Hiya friends,
I wanted to share a little update. In January, I decided to learn more about the craft of writing instead of focusing on querying.
It has been so freeing.
I started a middle grade fantasy project based on my entry for the Fog Lit Books For Young People Prize. I hit 40,000 words this week, and I love the story so much! The characters and their struggles feel real to me.
That’s not to say that the story is polished and well-crafted 😀 I have a lot of work ahead of me, but this first draft is stronger than previous novels I’ve written.
I’ve taken my time outlining and brainstorming. I don’t rush writing a scene. I go back to reread sections and delete chapters when the story veers off in the wrong direction. Sometimes, I even revise previous chapters.
In the past, I would write a messy first draft and feel overwhelmed. With this project, I feel less daunted by draft two. I can focus on deepening the characterization and subplots, instead of reworking the entire plot.
Taking time to focus on reading and writing has been exactly what I needed. The worry and stress over finding an agent and publisher began to steal the joy of writing away from me.
What about you? How are you doing?
Until next time,
Loie
This makes me so happy 🙂 I’m thrilled for you!
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Thanks, dear friend 😊❤️
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Oh, good for you. The submission process is so demoralizing. I had to take a break during the first few months of quarantine because I didn’t have the mental health to handle the rejections properly with everything going on. I let it go and just wrote and it felt wonderful. I’m glad you found a story that let you remember what it’s all about too.
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Thank you ❤️ Yes, it really can be. Totally get that re taking a breaking during the earlier months of quarantine. So freeing to just write for fun and for yourself 😊❤️
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