What’s Up Wednesday
Wow, has it really been a week since my last blog post? Clearly I’ve had other things to do–particularly revisions. But more about that in a minute. Today’s Wednesday, and as usual, it’s time for the weekly What’s Up Wednesday catch-up, hosted by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. What have I been up to?
What I’m Reading
I’m still working through A GAME OF THRONES by George R. R. Martin. As I mentioned last week, it’s a long book, and it takes some time introducing the world and the characters. But given it’s a multi-volume series–epic fantasy, I think you’d call it–that’s okay. You might be concerned that it takes a long time to get to the action, but it really doesn’t. It may take a while before you get to the heart of the plot, but Martin leads you there in a way that’s engaging, and with plenty of action. However, given the large cast of characters, I found it helpful that there are lists of the various houses and who belongs where at the end of the book. There are maps at the beginning too for those who like maps.
What I’m Writing
*FANFARE*: I have finished my first round of edits, and I am working my way through my final read-through. I anticipate being done with this read-through by the end of the week, at which point the novel will go to my first reader: my wife. She’ll read it, comment on what works and what doesn’t, and try to spot any inconsistencies or things that would pull the casual reader out of the story. Most importantly, though, she will give me her honest opinion as to whether the novel is worth taking to the beta reader stage. Of all people, she’s the one who cares most about my reputation (probably even more than me!). If she thinks this book is not worthy of me, she’ll tell me, and I value that opinion. If, however, she thinks it’s worth pursuing, then I’ll consider any changes she suggests, make any necessary revisions, and I’ll send it out to beta readers.
I have yet to formally and finally select the beta readers for this project. Some of you have expressed an interest in the past, but this has been informally in the comments of the blog. If you are serious about volunteering to beta read my novel, please email me. If you want to know what it’s about, check out the query I wrote for it HERE. I’d like readers who read in this genre (or thereabouts), and also those who don’t read this genre, but who are intrigued anyway. Thank you!
What Inspires Me Right Now
The thought that this novel is nearly ready to leave my hands, and I can start working on other projects. It’s been a long time since I’ve started something new (aside from flash fiction).
What Else I’ve Been Up To
Nothing strange or startling really, this week. And that’s okay. Having not much else to do has helped me make good progress with revisions.
How’s your week been? If you want to participate in What’s Up Wednesday, check out Jaime’s blog for details.
It took me about two weeks to read A Game of Thrones, but I am with you, I did not mind one bit. I haven’t started on the second book yet, but plan to in the near future. I spent a lot of time with certain sections, and also, I love Jon Snow (because I have already watched the show, and he isn’t 16 on HBO.) so being in his head was kind of a blast.
Congrats on being so close to finishing you can taste it! Good luck with your impending pursuit of new projects!
I have yet to see the HBO show, so it’s interesting that Snow is not 16 in that version. I’m pleased GoT isn’t as daunting a read as it seems. I’d hate to slog through all those pages and not enjoy any of it. As it is, it’s turning out to be quite an enjoyable yarn.
Thanks for your well-wishes, Rebekah! 🙂
Congrats on finishing your round of edits! And that’s awesome that your wife is one of your readers; it’s always great to have family support.
Thanks, Jennifer! My wife’s a very good First Reader, because she cares about making sure anything I put “out there” is the best–that it’s worthy of me. There’s a Sherlock Holmes story (“The Blue Carbuncle”), where Holmes deduces that the client has lost the love of his wife by the fact that she lets him leave the house looking a mess. My wife’s job is to make sure my novel doesn’t leave the house with candle stains on its hat. 🙂
Yay for finishing this round of edits!
So nice that your wife is your fist reader. I wish my hubs would read my stuff. He’s not much of a reader *gasps* and he only read Destiny Gift because the idea for it came from a sentence he said to me when I was trying to come up with a new book idea.
Have a great week!
Thank you, Juliana. Maybe you should tell him that the male MC in your next novel is a gorgeous, hunky dude based on him? Maybe he’ll read it… 😉
Seriously, I think having your spouse as a First Reader is great if it works for you. If your spouse doesn’t enjoy reading, or if s/he is not good at giving criticism (or you take criticism from your spouse too personally), then it’s fine to look to a best friend, or someone else that cares about your integrity as a writer.
I know many people skip the “First Reader” stage and go straight to betas. I might eventually get to that point, but right now I don’t want my work leaving the house until I’m sure it’s worthy of other people’s time.
You have a great week too!
Congrats on finishing this round of edits, Colin! That’s fantastic. 🙂 As I’m sure you you know, Stephen King’s wife is his first reader. I guess you have the same set-up, which is pretty cool. How exciting that the opportunity to work on new stuff is edging closer as well. It’s so exciting to finish something, but equally exciting to brainstorm and get working on new projects. I hope your wife loves it and you can get it out to betas and then agents soon! Have a wonderful week, Colin!
Thanks, Jaime. Yes, I knew about Tabitha King being Stephen’s First Reader–I’m not sure if I got the idea from him, it just seemed a natural thing to do for me. And while I hope wifey likes it, I’m willing to shelve it if necessary. I have other projects to work on. And it *is* exciting to start something new–though a lot of my project ideas have been hanging around waiting their turn for quite some time now. 🙂
Congrats on finishing your edits. Good luck with the next stage of your writing journey. I hope you have a great week.
Thanks, Kate! 🙂
Congrats on finishing the round of edits!
It takes me about three weeks to a month to get through a Game of Thrones book, but that’s more related to my time constraints than the actual books. They’re quick reads in relation to their size.
Likewise–my slowness of reading GoT is directly related to the fact I’ve been trying to finish up revision/edits on the WIP. I should be able to pick up the pace a little now… 🙂
Thanks, Rachael!
Congratulations on finishing your book, hooray! I wish I had the time to beta read for you, but as I’m diving into my own edits, I just wouldn’t be able to give your book the attention it deserves.
Enjoy Game of Thrones ^_^ I hear it’s very good 😉
Thanks, Cole–and thanks for the heads-up about beta reading. I did consider asking you, but I completely understand. 🙂
Congratulations on finishing that round! It’s one step closer. 🙂 Everyone seems to be making great progress already this year and I’m so happy. Maybe I’ll be seeing you all on the book shelves soon! =D
Thank you, Robin! I didn’t say so, but one of the things that has helped spur me on is everyone posting about how well their edits are going, and all the great feedback they’re getting from beta readers. 🙂
You finished your edits- yay! And I love starting new projects. That’s one of the best parts of writing for me, that excitement of a brand new story.
Thanks, Melanie! I have a line of SNIs vying for my attention, though I have a fairly good idea where I’m going to start. 🙂
I LOVE it when a book has a map. It’s one of my favorite things.
George R. R. Martin didn’t draw the maps in GoT, so I wonder how much is the artist’s interpretation, and how much he consulted with Martin to get it exactly as the author conceived the lay of the land? In any case, they are helpful.
I love the Song of Ice and Fire series. The books are long and complex, but still easy to read.
Congrats on finishing your edits! 🙂
As a reader/writer of fantasy, I’m sure you’re aware of how complex fantasy novels can be. I’ve only dipped a toe into that world, and it was enough to make me hesitant about starting this epic series. But so far, I’ve been very pleasantly surprised.
Thanks, Emma!
Yay for being done with your round of edits!!!
Yay indeed! Thanks, Sarah! 😀
awww, I love that your wife is your first reader! So sweet 🙂 I think the Game of Thrones books might be a little too much for me right now, but keep hearing wonderful things about them. If you still need betas, I’d be happy to take a look.
GoT is long, and there are lots of characters, and a whole world to deal with. However, he has given help to the reader in the form of maps, and lists of characters grouped by house. These have really helped me keep everyone straight in my head, especially since I’ve only been able to read a chapter or two here and there while working on revisions. It’s a good read, though.
Thanks for your offer to beta read, Prerna. Please send me an email (address linked in the article) both so I have your email address, and so I have something “official” in writing. Over the past year I’ve had people comment that they’d be willing to beta read, but I lose track of those comments. If I have offers in email form, I can much more easily keep track of them. 🙂
You’re almost done editing. That is an exciting thing 🙂 I love handing over my stories to critique partners. It’s a great step, though a little nerve-wracking. Best of luck!
It seems a little weird (some might say perverse) that I’m looking forward to getting beta reader feedback. I’m not expecting it all to be praise and hi-fives–in fact, I expect a lot of “mmm… that doesn’t work… and I stopped reading here and didn’t pick it up for days…” But I need those kinds of honest comments. I enjoy the story, but, as with all writers, I wrote it to be read by others too. I want to know if it’s worthy of sending out there. 🙂
Thanks, Kim! 🙂
Congrats on finishing your first round of edits. I’ve read Game of Thrones but I haven’t read any others. One day. Have a great weekend!!!
Thanks, Amy! Unless the ending of GoT is really compelling, I’ll probably not jump immediately to the next. Though at this point, I wouldn’t rule out reading the rest of the series at some point.
You too! 😀
A big congratulations on finishing your first round of edits! It’s nice that your wife beta reads for you. My husband was the second to read my story (after Jaime) and I trust his opinion as well, especially since he reads even more than I do. Have a great week!
Thank you, Erin. It does feel good, after over a year, to be finally done with the initial draft, and others are now reading it. I’m really looking forward to the feedback–good and bad. 🙂
Yay for edits. It takes me a month to beta read something. My computer is acting wacky this morning. sharif(at)sharifwrites(dot)com
Yay indeed! 🙂 I have yet to be asked to beta read anyone else’s work–I’m afraid I might be too hyper-picky, but I think I can be objective and not-too-mean. But I could see it taking me a while if my experience with my own novel is anything to go by! 🙂
Congrats on finishing your edits! I haven’t read GoT, but I’ve heard so many good things. It’s on my “to read someday, hopefully soon” list.
Thanks, Rebecca! I also have a number of books on my TBRSHS list (to-be-read-someday-hopefully-soon). GoT was one that I had put on a “Spring Reading” list a year or two ago, so that’s primarily why I bumped it up in priority. It’s turning out to be a good read, though, so I’m not displeased. 🙂
Wow! Congratulations on finishing the first round of edits. I don’t normally read sci-fi but I do like reading historical fiction, so I will be emailing to go into the beta-reader auditions!
Thanks, Anna! I look forward to your email. 🙂