So it has been a while since I last updated this blog, but I've been working hard on a first draft after finishing an 'exploratory draft'. I posted about such a thing here, and mentioned I would post an update once I got through it. And I can say that...
It was a great experience for me! I drafted about 65k, and discovered the bare bones of the story I really wanted to tell. Because it was just exploratory, meaning it was about uncovering the Right Story, I didn't feel under any pressure to make it read even like first draft quality (lol). And, I didn't feel like I had to revise the exploratory draft, either. I've kept a couple of turning points, but let a lot of the real drivel go and just rewrote the manuscript. It was such a freeing experience, and it's how I intend to write from now on.
I've actually decided to adopt characters from the 2014 NaNo manuscript I'm rewriting and make this their new story. The problems with the old manuscript aren't going anywhere (the story just isn't original enough, if I'm honest) but the characters and their internal arcs deserve to be explored in a more marketable manuscript. My MC, her love interest and primary antagonist fit PERFECTLY into this new world, and even secondary characters shine now. For the first time, I love each and every one of my characters!
If I've learned anything from this latest manuscript and my new way of approaching drafting, it's to never be afraid of making big changes and rewriting. See it as a freeing experience as opposed to more work, and you'll find the best way to tell whatever story you have inside of you.
Now all I have to do is whip this synopsis, query, pitch and manuscript into query-level shape ;)
My next post will be on beat sheets, and how they make writing a synopsis so much easier! :)
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Exploratory Drafts
So right now I'm in the middle of plotting a rewrite, and the endless brainstorming accompanying that process. To keep my creativity high/save me from going insane, I've also been writing a New Book. And for the first time ever, I called the first draft the Exploratory Draft.
It has been a very, very freeing experience.
For me, the point of this draft was to do what the title implies - explore the world, conflicts and characters with the goal of finding the right story hidden somewhere between the lines. I plotted a rough outline, sketched out a couple of beat sheets (I'll post another time on why these are great writing tools) and had both my pitch and skeletal query set out. But because it's fantasy, and the world is perhaps the most complex world I've built, I figured I'd need a bit of space to test whether or not my outline was heading in the right direction. It *sort* of was.
I called this draft quits around 65k in, at the start of the third act. The ending I'd planned no longer felt right, but through the draft itself I have found the Right Story. I can still use a lot of what happens in the first 100 pages, so I've printed them out to assemble into the new draft. The real first draft.
This was freeing for me because instead of feeling the pressure to complete the draft and wrestle it into submission like I normally do with first drafts, I am letting a lot of it go. I'm listening to my writer-y instincts, and following the characters to where they want and need to go (more on that another day). I'm free to pretty much re-imagine the whole concept and the importance of the secondary characters, and it's a GLORIOUS feeling. I'm not nearly as stressed as I normally am when I have to tackle the first round of revisions.
I have a revised outline/beat sheet/pitch, and this time the ending feels urgent and RIGHT. It has also opened up the possibility of a book 2, and perhaps a book 3. So from now on, I will call my first attempt at a new story the Exploratory Draft. Maybe it's psychological, maybe it's because it takes me a while to actually find the right story and this is how I roll, but it has worked well for me. Feel free to let things go and rewrite. EXPLORE your story. Your book is a little baby at this stage - let it grow into what it wants/needs to be.
I'll post an update as to how this goes in the end!
It has been a very, very freeing experience.
For me, the point of this draft was to do what the title implies - explore the world, conflicts and characters with the goal of finding the right story hidden somewhere between the lines. I plotted a rough outline, sketched out a couple of beat sheets (I'll post another time on why these are great writing tools) and had both my pitch and skeletal query set out. But because it's fantasy, and the world is perhaps the most complex world I've built, I figured I'd need a bit of space to test whether or not my outline was heading in the right direction. It *sort* of was.
I called this draft quits around 65k in, at the start of the third act. The ending I'd planned no longer felt right, but through the draft itself I have found the Right Story. I can still use a lot of what happens in the first 100 pages, so I've printed them out to assemble into the new draft. The real first draft.
This was freeing for me because instead of feeling the pressure to complete the draft and wrestle it into submission like I normally do with first drafts, I am letting a lot of it go. I'm listening to my writer-y instincts, and following the characters to where they want and need to go (more on that another day). I'm free to pretty much re-imagine the whole concept and the importance of the secondary characters, and it's a GLORIOUS feeling. I'm not nearly as stressed as I normally am when I have to tackle the first round of revisions.
I have a revised outline/beat sheet/pitch, and this time the ending feels urgent and RIGHT. It has also opened up the possibility of a book 2, and perhaps a book 3. So from now on, I will call my first attempt at a new story the Exploratory Draft. Maybe it's psychological, maybe it's because it takes me a while to actually find the right story and this is how I roll, but it has worked well for me. Feel free to let things go and rewrite. EXPLORE your story. Your book is a little baby at this stage - let it grow into what it wants/needs to be.
I'll post an update as to how this goes in the end!
Monday, 9 March 2015
Writing Lulls
For the last couple of weeks, my writing has stalled. At the moment, I don't feel in a position to write so much as a sentence. I've been brainstorming potential solutions to a WIP plot problem, and coming up with nothing. I've also hit a brick wall with this new project I'm outlining - I can't for the life of me figure out a plot.
But.
I might have figured out the reason why. It has something to do with a simple problem - forgetting why I write in the first place.
Recently I've been SO obsessed (and I mean seriously obsessed) with finding a fresh and original story to write. Something that's never been done that I might have a chance of selling. It's proving, right now at least, pretty much impossible. The reason - I'm trying too hard. Instead of focusing on making my characters as interesting and relatable as I can, I'm stressing out over plots, twists and hooks.
There's also another grim reality. Let's face it, plot structures, tropes and dare I say cliches exist because they work. The best writers put new and exciting faces on these things so we don't even notice they're operating (at least to my mind that's what they do, lol!). Whether it's new settings, twists, digging deep to mine possibilities of each and every trope we know and love...we shouldn't 'sense' the formula, but it's there. They also employ characters we can't help but love, or love to hate. Characters we haven't read about, who have a unique take on life. There are SO MANY books I love - but the plot details are hazy in my mind. It's the characters and their wants, needs and choices I remember.
So with that in mind I'm spending time reminding myself why these characters excite me. Why I'm compelled to explore their journeys. Even as I write this post I'm brainstorming a potential plot for them, all because I took a step back. And if it turns out too 'unoriginal' to query? I'll play with it until it's fresher. But from now on it's character first, plot second.
Here's to a successful writing week, everyone!
But.
I might have figured out the reason why. It has something to do with a simple problem - forgetting why I write in the first place.
Recently I've been SO obsessed (and I mean seriously obsessed) with finding a fresh and original story to write. Something that's never been done that I might have a chance of selling. It's proving, right now at least, pretty much impossible. The reason - I'm trying too hard. Instead of focusing on making my characters as interesting and relatable as I can, I'm stressing out over plots, twists and hooks.
There's also another grim reality. Let's face it, plot structures, tropes and dare I say cliches exist because they work. The best writers put new and exciting faces on these things so we don't even notice they're operating (at least to my mind that's what they do, lol!). Whether it's new settings, twists, digging deep to mine possibilities of each and every trope we know and love...we shouldn't 'sense' the formula, but it's there. They also employ characters we can't help but love, or love to hate. Characters we haven't read about, who have a unique take on life. There are SO MANY books I love - but the plot details are hazy in my mind. It's the characters and their wants, needs and choices I remember.
So with that in mind I'm spending time reminding myself why these characters excite me. Why I'm compelled to explore their journeys. Even as I write this post I'm brainstorming a potential plot for them, all because I took a step back. And if it turns out too 'unoriginal' to query? I'll play with it until it's fresher. But from now on it's character first, plot second.
Here's to a successful writing week, everyone!
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Reading Outside the Comfort Zone
So I'm still in the middle of my MS rewrite, and to save myself from going insane I decided to take a couple of days off to just READ. My TBR pile is getting out of control, so it was time to put a dent in it. Some of the books I've accumulated are totally outside what I'd normally read, but I'd heard great things about them. So I decided to give them a go.
I am SO GLAD I did. For context, I usually read YA fantasy and happy-ish contemporary when I feel like a break from magic/strange creatures/quests and the likes. This time I decided to delve into...darker books. One is a dystopian (I think - it's so BOLD I'm not entirely sure if this is the right category) and the other is pretty dark contemporary*. What did they teach me? That there are so many amazing books out there that I otherwise wouldn't have tried because they aren't 'my usual type of book'. They also taught me some writer-type things.
I have a couple of characters bouncing around in my head, and before reading these books I couldn't find their story. I've hammered out so many drafts, and scrapped each one in frustration. Why? These characters have a darker story to tell than I normally write, and I didn't appreciate that until now. The book won't be anything like the books I've just read, to be clear, but the point is I wouldn't have known what was missing without opening myself up to new reading experiences. How to explore themes and characters that don't have their HEA. How to capture deep, dark feelings and do them justice.
This doesn't mean I'll stop writing my usual style of fantasy by any means. It isn't always 'happy', but it isn't particularly dark. But now, I'm open to exploring new dimensions in my writing. All thanks to a simple little step outside my comfort zone.
If it isn't clear by now, lol, I HIGHLY recommend you read outside your normal spectrum. You'll learn so much in the process, and might find some unexpected gems to love.
*If you're curious, the books I'm referring to are ONLY EVER YOURS by Louise O'Neill, and FORBIDDEN by Tabitha Suzuma. They aren't easy reads by any means and they will NOT be for everyone, but they are amazing. Just saying.
I am SO GLAD I did. For context, I usually read YA fantasy and happy-ish contemporary when I feel like a break from magic/strange creatures/quests and the likes. This time I decided to delve into...darker books. One is a dystopian (I think - it's so BOLD I'm not entirely sure if this is the right category) and the other is pretty dark contemporary*. What did they teach me? That there are so many amazing books out there that I otherwise wouldn't have tried because they aren't 'my usual type of book'. They also taught me some writer-type things.
I have a couple of characters bouncing around in my head, and before reading these books I couldn't find their story. I've hammered out so many drafts, and scrapped each one in frustration. Why? These characters have a darker story to tell than I normally write, and I didn't appreciate that until now. The book won't be anything like the books I've just read, to be clear, but the point is I wouldn't have known what was missing without opening myself up to new reading experiences. How to explore themes and characters that don't have their HEA. How to capture deep, dark feelings and do them justice.
This doesn't mean I'll stop writing my usual style of fantasy by any means. It isn't always 'happy', but it isn't particularly dark. But now, I'm open to exploring new dimensions in my writing. All thanks to a simple little step outside my comfort zone.
If it isn't clear by now, lol, I HIGHLY recommend you read outside your normal spectrum. You'll learn so much in the process, and might find some unexpected gems to love.
*If you're curious, the books I'm referring to are ONLY EVER YOURS by Louise O'Neill, and FORBIDDEN by Tabitha Suzuma. They aren't easy reads by any means and they will NOT be for everyone, but they are amazing. Just saying.
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Writing a Query and Synopsis Before Drafting
Let me start by saying that this is how I feel when I know it's time to write a query or synopsis:
BUT, as all writers know, they are a necessary evil. I've always attempted to draft a synopsis before tackling the first draft - it helps keep me focused on the major plot points, and I can identify any fatal structural problems before I begin. One time I also drafted my query before writing, but it was for a WIP I have for the moment lost interest in. However, I am totally in favour of attempting both a synopsis and query before drafting.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a rewrite. I originally *hoped* this latest manuscript wouldn't need it, but I can't deny my 'writery' instinct. It needs work. Substantial structural changes, in fact. It has the right heart, but it lacks...too many other things. So I decided I was going to get serious about keeping myself on track. I took the bold step of writing a synopsis of all the major plot points, which I'm filling in with other developments as I draft. I have a timeline, and also all of my major plot and character arcs written down. And as much as I hate writing them, I spent quite a bit of time drafting a query letter. It's by no means perfect - I am definitely not the best at queries - but it serves a really important purpose.
It's keeping me interested in what I'm writing. I actually love my new query. It'll no doubt get ripped apart and stitched back together when I start getting it critiqued, but all the elements that make me love this manuscript are in it. Rewriting is draining, and it would be easier to shelve this manuscript and turn my hand to any one of the other little plot bunnies harassing my brain. But I don't want to do that now.
So whenever I get stuck on a scene, or have a moment of weakness, I can look back at the query and think YES. This is why I want to tell this story, and I WILL tell it. I also have an - admittedly flaky - pitch crafted, which I can tweak and polish as I go. When this manuscript is ready to query, I already have the foundations for my submission package.
Give it a go - cramming a 60-100k manuscript into a little query and synopsis is far less daunting when your mind isn't cluttered by what you've drafted. Write down the core of your book, remind yourself of it constantly, and you won't forget it even when you're drowning in subplots and line edits ;)
BUT, as all writers know, they are a necessary evil. I've always attempted to draft a synopsis before tackling the first draft - it helps keep me focused on the major plot points, and I can identify any fatal structural problems before I begin. One time I also drafted my query before writing, but it was for a WIP I have for the moment lost interest in. However, I am totally in favour of attempting both a synopsis and query before drafting.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a rewrite. I originally *hoped* this latest manuscript wouldn't need it, but I can't deny my 'writery' instinct. It needs work. Substantial structural changes, in fact. It has the right heart, but it lacks...too many other things. So I decided I was going to get serious about keeping myself on track. I took the bold step of writing a synopsis of all the major plot points, which I'm filling in with other developments as I draft. I have a timeline, and also all of my major plot and character arcs written down. And as much as I hate writing them, I spent quite a bit of time drafting a query letter. It's by no means perfect - I am definitely not the best at queries - but it serves a really important purpose.
It's keeping me interested in what I'm writing. I actually love my new query. It'll no doubt get ripped apart and stitched back together when I start getting it critiqued, but all the elements that make me love this manuscript are in it. Rewriting is draining, and it would be easier to shelve this manuscript and turn my hand to any one of the other little plot bunnies harassing my brain. But I don't want to do that now.
So whenever I get stuck on a scene, or have a moment of weakness, I can look back at the query and think YES. This is why I want to tell this story, and I WILL tell it. I also have an - admittedly flaky - pitch crafted, which I can tweak and polish as I go. When this manuscript is ready to query, I already have the foundations for my submission package.
Give it a go - cramming a 60-100k manuscript into a little query and synopsis is far less daunting when your mind isn't cluttered by what you've drafted. Write down the core of your book, remind yourself of it constantly, and you won't forget it even when you're drowning in subplots and line edits ;)
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
2015 Goals
A (very) belated Happy New Year, everyone! Since this is my first post of 2015, it's only fitting that I should start with some goals for the year.
1) Query The Maid and the Crimson Blade
So I'm redrafting the query for this manuscript from scratch, and suffice to say it could well be THE END OF ME. Why is it so hard to write these things?! Crafting one of these babies is harder than writing the manuscript itself. It's safe to say I probably wasn't doing it right with my previous manuscript. However, I won't let this beast of a query beat me. I'll wrestle it into submission, and send it out into the world. And HOPEFULLY, someone will love my project. Hopefully.
2) Find time to read more books
Seriously, there are so many awesome books coming out this year that I don't even know how I'll fit them all in. I am most excited about Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, the fourth Throne of Glass book by Sarah J. Maas, and The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker. There are too many others to name, but I'll definitely be finding the time to read as many as I can. It's easy to get caught up in writing and forget to feed the muse.
3) Exercise more
I spend a lot of time huddled over my laptop, and I don't get up to stretch nearly enough. But since the start of the month, I've been making a conscious effort to do some kind of exercise every day. It's working out so far, but it IS only the 13th of January...
4) Draft something new
I brainstormed a new project the other day, and I'm keen to get started on it. But, I like to take the time to get a feel for characters before I start writing, so I'll chip away at an outline once I'm ready to query my current manuscript. I like to immerse myself in one project at a time, so the plot bunnies are going to have to sit tight for a while! And I drafted three manuscripts last year, two towards the end of the year, so I need time to recharge.
5) Never forget why I'm doing this
Editing a book into competitive shape is seriously tough. Writing a compelling query and synopsis is even harder. There's every chance that even when everything is as good as I can make it, no one will be interested in taking this project on. I won't lie, I'm...scared about querying this manuscript for some reason. I haven't felt like this before, so I've got no idea what it means. So, I'm trying to focus on how happy writing makes me, whether or not anyone offers representation.
And maybe, one day, someone will.
Here's to a happy and fulfilling 2015, everyone!
1) Query The Maid and the Crimson Blade
So I'm redrafting the query for this manuscript from scratch, and suffice to say it could well be THE END OF ME. Why is it so hard to write these things?! Crafting one of these babies is harder than writing the manuscript itself. It's safe to say I probably wasn't doing it right with my previous manuscript. However, I won't let this beast of a query beat me. I'll wrestle it into submission, and send it out into the world. And HOPEFULLY, someone will love my project. Hopefully.
2) Find time to read more books
Seriously, there are so many awesome books coming out this year that I don't even know how I'll fit them all in. I am most excited about Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, the fourth Throne of Glass book by Sarah J. Maas, and The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker. There are too many others to name, but I'll definitely be finding the time to read as many as I can. It's easy to get caught up in writing and forget to feed the muse.
3) Exercise more
I spend a lot of time huddled over my laptop, and I don't get up to stretch nearly enough. But since the start of the month, I've been making a conscious effort to do some kind of exercise every day. It's working out so far, but it IS only the 13th of January...
4) Draft something new
I brainstormed a new project the other day, and I'm keen to get started on it. But, I like to take the time to get a feel for characters before I start writing, so I'll chip away at an outline once I'm ready to query my current manuscript. I like to immerse myself in one project at a time, so the plot bunnies are going to have to sit tight for a while! And I drafted three manuscripts last year, two towards the end of the year, so I need time to recharge.
5) Never forget why I'm doing this
Editing a book into competitive shape is seriously tough. Writing a compelling query and synopsis is even harder. There's every chance that even when everything is as good as I can make it, no one will be interested in taking this project on. I won't lie, I'm...scared about querying this manuscript for some reason. I haven't felt like this before, so I've got no idea what it means. So, I'm trying to focus on how happy writing makes me, whether or not anyone offers representation.
And maybe, one day, someone will.
Here's to a happy and fulfilling 2015, everyone!
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Post-Nano Revision Cave and 2015 Writing Goals
This was my first year formally participating in NaNoWriMo. If you don't know what that is, it takes place in November and the goal is to write a novel in a month (or around 50k words). I throw down first drafts pretty fast - by the end of November, I had over 80k words. Since I'm pursuing the publication dream, I need to whip those words into serious shape.
It's safe to say I am now DEEP in the Revision Cave, aka another level of Hell. Revising is as terrifying and soul-destroying as it is fun - by the end of this first round of revisions, I'll have a stronger manuscript in front of me. There's nothing more satisfying than transforming a first draft into something...readable.To be fair to myself, this isn't the worst first draft I've thrown together. I need to deepen the conflict and raise the stakes in the midsection, among other things, but it's not a draft I'd be terrified to show my friends.
Revising this manuscript got me thinking - what have I achieved this year in terms of my writing, and what goals should I set myself for 2015? It's time for a little reflection...
Writing-Related Things Achieved in 2014
1) I learned the basics of writing a query letter. I've queried a project before, and when I think about the horror story of a query letter I sent out...suffice to say, I'm not surprised it didn't inspire as much positive feedback as I'd hoped. Taking lessons on board I queried a project in the summer and, although I'm ultimately shelving that manuscript for now, I learned SO MUCH about constructing a proper query letter. This is a skill I hope to hone by the time I query my NaNo project - if you want to have a look at my query for it, check out my previous post! :)
2) I've developed a revision process. The most recent project I queried had a few complex subplots, and three POVs. I was daunted even thinking about revising it - until I checked out Susan Dennard's amazing resources for writers. Aside from writing awesome books (if you haven't read the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy, YOU SHOULD), she's proactive about helping other writers develop their skills. I followed her revision guides and, although I've adapted some of the steps to suit myself, I'm following the basic process. If I hadn't found her revision worksheets, I'm confident that I still wouldn't have the first clue how to break novel revision into manageable chunks.
3) I appreciate how awesome the writing community is. Since reaching out to the writing community on Twitter I've won critiques, received and offered feedback, and found people who understand what it's like to be a querying writer. Non-writer friends and family mean well, but no one quite gets the pain of crafting a synopsis and query letter like someone who has been there. And only those who've queried understand the crushing feeling of shelving a manuscript.
Writing-Related Goals for 2015
1) Get an agent. I have no control over when I'll get an agent, if ever. Yet so long as I keep writing, this will continue to be a goal - whatever year it is.
2) Query my NaNo manuscript. I could find a massive plot hole that completely destroys all chances of this manuscript ever finding a home. Failing that, I'll be querying this project during (possibly early) 2015. It will need at least a third draft followed by line edits, but it doesn't feel like a project that will need 10+ drafts before querying. Of course, my thoughts could change once I start seeking feedback!
3) Fix a currently abandoned manuscript. I wrote a first draft just before NaNo. Well, really it was a second draft - I scrapped the first after 60k because it was a contrived shambles. I still don't feel like I've found the right story, even though I love the characters. I'm leaving this manuscript to rest for a while to focus on my NaNo project, but I don't want to forget about it. Note - this isn't the same manuscript I've recently shelved.
4) Write a new and shiny first draft. I don't know what kind of employment situation I'll find myself in this year, so I don't want to be too ambitious and say I'll write something crazy like four first drafts and disappoint myself. I have three or four potential ideas bouncing around right now, so once my NaNo project is ready for line edits and I prepare for the querying process, I'll start plotting something out.
5) Never forget why I'm pursuing this in the first place. I didn't write my first (semi-coherent) story when I was seven or eight because I cared about earning a living (although I do vaguely remember trying to figure out who was responsible for producing the magical things called books). I wrote it because I love writing. Even if I never find an agent, that doesn't change how much I love to just write. And I'll try not to forget that, even if I'm ultimately unsuccessful querying this year.
Whatever goals you set for 2015, I hope you achieve them!
It's safe to say I am now DEEP in the Revision Cave, aka another level of Hell. Revising is as terrifying and soul-destroying as it is fun - by the end of this first round of revisions, I'll have a stronger manuscript in front of me. There's nothing more satisfying than transforming a first draft into something...readable.To be fair to myself, this isn't the worst first draft I've thrown together. I need to deepen the conflict and raise the stakes in the midsection, among other things, but it's not a draft I'd be terrified to show my friends.
Revising this manuscript got me thinking - what have I achieved this year in terms of my writing, and what goals should I set myself for 2015? It's time for a little reflection...
Writing-Related Things Achieved in 2014
1) I learned the basics of writing a query letter. I've queried a project before, and when I think about the horror story of a query letter I sent out...suffice to say, I'm not surprised it didn't inspire as much positive feedback as I'd hoped. Taking lessons on board I queried a project in the summer and, although I'm ultimately shelving that manuscript for now, I learned SO MUCH about constructing a proper query letter. This is a skill I hope to hone by the time I query my NaNo project - if you want to have a look at my query for it, check out my previous post! :)
2) I've developed a revision process. The most recent project I queried had a few complex subplots, and three POVs. I was daunted even thinking about revising it - until I checked out Susan Dennard's amazing resources for writers. Aside from writing awesome books (if you haven't read the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy, YOU SHOULD), she's proactive about helping other writers develop their skills. I followed her revision guides and, although I've adapted some of the steps to suit myself, I'm following the basic process. If I hadn't found her revision worksheets, I'm confident that I still wouldn't have the first clue how to break novel revision into manageable chunks.
3) I appreciate how awesome the writing community is. Since reaching out to the writing community on Twitter I've won critiques, received and offered feedback, and found people who understand what it's like to be a querying writer. Non-writer friends and family mean well, but no one quite gets the pain of crafting a synopsis and query letter like someone who has been there. And only those who've queried understand the crushing feeling of shelving a manuscript.
Writing-Related Goals for 2015
1) Get an agent. I have no control over when I'll get an agent, if ever. Yet so long as I keep writing, this will continue to be a goal - whatever year it is.
2) Query my NaNo manuscript. I could find a massive plot hole that completely destroys all chances of this manuscript ever finding a home. Failing that, I'll be querying this project during (possibly early) 2015. It will need at least a third draft followed by line edits, but it doesn't feel like a project that will need 10+ drafts before querying. Of course, my thoughts could change once I start seeking feedback!
3) Fix a currently abandoned manuscript. I wrote a first draft just before NaNo. Well, really it was a second draft - I scrapped the first after 60k because it was a contrived shambles. I still don't feel like I've found the right story, even though I love the characters. I'm leaving this manuscript to rest for a while to focus on my NaNo project, but I don't want to forget about it. Note - this isn't the same manuscript I've recently shelved.
4) Write a new and shiny first draft. I don't know what kind of employment situation I'll find myself in this year, so I don't want to be too ambitious and say I'll write something crazy like four first drafts and disappoint myself. I have three or four potential ideas bouncing around right now, so once my NaNo project is ready for line edits and I prepare for the querying process, I'll start plotting something out.
5) Never forget why I'm pursuing this in the first place. I didn't write my first (semi-coherent) story when I was seven or eight because I cared about earning a living (although I do vaguely remember trying to figure out who was responsible for producing the magical things called books). I wrote it because I love writing. Even if I never find an agent, that doesn't change how much I love to just write. And I'll try not to forget that, even if I'm ultimately unsuccessful querying this year.
Whatever goals you set for 2015, I hope you achieve them!
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