I’m deep into the middle of revisions on the manuscript scheduled to become my third Harlequin American Romance. As many authors will no doubt tell you, this is both the best of times and the worst of times.
Best because we’ve got the story down on paper, the twists and turns plotted, the setting chosen, the characters brought to life.
Worst because now we have to “make it better.” To quote the members of one of my early critique groups, we must “take it home and fix it.”
This is when the struggle really begins!
We need to rewrite the book well enough to appease our internal critic/angel/mentor/mischievous child or whatever we may call the part of our subconscious that won’t allow us to rest until we’ve “fixed” everything in sight--and then some.
We need to please our editors, whose keen eyes, long memories, and years of experience make them our toughest critics and our greatest allies.
Most of all, we need to craft a story that will satisfy our loyal readers, who show their appreciation of our earlier works through cards and letters and e-mails and postings to message boards, as well as by spreading the word about our books to all their friends.
You see why I’m living the best of times and the worst of times, all wrapped into one? The pressure’s on! (smile)
Now you know what I’m going through, if you have any urge at all to send good thoughts my way, please do--I’m ready and eager to read them!
All my best to you,
Barbara
~~~~~~
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
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16 comments:
Not only will your revisions go well, I bet this book will be wonderful! Looking forward to reading it.
You are not alone, Barbara. Focus on making it the BEST of times, because this is going to be your best book yet. Think of how you're going to celebrate when it comes together just the way you envisioned it!
Cyndi - thanks a bunch!
You're sending me off to the day job with a huge smile on my face.
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Amy,
Ahhh...THAT'S what it's all about, the satisfaction of getting the job done--and done right.
Thanks for the reinforcement!
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Sending good thoughts, Barbara. You'll do a great job. I'll be one of the first to buy it!
If it's anything like the last one you asked me to read, there will be very few revisions. I'm one of those people who would rather edit than write from scratch. Is that weird?
Oh, I feel for you...but, know that you will know when it is right - and I'm sure there aren't that many to make! Hang in there!
Edie - thanks for the good thoughts!
You know I'm sending some right back at you.
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Liz - you're too kind!
As for preferring revisions, I wouldn't say that's weird. I can go either way, depending on the book. LOL
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Sara - thanks so much for the support.
I'm hanging, I'm hanging! ;-)
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Barbara, I absolutely love "taking it home and fix it" Wonderful. I'm so proud of your commitment to excellence. Can't wait to buy it in print. Well done! Now deep breaths and carry on!!!
Barbara, I'm excited you're doing revisions because I'm looking forward to reading it!
The American Romances don't seem to get released here in Australia, so I've never read one, but with the Harlequin Celebrates free books, I've downloaded my first AR, and am looking forward to buying more in the future (probably as e-books, but maybe I'll even go the whole way and get them posted?).
So, revise away, Barbara - you have readers waiting!! :)
Donnell - you're making me blush!
I don't know if it's from the compliments or from the deep breaths. LOL
Just kidding. I'm carrying on....
Thanks for your support!
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Rachel,
You are *too* sweet! Thanks bunches.
I don't think you can go wrong with a Harlequin American Romance, no matter what format you choose to read it in.
And who can argue with getting a free book?!? Enjoy!
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Barbara, congrats on the Sale! At least your "worst of times" isn't as tragic as the original (I can't remember if the character was hanged or beheaded). Good luck.
Megan,
You're right! My situation could be a whole lot worse. LOL
Thanks for the congrats!
Best,
Barbara
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
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