When I tell others in the writing business that the (adult epic fantasy) manuscript I'm currently querying is 180,000 words long, I get a lot of questionable responses. But what most people don't realize, is that it used to be much longer.
Here are some of the ways I cut it down.
HEY FELLOW WRITER. GO BACK UP YOUR BOOK. IN LIKE. FIVE DIFFERENT PLACES. I'M NOT KIDDING.
HERE'S A SCENARIO. IMAGINE YOU'VE GONE OUT TO LUNCH AND WHILE YOU'RE OUT YOUR LAPTOP GETS ROBBED. I'M NOT KIDDING. IT HAPPENED TO MY FRIEND ONCE. TWICE. DROPBOX IS YOUR FRIEND. CARBONITE IS YOUR FRIEND. EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES ARE YOUR FRIEND.
Sometimes there are obvious reasons why we hate our work -- hating our work is part of the natural creative cycle. However, there are some reasons we hate our work that can be avoided. But no one ever wants to talk about them because 'they're mean', or 'if I tell you this I'll hurt your feelings'.
Well, here's the thing. If you're going to get any better, you need to know the reasons that your so-called 'friends' aren't telling you.
Read more 5 Reasons You Hate Your Writing that Your Friends are Too Afraid to Tell You
Working on a full-length story is great -- but sometimes following the rules can be exhausting and can often prevent a writer from having the fun they used to have. Learning how to do the Writer's Sketch can help you break away from the mundane, and even open doorways to starting future stories.
Are you on a third, fourth, or maybe final draft of a manuscript? If so, you are greatly at risk for developing itsalmostoveritis. Depending on the speed you write, you’ve spent anywhere between 5 months and 10 years on your project, which means that your book has consequently become a part of your life.
An update on my plans for publishing some free short stories online.
Next week I'll be compiling a blog entry about doing 'sketches' as a writer. No, not drawings, but 1500 word mind-barf blurbs to keep you in practice on those weeks/months you spend editing day in and day out.
Read more Looking for Free Readable Material by Yours Truly?
Honesty and Passion. It's the beta-reader or Crit-Partner every writer wants, but is too afraid to ask for. If you've finished a manuscript, you know the feeling of wanting an honest beta-reader as well as you fear an honest beta-reader.
Read more Critters: The Sad Hearts of Damn Good Beta-Readers, and Where to Find Them.
