(no subject)

[rimturse]

So the first week of the revise marathon resulted in nothing, zip, nada, intet, nichts. Let's see if I can do better this week. It should be possible after updating the shop.

Yesterday I read journals on writing; writer's journals, editor's journals, and agent's journals. Many of them hinted at the same thing; that the first novel you write will never be really good, because you're just learning the craft. This got me thinking. I have (and still am) learning by writing The Hunt. I have numerous rewrites to show for it and I am hoping it will be good one day. However, is it possible, despite rewrites, to make a good book out of something that wasn't that well-planned or well-written from the beginning on? I am torn. I want to finish the story. I have plans for a triology. But am I beating a dead horse? Is it better to save what little writing time I have and spend it on something new? *doubtful*

Painted this weekend. Am almost done with Isaac's portrait, I just need to finish his shoulder, paint in his little eyebrows, add the last background, and give the whole thing a highlight/shading check. Mai and Whisper are not forgotten either. Mai is completed, Whisper still needs some work, but he shouldn't take more than an hour or two.

PS. Since last Monday, I've dedicated 2 hours a day to housework. I've found that pottering around tidying for the first hour after I wake up works really well. The remaining hour is even spread throughout the afternoon. The apartment is not spotless yet, but it's getting there.

Comments

[jmeadows.livejournal.com]

Woo hoo! I can't wait to see how they turn out!

[(Anonymous)]

I hope first novels aren't doomed to failure, because I have high hopes for *The Changeling* still! I love the story and I love the characters and I don't want to give up on them. I say, keep working on it if you still feel the *magic*. (Magic is that indefinable quality that makes me love a story I'm writing or reading--yeah, real helpful definition (non-definition?!), I know :D).

~Rabia

[navicat.livejournal.com]

Don't fret, it's so NOT doomed to failure! :D

[frigg.livejournal.com]

I'll buy the magic theory. Although it migh turn out like a quote we used when I studied natural science: "And suddenly the beautiful theory was ruined by an ugly fact." :)

[everyonesakitty.livejournal.com]

I def think *most* people's first novels are probably for practice. My first 2 or 3 were definitely for practice. They suck beyond all help.

But there are plenty of authors who publish the first book they ever write to great success. (Rowling, Guest)

I'd say go with your gut. What always helps me see whether a book is worth my time is moving on to the next book. *shrugs*

(And The Hunt is totally worth your time, dude...)

[frigg.livejournal.com]

Thank you! *going with gut*

[navicat.livejournal.com]

I've battled with this demon many-a-time :) I tell myself, well, I chucked 'Traveller' so technically 'Apprentice' is the SECOND book. BUT I never actually finished Traveller so maybe it doesn't count...*continue ad inifinitum*

So I just stick to my NEW writing mantra: "Just close your eyes and keep walking" *giggles*

[frigg.livejournal.com]

And so it is hereby confirmed that Jo writes with her eyes closed! *lol*

[cathemery.livejournal.com]

If you're a touch-typist, it isn't the writing with your eyes closed that gets you. .. . it's the REVISING! ;)

[frigg.livejournal.com]

*lol*

[navicat.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...it could explain the spelling mistakes :)