Monday, July 28, 2014

Done and Done

I've finished my WIP! Now I've got two months to turn my hamburger into steak or closer to home my tofu into faux meatloaf.  Unfortunately, it feels like it needs about four. Oh well, when the going gets tough, the tough, etc etc. In this case do a lot of hand wringing.  I had a great idea for a novel, at least I thought it was. grin. But once I got into it, I realized I'd created all kinds of barriers for myself, the biggest being the hero and the heroine were apart. Thank goodness for telephone videos grin.
I was at a workshop where an agent suggested after a manuscript is written stick it in a drawer for a couple of weeks or more then bring it out and clean it up. Great advise but who has time to do that? What do you do? When you're done do you set it aside and let it simmer or do you plow on through?

On another note, did you see this? If it turns out to be a real cure won't that be wonderful? Cats, they're priceless.
http://mashable.com/2014/07/17/cat-parasite-may-treat-cancer/

19 comments:

Shelley Munro said...

Congrats! I finished a manuscript last week, and I'm letting it sit while I write the next one. I don't always let them sit, but I think it's best if you can get a bit of distance.

CJ Kennedy said...

Congrats on clearing the hurdle.

Sandra Cox said...

I agree, Shelley. If you can find the time, it's a good approach.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, CJ:)

Pat Hatt said...

I plow on through, my ocd wants it done

Unknown said...

Congrats, Sandra!
Depending on how zoned in I am on finishing, I usually try to plow through. Although with my current novel, I haven't had the time to get the edits done. I'm hoping the autumn months will provide the time I need to edit and revise=)

Luanne G. Smith said...

I powered through one major revision right after I finished my WIP, and now I'm letting it sit for a month or so while my critique partner gives it a going over. When I get it back I'll plow through one more time with fresh eyes to see what I missed. :)

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Congratulations on finishing! What a great feeling that always is. But I agree that it's good to let it simmer at least a couple of weeks before rewriting it. You really need to put it aside to be able to come back and read it with fresh eyes. And you don't want to start sending it out until it's the best it can be. Good luck with it.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Congrats on finishing! What a great feeling, huh?

When I finish a first draft, I let it sit. I usually have another project that needs editing, or another that I can start, so I'm always busy with something. I find the break really does help with editing/revising.

Robin said...

It may be me... but I am finding that revising and editing are taking as long (if not longer) than writing that first draft. And it is much harder. I hope it goes easier for you!

Sandra Cox said...

Me too, Pat.

Leandra Wallace said...

Congrats! I'm hoping to be where you're at by the end of August. *crosses fingers* I try and let it sit two weeks. Anything longer and I feel like I'm wasting precious time. =)

Sandra Cox said...
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Sandra Cox said...

Wishing you some decent blocks of time, Gina. It is hard to put it away when you're working on it, isn't it?

Sandra Cox said...

Hi L.G. When I can, I like to do the same. Edit all the way through, then turn it over to a reader or critter then go at it again when they're done.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Elizabeth, good advice:) When I'm not on a time line, I take my break while someone else is reading or critting it.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Stacy, sounds like lots of other authors do too. I like to get at least one proof under my belt before I set aside. I don't think its going to be possible this time....

Sandra Cox said...

Leandra, Come on end of August! I hear ya on the two weeks;)

Sandra Cox said...

Robin, isn't that the truth! Proofing, editing, redrafting...och!