One thing I know for sure from years of writing books.
Revisions almost always make a book better.
Yesterday afternoon I was working on editing a file when I got an email from my editor on CAGED MAGIC that basically said, “You need to revise the opening of CAGED MAGIC.” Actually she said it much nicer with more details, but what she wants me to do is revise it and a few other things before she goes on with her edits.
You know what I’m going to do?
Well first, according Wizard, there’s a little bit of wine and whining happening 
But after that? I will absolutely do it. Because this is what it takes to write a solid book, and frankly, right now, it’s not solid. My reply to Sasha (my editor) was send it back to me and I’ll do it. But this is not something I’d automatically do. When I did my final read through of the book before sending it to Sasha, the first few chapters bothered me, so I agree with her on a gut, no-lying-to-myself level. And since I do agree, today I will set aside everything else to carefully read through the all her notes up to this point and figure out how to strengthen the opening, clarify the world building and really make it WORK.
Because that’s what writers do. When edits are needed, we don’t argue, we do them no matter how freaking hard and challenging. Sasha and I have the same goal here, to make the book shine. And this is just the beginning as there will be two more rounds of edits before ti goes to a proofreader.
In other news, Wizard is healing slowly from his minor medical procedure, and frustrated by his limitations. He’s so bored, he’s even offered to read my opening pages to help me revise I may take him up on it, he’s good at it. But I have to be in the right frame of mind to take more input.
As for this weekend: I’m having lunch with a friend tomorrow, and Sunday we are celebrating middle son’s girl friend’s birthday with Chocolate Kahlua Pound cake.
This isn’t a picture of a cake I made, but it looks exactly like it
Oh!! And we’ll get to see Bailey too!
Wizard and I both miss him so much.
So what are you doing this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope you have a great weekend!
March 20th, 2015 at 7:58 am · Link
Yes. This. Revisions are totally necessary to building a better book. Doesn’t make them sting any less – but like putting alcohol on a wound, they’re necessary. OMG, I can imagine how bored Wizard is. If Hubs was laid up like that, we’d both be basketcases by now. That cake looks amazing! Want. And yay for Bailey time!
We’re planting the perennials I bought yesterday as soon as the weather cooperates – later today maybe? Then I really have to knuckle down and get some work done. Hubs and I will probably go toilet shopping tomorrow to replace the garage one that had cracked (before we bought the place). I know, who puts a bathroom in the garage? :shrug: But since it’s already there, we want it to work, so off we go. Exciting times!
March 20th, 2015 at 8:23 am · Link
On an intellectual level, I understand revisions. On an emotional level? WAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! I should try wine, see if it helps.
Glad Wiz is better. We’re fighting VA again.
And B.E. is right, that cake looks awesome! Enjoy the birthday and Bailey. 
B.E., it sorta makes sense to me to have a working toilet in the garage, especially if one spends much time outdoors. I drink lots of coffee. And I’m old. Having facilities handy is always a good thing.
I’ve got chapter tomorrow and then Sprout’s first birthday party on Sunday.
LG went a little…Granddad crazy on the presents. Guess who gets to wrap them all. 
March 20th, 2015 at 10:16 am · Link
We thought it would be cool when we bought the place, Silver, but it’s been out of commission since we moved and we haven’t really missed it. The sink out there, otoh, has been really useful since we fixed it.
March 20th, 2015 at 11:14 am · Link
B.e., I’ve seen stranger things than a bathroom in the garage — and if you have it then, of course you want it to work.
Planting flowers sounds like a lovely, normal thing to do. I’m jealous!
The beginning of this book needs serious work and I’m going to do it. If course it stings, but it would sting less if the editor was wrong…but she’s right dang it
Hope you get everything done this weekend and make time to relax!
March 20th, 2015 at 11:18 am · Link
Silver, I know on revisions, but this isn’t a surprise to me. I can give excuses, but excuses don’t get the job done.
Man the VA — I’m sorry! It’s an ongoing battle now to get healthcare. I hope you get the current issue resolved.
LOL on Granddad going overboard, that would totally be Wizard too. Naturally you get stuck with wrapping, but the party should be fun! Hope the chapter flows for you so you have the rest of the weekend to enjoy. Happy Birthday to Sprout!
March 20th, 2015 at 2:38 pm · Link
Revisions must stink but it sounds like you had a feeling about the start of the book right from the beginning. You can always trust your gut. It’s also fantastic that you have such a wonderful editor that you can trust. Sorry you have to go back and rework things but I’m sure you’ll be much happier.
Poor Wizard. Even minor procedures can be a real pain in the ***, um foot ;). I hope he’s up and going real soon. Being stuck is no fun especially with Bailey coming to visit.
I hope there will be Bailey photos coming :).
That cake looks to die for. Have you made it before and where’s the recipe?
Not sure what the weekend holds for me. My best friend’s kitty is on her way out. It’s very hard on her. Her male cat has been ill for a couple years so she’s been prepared for that but to have the female all of a sudden come down with heart failure is just too much on her. So I’ll be there if needed.
I hope you all have a really wonderful weekend!
March 21st, 2015 at 7:51 am · Link
Viki, oh no, I’m so sorry about your friend’s kitty. It sounds like she was going through a hard enough time with her male cat already declining, then this. She’s lucky to have you–a friend who understands how much our beloved animals mean in our lives.
Wizard’s foot turned out to be more than we expected and it’s so frustrating for him. But the incision is very clean, no complications there. We just have to wait for test results.
Revisions are part of the job, and the story is there so that’s good. It’s just getting the set up right. That’s always keys. But you are right, I knew it. This is actually the part that’s been bugging me the whole time. I’m taking a few days to think about it, then I’ll tackle it.
Hope your weekend is good and I’ll TRY to remember to post the recipe for the cake on Monday. It’s pretty easy.