Jennifer Lyon


Friday, November 30th, 2012
Happy Friday!

For a while I felt like this:

Tossed around and able to get out of the waves.

This week has finally calmed down. I know it’s all going to gear up to craziness again, but since Tuesday, I’ve been able to really focus on THE PROPOSITION edits. I actually love this process, this is where the real challenge in writing comes for me. I write a really complete first draft, and it’s usually torture. I often avoid the story and the computer. And when I’m done with the draft, I’m so relieved I often fool myself into thinking it’s good.

It’s usually mediocre at best.  And if I have a good editor, she will nail me on all the crap I tried to get away with; rushed scenes, passive writing, characters not staying true to themselves, flat, lifeless scenes.

Then it’s my job to dig and and really work.  Once I’m knee deep into it, I love this part of the process.  Of course, I’m always terrified that I won’t do the book justice, but that’s just part of it. But this is the part where I just don’t want to stop working. I usually force myself to from sheer fatigue and staring-at-the-computer-headaches.

And somehow, I looked up and here we are on Friday :-)  I don’t have any big plans this weekend. What about you?

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

10 comments to “Happy Friday!”

  1. Viki S.
    November 30th, 2012 at 3:42 am · Link

    You can really tell how much you enjoy this step. Being so deeply focused that you get headaches -wow. Step back every now and then witch. Though we do profit from your pain.
    No plans for me this weekend either.
    I hope you have a great one :)



  2. B.E. Sanderson
    November 30th, 2012 at 8:01 am · Link

    Sounds like you’re in the zone. Go forth and kick butt. (Just don’t do any lasting damage to yourself. That would suck.)

    My brain, in its extreme aversion to edits, has gifted me with a sparkly new story and I can’t seem to focus on anything else. Well, except cleaning. I’ve been on a real jag lately with the housework. You know you’re avoiding edits when you 1) rearrange the living room, 2) repot plants, 3) clean the greasy-gross vent hood on the stove. The house looks lovely, but I really do need to focus on work this weekend.



  3. Silver James
    November 30th, 2012 at 10:58 am · Link

    So glad you’ve hit your stride with THE PROPOSITION, Jen! That’s awesome news!!!!

    My current WIP is made of much suckage. It rambles. It makes no sense. The few high spots are molehills not mountains. I’m taking the weekend off. The weather is supposed to warm up. I’m going to wash the brick and windows on the front porch and get the Christmas lights put up on that part at least. I still have a string of Halloween lights up. *headdesk* I’m going to work on Christmas cards. I may even drag out the Christmas Cactus Tree(tm).

    FAERIE FOOL, my new book is out and I should be promoting it so I’m giving away a copy on my website and my facebook page, in case anyone’s interested. Thanks, Jen, for always letting me slip in blatant plugs. ;)



  4. Ban
    November 30th, 2012 at 11:37 am · Link

    Meh, I’ve got some doll commissions to finish, which is much like writing … I love it but can’t find the motivation sometimes. I was currently working on chapter #23 but realized I had to go back into the past 22 to fix an inconsistancy. Some days I feel like I’ll never finish but this is the furthest I’ve ever gotten and I STILL like the characters and their story so I know I will get it done … eventually :/



  5. Jenn
    November 30th, 2012 at 12:03 pm · Link

    Viki, thanks but the headaches are a combination of sinus and then staring at the computer. I take breaks and that really helps.

    So you’ll have a quiet weekend too? We know it’s just the calm before the holiday madness :-)



  6. Jenn
    November 30th, 2012 at 12:05 pm · Link

    B.E., I’ve done that! I clean/organize or bake when I’m avoiding a book or need to plot. Totally get that!

    I hate straight edits. Doing the final line edits and proofreading bores me. But this part is a creative challenge.



  7. Jenn
    November 30th, 2012 at 12:07 pm · Link

    Silver, congrats on the release of FAERIE FOOL! That’s great news! I hope many people go to your contest. Will try to remember to go on twitter and send people your way.

    You need a weekend off. When you *think* the books sucks, you definitely need a break. You’ll go back and realize it doesn’t suck at all just needs some fine tuning.

    You’re feeling Christmassy! I’m battling my Inner Grinch. Although Wizard put Christmas lights up last weekend, I think just to taunt my Inner Grinch.



  8. Jenn
    November 30th, 2012 at 12:09 pm · Link

    Ban, it sounds like you’re getting close to the finish line on your book! Don’t stop! I know you have doll commission, but can you set aside even 4o minutes to an hour a day? I’m proud of you for getting this far!



  9. Dawn
    November 30th, 2012 at 3:19 pm · Link

    Glad things have calmed down for you. Now get to those edits so we can read the finished product ;)

    My weekends from now til Xmas will be busy. Working 6 days at a company that ships freight, we’re in the busy season. Today we started at 4AM!!!!!!!! I’ve already worked 45ish hrs and still have one more day to go. So that’s my Saturday. Then Sunday my mom wants to go shopping. As long as we don’t shop all day, I’m good w that. Plus we always go to lunch when we shop :D

    Happy Friday, witches!



  10. Jenn
    December 1st, 2012 at 1:46 pm · Link

    Dawn, you need to clone yourself, there’s not enough hours in the day to be you!

    Hope you have a great shopping/lunch trip with your mom!



Comments are closed.





JenniferLyon.com