Category Archives: Working on your writing craft

A blog about the topics of writing, Working on your writing craft

The joy of Revising One’s Manuscript:Yes, I’m joking

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I always figured the hard part of being one was writing the book. I soon found out writing the book was one of the easiest parts of the journey.

Revising is a big part of getting one’s book in the best shape possible. If you don’t have all the ducks in a row, the novel may not go very far.

But how many revisions and editing is too much? Can you go overboard and make it worse?

I get the fact that we want it as perfect as we can make it. But revision can take up a lot of one’s time. If you are fortunate to be part of a critique group or beta group, that can help you shave off some of that precious time.

But there comes a point when you have to say enough is enough. I’ve done all I can do and move that manuscript forever. That is not easy to do. We want it to fly as well as possible. It may even come to a point where we become obsessive in our revisions and editing. I have been there a few times. It is not fun. LOL

But at the end of the day, we need to step back and evaluate how close we to being done, are we just tired of it all and let move on or realize that you have done all one can without ruining your story. Only you can decide when you are ready. Let’s hope you don’t keep your fans waiting so long they move on.

A blog about the topics of writing, Working on your writing craft

NanoWriMo Time: Reasons to give it a try

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This week began the month-long dash to write 50k words for November. This insane event is called NaNoWriMo for National November Writing Month.

It is a challenge like no other. After shying away from this competition, I tried it four times and won it four times.

Have you considered doing this event? I believe it is a win-win situation. In my mind, no such thing as failing at NaNoWriMo.

If you write something, anything, you have won. If you have met with people virtual, now because of the virus, join the forum, hung out with writers, you have won.

If you have exchanged ideas with others to help push the envelope forward toward your project, you have won.

Granted, people might feel if you don’t get the word count, you failed. You will have obsessive people like me who will make it work regardless because that is just how we are. I would not recommend that approach. LOLOL

My friend Robin has the best approach. She calls it NaNoWriMore. Her goal is to write more than she writes any given day. If she makes her goal, it is a win. NaNo is what you make it out to be. So what if your goal is different from completing the 50k words? What works for you is what works for you.

Being a writer is a solitary profession. You might have writing groups online or in real life, may hang out with them from time to time that beats the time when you are writing alone.

Some people like that. Some need the chatter of like-minded people with them a bit more often.

That is where NaNo comes in. It is a great way to hang out, even if it is virtual. It helps feeds us when it comes to writing. I know it does for me.

The buzz and excitement one can feel through the forum meetings. It is palpable.

While I did not compete this year, I am eyeing it for next year.