does it suck. (Think skinny jeans, think skinny jeans!)
Because your blog makes me happy, I have a little something for you at my blog. Stop by in between edits :)
Thanks for the migraine inducing optical illusion at the top here.
Sheesh.
I'm so glad you have an agent and are living your dream. Listen to her, and publish!
Steph, "Skinny jeans, skinny jeans" is a perfectly reasonable mantra. [Vanity never dies.] And thanks in advance. I'm heading over to your place now! [Aw shucks, you shouldn't have, but I'm sure glad you did!]
Mollie, Glad you liked the pic at the top. I picked it out just for you. [You're welcome.] And, thanks - the writing journey is an amazing experience. [Scared as hell, but that's a good thing, right?]
You've received the "Happy" award. Check out "I'd Like to Thank the Happy Academy" at http://coffeelvnmom.blogspot.com/ =)
That is a beautiful view you have from your room. True inspiration for what is coming next w/your story.
Work from home India
Jessica, Thank you so much! Smiling Happy Smile. ;-)
kanishk, It is indeed. I'm so lucky to be able to look outside and see it! [Grateful for my amazing life.]
Ha! The last line hand me cackling like a drunk woman. I LOVE subliminal Mondays! You had me rolling. I can't wait until next week [no pressure].
GWOE, So glad I made you laugh. That's my job on Subliminal Mondays. And, yes, it is a lot of pressure, but I can handle it. [Holy Banana Peel, Batman! How will you keep up the funny?]
Oh, wow. This is so fascinating to read. I can't thank you enough for blogging the whole process here! Thank you indeed!
Hi Debra-
This is just a quick note to let you know I left you an award at my blog:
from the desk of a writer
I do like your subliminal Mondays! It must be exciting to be at your stage in the writing process - fone, but still with all the edits. I ADORE editing and fear the first draft, so I'm jealous. :)
All the very best,
Corra :)
ok, it's been a week. Where's the pics of the boats.
:)
Enjoy your edits!
Work from home
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