Less than two weeks ago I had the great joy of printing out Forever Thirteen in rough draft form. For weeks I’d been editing the heck out of the raw draft, searching for overused words and weak sentences to bring it up to rough draft status. So to finally get to that point was kind of a milestone.
I don’t care how many times you’ve written a book, printing it out and holding it in your hands is always an awesome feeling. The months of dedicated work are now in ink on paper, the bits of my soul written in between the words. It even smells good.
I took the last ten days with my red pen, circling all the parts that needed a bit more tinkering with. I also took my time to read it like a reader instead of like an author. It’s a nice feeling to see the bits of magic hidden within random sections – bits that I forgot even placing there. At times I felt like I was reading it for the first time.
A few days ago I made the last changes to the computer copy. And right now I am in the final process of formatting it for my beta readers – an exciting step since these will be the first eyes besides mine to know what happens in Forever Thirteen.
I’m both elated and petrified. I mean, what if they find things I need to change? 😛
My biggest reason for rushing is because NaNoWriMo is upon us! I already have an idea in mind for what I’ll be writing, and want all my focus to be on that as I take a break from Forever Thirteen. So while I write my new project in November, all my lovely beta readers will be reading Forever Thirteen. And once the end of November hits, I can dive headfirst into the final edits before passing it off to my editor.
Wish me luck! And if you’re doing Nano, buddy me at nanowrimo.org/en/participants/crissi.
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Congrats on all of your progress! I’m considering doing Nano for the first time this year and am in the middle of wrapping up edits to make time for it as well. I hope this isn’t too forward but if you’re in need of any more beta readers let me know! I’m looking to swap if you have the time or need an extra set of eyes.
I have enough beta readers for this one, but I’ll keep you in mind for the next. And I’m definitely open if you ever need a best reader.
Congrats on your first draft! I know how hard it is to just put it down and step away for awhile. I keep thinking of changes I think I want to make all while trying to concentrate on Book Two for NaNo. Enjoy the wonderful feeling! And thanks for the ping!