Thursday, March 28, 2013

My Characters Are Giving Me the Silent Treatment


As we head into April—and as the A to Z Challenge rapidly approaches—it seems next to impossible to accomplish a whole lot in the writing department. But…I’m trying. I honestly think some of my characters are angry with me. But what can I do? There’s only so much time in a week. In reality, I need an extra week every week.
 
Anyway, here’s where I am: 

·        HAUNTED (my YA contemporary novel): I received feedback from Rebecca who (may I add) is completely and totally awesome! She gave me detailed suggestions about the novel, which I’m in the process of implementing through revisions right now. I also have a tentative cover in Photoshop. I hope to have my revisions complete by April 1st, which is way ambitious. But then that’s me.

·        OUR LIFE ON THE ROAD (my memoir): It’s slow going due to the aforementioned revision process. But I have started rewrites. My initial draft was 252 pages. I am currently on page 17. I must say, writing about myself is so much harder than writing about fictional people.

·        The Trilogy: My poor trilogy (which currently has a working title of PROPAGANDA) has been neglected lately. Caitlyn, Wyatt, and Daniel are screaming for some attention from the depths of my hard drive. I can almost hear their cavernous voices echoing from the canyon of my Compaq. They just need to hang on a little longer. Hopefully they have headlamps. I’m sure Wyatt—my tech-savvy character—does.

·        My title-less Adult Contemporary: My draft has been complete for a loooonnngg time. I started editing and reached location 296 (or 6%) on the Kindle. I need to get it done. Whereas the characters in the PROPAGANDA trilogy are adamant about getting my attention, those in this novel have exhausted their efforts and given up on me. I get the distinct impression that they’re giving me the silent treatment now.

·         YA idea: Josie and her secret are going to have to wait. Maybe for a very long time.  

On that note, I’ll leave you with the last line I read while editing my adult contemporary novel, so the characters don't feel completely abandoned by me:
 "Melora needed to find a way to exert more control over her daughter’s life." 

This will be my last post before the A to Z Challenge begins on Monday. Now I’m off to schedule some posts. What are you working on?

9 comments:

  1. You've got a lot on your plate, Susan, but it seems like you're making steady progress.

    I'm on spring break (as much as a housewife can be, LOL), trying to get caught up all the way around, including leaving my characters to much on some chocolate rabbits!

    Happy Easter to you and yours!

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    1. Chocolate rabbits sound divine, Kittie. I like the idea of making steady progress. That way, it seems less overwhelming.

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  2. That's a lot! I need an extra week with every day.

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  3. Susan's next book ... "Overachiever"

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    1. You always, ALWAYS make me laugh, Bryan.
      However, you just prompted an idea for another book. Seriously. It may, indeed, be called Overachiever.

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  4. I can't wait to see HAUNTED in print- such an amazing and wonderful story:) Thanks for letting me read it! I'm so honored. I can't believe all that you are working on- I'm struggling to keep moving on one story...you are so amazing and talented! :)

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    1. Awww, Rebecca. You know how to boost me up when I'm feeling self-doubt. Thank you so much for all of your incredible feedback!!!

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  5. Hi, Susan! Stopping by to meet you as part of the A-Z challenge. What luck and joy to end up right next to another YA and Adult contemporary author. :) Looking forward to reading your posts.

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  6. Wow... You are so busy! But I'm glad it 's all writing related.

    Feeling warmer from your hug.... Thanks. You're a sweetie.

    Getting ready for the a-z....

    Happy Easter sweets! To you and your family.

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