Monday, May 9, 2011

A new idea has sprung!

I was sitting at the computer, muttering to myself (I'm real good at muttering), when my husband comes in and says, "So what're you working on now that your revision is done?"

Good question. But instead I responded, "Don't interrupt my game of Solitaire."

My hubby knew I was sort of in a funk over the whole "rewrite" business (see earlier post). "What about that idea I liked from last summer?" he asked.

"I don't know. Let me think about it."

And think about it I surely did! The idea started percolating a week or two ago. I pulled up the document that I had started last summer. A page or two of nonsense, but I have to admit, it sucked me in.

Then it happened. (I love it when it happens). The idea took root and began growing. Sure, it was just the crevices of my mind, but it has now moved into the forefront. Nice. Very nice.

My fingers have been busy typing ever since. How cool that I already have fifty pages?!? It is definitely a first draft, but it feels good to start the creative process on this whole new idea.

So...the moral of the story is ...get writing! We all have new ideas inside of us just waiting to get out and onto paper!
Cheers...

Friday, May 6, 2011

Revision...again...

So you haven't heard from me in a while. Sorry. I've been busy.
Doing what? You may ask.

Well, let me tell you. I've been revising. Yes, the dreaded word again.

Here's the story: back in March my agent, Marissa, talked with me about taking my YA novel and rewriting it as a MG (middle grade). That's sort of a BIG DEAL! I love my YA novel, and so did she...I mean, she signed me on, right? However, two editors really thought it would be perfect as a middle grade, especially because of the humor and antics of my MC.

So what did I do? I put it off, thank you very much.

It's really annoying when you've revised something so much that you think it's wonderful, only to be told, "Yes, it's great. Now let's rewrite the whole blasted thing to a younger audience."
Eventually, my ideas started percolating again, and using the skeleton of the YA and some of the same characters began rewriting for a middle grade audience.

How'd it work out for ya?
Glad you asked!

Marissa and the editors were right (don't you just hate that). It is a better fit for the middle grade audience. I made it funnier and more daring, and I didn't have to worry about including all the "edginess" with YA.

So, there you go. Don't find revision. Just go with the flow.
Now let's hope everyone else likes it. If not, I might be working on revisions...again...:)