Since Squirrel Mafia vol 2 is with the publisher now, I got back to work on Jasper, Amazon Parrot vol 4.
My editor told me it was okay. I was looking for the magical word of solid. LOL
She meant the edits that I now need to address. Editing has never been my favorite part of the writing process. I have met many writers who love this aspect.
Over the years, I have mellowed a bit on this process. Actually, I have mellowed a lot. When it comes to grammar, that is not my cup of tea. I have an editor for a reason.
But when it comes to loopholes, restructuring a plot, making dialogue more pages turning worthy is now fun for me. The process of creating better content has made me a better writer. It has changed my mind on how I view revisions.
I wish I had a magic wand to wave over my manuscript.
But creating a book involves so many parts. Creating a better and more enjoyable book for the reader is always one of the ultimate goals.
But just in case anyone does find the magical wand that I mentioned above, however, please do let me know.
I was interviewed online by the lovely Robin this week. Interviews are a great way to show your brand and self to the world. It is a chance for you to shout out, “Here I am!”
Back in the day, being interviewed by magazines, tv, and radio was different. It was not always easy to secure those spots.
The internet has given us a new avenue to have a spotlight shined on us.
There are many sites online looking for people to interview. It is a good marriage.
So, here is part of the interview with the link at the bottom if you want to read the rest.
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Name or pseudonym: Sharon C. Williams
What genre/s do you write in, and why? I write in comedy, short stories, children, and drama.
I learned early to write on what I know. Well, that is what I had read from books and told from other authors.
Some of my novels come from observations around my home. Since I knew the specific topics they pertained to, it seemed like a place to begin.
Drama is a genre I wanted to try. I no longer feel I should stick to what I know. I’m excited to try out new genres in hopes of challenging me.
When did you begin writing, and was it something you’ve always wanted to do? As an avid reader, I always considered authors magical people I would place high up. I was in awe at how they transformed words into chapters and a story and weaved them perfectly.
I came to writing in my early 40ties. It was something that kind of fell into my lap. I never thought of writing before.
My husband had told a friend of mine earlier that he felt I wrote well. Upon her telling me this, I thought to myself, “Why not?”
I started seriously writing in the Fall of 2009. I had a story in my head that would not let me rest. Having two surgeries at the end of 2009, non-related, gave me a lot of free time to put to paper the story.
What type of research goes into your writing? My children’s series is in the Amazon rainforest, to which I knew next to little.
Wanting the books to be educational and enjoyable, I researched the rainforest for months for the trees, animals, and plants. I have gone through at least half a dozen links to get the information right. I check links, books, and videos.
I want kids to learn, and by learning, maybe get engaged in the plight of the rainforest. I do this for the various genres I write. I want to be as accurate as I can.
I will also read books by authors who write in the same genres. Especially a new genre. I want to see how they go about the different aspects of that particular genre.
I have watched a variety of webinars to learn in any way to progress my writing.
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.
Sharon C. Williams-Author 