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Row80 Check In 1-8-12: Recharged!

One week in, and I’m happy to report I’m feeling great. What’s more, I had a good second half of the week. I spent two days deep editing INTO THE DARK, utilizing some advice given to me from some great friends and critique partners (Catie Rhodes, Donna Galanti, Amy Lichtenhan, and J. Thomas Ross), as well as applying what I learned from Margie Lawson’s Empowering Characters (thanks to Jenny Hansen). The first chapters are packed with suspense, which is great, but I had streamlined the main character a bit too much, making her tough for some to connect to. Now I feel I’ve got the right balance between the two, and I can honestly say the book is as strong as I can possibly get it. It was a huge to put INTO THE DARK to bed. Whether it’s via a publisher or a professional editor I hire should I choose to go the self-publishing route later, the book is done, and I’m thrilled. Regardless of the publishing outcome, my writing and grasp of the craft has come a long way in the past year, and that’s something I’m very proud of.

I also put some serious work into the first 15,000 words of THE PROPHET, using the same techniques. I’m close to the first turning point and hope to have that done by next Sunday.

Goals for this week:
Complete Thriller Thursday
Finish the first Act of THE PROPHET

My favorite links of the week:

Write It Sideways: 3 Ways To Get Out Of A Writing Slump

Jeff Goins: Why You Should Bother With Resolutions This Yearย 

Natalie Hartford’s Urban Word Wednesday: Vajazzle

How has your first Row80 week been?

26 comments on… “Row80 Check In 1-8-12: Recharged!”

    • Thanks. It’s been finished for a while, but this is a step above. Knowing there’s nothing else I can do to it feels really good.

  1. Sounds like a great week, Stacy! Editing must be tough. I’m nearing that point myself, though I do a lot of editing-as-I-go, I still need beta readers. Anyway, I hope the coming week is as good or better for you!

    • Yes, editing is very tough, but it’s liberating as well. There’s something cathartic about slashing your darlings. I edit as I go, too, but it’s different when the book is completed. And yes, beta readers are essential. I’m very lucky to have some great ones. Thanks!

  2. Woot, Stacy! I know that has to be a huge relief to finish Into the Dark.

    “Regardless of the publishing outcome, my writing and grasp of the craft has come a long way in the past year, and thatโ€™s something Iโ€™m very proud of.”

    Absolutely, and you should be proud of it. Success, is moving forward, and you are right on course. Have an excellent week and I know the lessons you’ve learned and the skills you’ve gained will see you through ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Thank you! Thanks so much for the encouragement. It’s taken me quite a while to realize to be proud of what I’ve accomplished no matter the publishing situation. Really appreciate the encouragement!

  3. Thanks for the mention Stacy! And you are really on a roll now it seems. What a wondeful feeling to put your book to bed. Like a weight lifted! Not to move onto other exciting projects. Your New Year is off to an awesome start ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • You’re very welcome, and yes, it’s definitely a weight lifted. Hopefully I’ll get some positive news soon. You’ve got a great year ahead as well.

  4. I can’t wait until I finish my first draft of my first novel. It wil by no means be done/polished but it will be an accomplishment. Loking forward to Thriller Thursday!

    • Finishing the first draft is a huge accomplishment, no matter what lies ahead. I still remember the date I finished Dark’s first draft – was right before our summer vacation. Thanks so much!

  5. Congratulations on typing THE END. Did you celebrate? It’s quite an accomplishment. And now you’re almost done with the first act of another. You go!

    • Thanks! I actually typed THE END a while ago, but I’ve been going thru a series of edits and always feeling as though I could have done more. I’ve finally moved past it:)

  6. Wahooooo!!! Congrats on finishing Into The Dark and feeling sooo good about where it’s at. The story sounds simply incredible and I can’t wait to pick it up when it comes on shelves! I’ll be waiting in line…
    Here’s to another powerhouse week ahead Stacy. And sooo glad to hear you are feeling better. That’s wonderful!
    Shaking pompoms wildly! ๐Ÿ™‚
    And thank you for the shout-out…love it…glad you enjoyed the post! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Thanks. I don’t know about incredible, but I do like it and it’s something I would read. And I think The Prophet has the potential to be even better. Thanks so much for the positivity and encouragement. It’s friends like you that make blogging so worth it:)

  7. Fantastic on finishing the edits on “Into the Dark,” Stacy! What a wonderful accomplishment. I can’t wait to read it. And maybe you can share via a blog post how you decide what avenue to travel on the publishing journey.

    • Thank you! So glad it’s done. Just got to the point where I was really tired of it. I will definitely keep you all updated abou the publishing route. I certainly haven’t ruled out self publishing, but as Dark is my only novel that’s ready, I feel like that’s a ways off. If I’m going to self-pub, I’d like to have at least two titles ready to go.

      Anyway, thanks!

  8. Congrats! I just love the editing process….you have your draft in front of you and you just plug away and make it better! Good luck on finishing that up ๐Ÿ™‚

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