The above is a colored map I did back in February, when I was planning to completely revamp it. But then as I'd faced the project at my computer, I'd decided not to shift the format of my 3-part ms, which made the mapping unnecessary. All those nifty post-it notes have been on that whiteboard for over two months, while I've worked on show not tell, dialogue tags and dialogue beats.
Natalie Palmer, who is on new baby hiatus, kindly did a critique for me. It's funny because my hubby tends to be very protective of my writing, so I don't always read him feedback I receive. It makes him mad. He likes my story just the way it is. But, no offense, he doesn't have particularly discerning tastes either--he's very easy to please. I did read Natalie's review to him, and he kept nodding his head and muttering, "Yes. Yes." for most of it. So hubby's made a mental leap in my behalf and is willing to recognize ways I can make it better.
As I considered Natalie's observations, I realized that the best way to remedy some of them would be to do shifting around of the story. So I'm back to my story map and glad I hadn't gotten around to putting all those little post-its in a folder as I'd intended.
I've been on vacation and/or sick for two weeks. I've managed to read four books (The Mage's Daughter, Princess of the Sword, Starship Troopers, and I Am Not a Serial Killer) and I've started another (City of Fallen Angels). I'm feeling rejuvenated (kinda--if I can throw off the vestiges of this dang cold and quit hacking up my lungs every morning) and ready to move ahead and get back to work. Funny what a difference a few days can make.
I really appreciate all the supportive and encouraging comments from everyone when I was having my pity party the other day. I'll close this post with a quote from my friend Robin Weeks:
Remember the definition of a published author:
One who doesn't give up.
That is so cute that your hubby doesn't like to hear critical feedback on your writing! :) I don't like to hear it on mine, but I'm getting better at taking my critique groups advice and making my stories better. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog by the way. New here! *waves* :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best in your editing and moving things around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit and comment on my blog. I don't think I've met anyone yet who doesn't love Hawaii - except my own daughter!
Oh, yes!!! You will only get there if you don't give up. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better! <3
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Never give up! The prepublished and published writers mantra. And hey! Pity parties are good too. I throw them all of the time.
ReplyDeleteWhat gets me about my hubby is when I tell him about a crit and what the critter suggested, he says, 'I thought that, but didn't know if I should mention it." GAH! Mention it, mention it!
Thanks for the visit and follow over at Putting Pen To Paper. It is lovely to know you. Following you back.
My husband is very supportive and always says kind things, too, but I can tell when he's lying. ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling a resurgence of creative energy. I've been in a slump, too. Time to shake off the cobwebs and get going again. You've inspired me.
I hate when your sick and all your plans go out the window, then when your feeling better your so far behind where you wanted to be the thought of what you have to do to catch up makes you want to take more sick time.
ReplyDeleteLovely your hubby is so supportive! And I'm glad you've found your way with your revisions. Best of luck with it.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rach
Revisions can be maddening. Your hubby sounds sweet.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how orderly your board is! ;)