Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Updates, Upcoming Events, and Other Stuff

I haven't done a writing update in FOR-EVER, so first of all, I thought I'd fill everyone in on what I'm working on. Or, what I should be working on (I've been living la vida loca these days--and not the fun, body-grinding, Ricky Martin kind). Anyway, when the kids aren't home because of a snow day/MLK Day/teacher work day/etc, or when I'm not perusing the "help wanted" ads online, I've been working on a new project . . . well, kinda. I've decided to do a total rewrite of my very first manuscript. Actually, I don't even know if "re-write" is the appropriate term. The storyline is TOTALLY different, but some of the characters and scenes have remained the same. Also, it's no longer women's fiction. It's  . . . wait for it . . .*holds breath and cringes to prepare for the backlash* . . . NEW ADULT! Yep, the new, controversial genre. Trust me, after my experience of trying to query and then go on sub with a paranormal romance, I don't exactly run with open arms to some-hate-some-love genres, BUT, the story is what it is, and it just wouldn't have worked if my mc was in high school or older than a college student. If the "New Adult" category wasn't around, I'd probably describe my WIP as the illegitamate love child of women's fiction and young adult (eww, probably not my best analogy).

So, I'm about six chapters into this little bastard, and things are going about how they usually go (you know, I spend over an hour trying to write two pages, all the while, fighting the urge to throw my laptop against the wall). The funny thing is, you'd think because this WIP is "technically" a re-write, I'd have an easier time with it--excuse me while a bust a gut due to uncontrollable laughter. Yeah . . . not so much. Remember, the manuscript I'm cutting from was my FIRST manuscript. My. First. Manuscript. Now, think back to your very first ms (are chills going up your spine yet?). EXACTLY my point. The writing is sub-par--at best--and voiceless. So, I'm having to clean things up before I can just plop them down in my WIP.  On a good note, I do have that warm tingly feeling about this project (keep in mind, we're still in the rose-colored-glasses stage). I think it's really going to push me and challenge me, which is always a good thing (though we'll see if my laptop is still in one piece when it's all said and done ;)

In other news, I will be participating in THE HOLDERS blog tour on March 6th! Friend and author, Julianna Scott, will be here, and we will be talking about writing--one of my favorite things--kissing scenes!! AND, I'll share my favorite weak-in-the-knees scene from THE HOLDERS, so be sure to stop by!

 
The kiddies are actually in school today (imagine that), so I'm off to do some writing! Hope everyone is doing well, and thank you for stopping by!

4 comments:

  1. *giggles* I love kissing scenes! What a fun topic.

    And, yes...I'm considering a reworking of my first MS, too. I'm SCARED to peek at that bad boy.

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    1. And boy do you know how to write some good ones (kissing scenes)! I still get giggly when I think of some of those from THE HEIST ;)

      Yeah, reading over my old ms is scary for me, too! But on a positive note, as least it's tangible proof that I've come a longggg way ;)

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  2. This is inspiring! I want to crack into my first project, too. Except that would be a horrifyingly bad short story from high school...so let's go with that novel that stalled at 44K words a few years ago instead. I think this is brave and good; carry on!!!

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    1. Thanks! I have this "No Manuscript Left Behind" policy ;) I knew I'd always go back to it; it was just a matter of figuring out what I wanted to do with it :) Here's hoping it all works out *nibbles nails* ;)

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