And on my mind is the editor revision letter that arrived on Saturday for my latest book, The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, and how short and complimentary it was!
Those around me--including the Buzz Girls--know I struggled with writing this book. Finding writing time was a factor, but the biggest problem was dealing with “the editor who lives on my shoulder,” that internal voice who knows when things are going astray, but not necessarily how to fix it. Who criticizes and makes me go back and do things over and over...until I am crazy with insecurity.
It’s funny because this was my third contracted book (and tenth book overall), yet I often felt like knowledge and experience were a hindrence. Like the more I know, the more I stop to obsess...
But hey, my critique partners--and my now editor--really liked it, so perhaps I just need to throw up my hands and admit (like Sue Grafton did in Romantic Times this month) that there’s no magic number of pages or books to when the writing comes easy. It’s probably always going to be hard. And that it’s okay--just part of the process.
And when the going gets rough, let us not forget the support of our wonderful critique partners and writer-friends!
Anyone else working on books or reports or papers who has had similar experiences?
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
How to Hook a Hottie, January, 2008
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys, Spring, 2009
www.tinaferraro.com
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8 comments:
Good luck with those revisions, Tina! ABC's is a great book!!
I'm trying to finish my current book, and I'm always clicking into what works and doesn't from what I've learned in the past. And no, the doubts just don't go away!
Hi Tina,
I agree with you. There is nothing like writer-friends. They understand the obsessions which come with writing. Thank you for being one of mine.
Janie
P.S. ABC is a great book on its way to becoming even greater.
Yeah for short revision letters! I know that I always doubt my writing. Unfortunately, I don't think that will ever change. :)
Yay for the short revision letter, Tina. I know it's going to be just as phenomenal as Prom Dress!
I'm about to revise the first draft of my sequel before sending it to my editor and I'm borderline terrified. This is the first book I've written specifically for someone other than myself, if you know what I mean. I hope it doesn't totally suck... but if it does, I know my editor can work wonders with 16 pages worth of revision letter! =)
Kelly, as one of the few who has read ABC's, thank you for that compliment, as well as all your help!!!
Janie, thanks for all your emotional support, and happy to return the favor at all times...
Steph, it's hard to imagine the woman who created the might Aspen Brooks having internal doubts...but if you've got 'em, I guess it's okay that we all do!
TLC, best of luck with returning your revisions. Yeah, they're scary, but I'm sure you did a terrific job!
Writing is such a solitary experience that I love getting a revision letter from my editor. Granted I only had one, and I might hate the next one, but right now, I think it's cool to work with a professional. And I am not sure the process ever gets easier. Sometimes it flows, other times it is like pulling teeth!
Teri
Thanks, TJ. I actually think revision letters can be fun, too. In particular, I had a great time with the one I had for HOW TO HOOK A HOTTIE, which asked me to draw a lot of the scenes out more. Thanks for weighing in!
Well, I'm writing to you from Revision Land, Tina! In the middle of a second in-depth revision letter that is, in truth, going to make my debut that much better. But, revisions can be as much of a slog as getting past that 2/3 mark of a first draft. It's another marathon for writers!
xxo,
Heath
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