Getting into the next novel

I'm really getting into the planning of GKS2.  But it seems the more I plan, the more I see plot issues from book 1 that need to be continued or resolved in the new book.  In some ways, I think writing a completely new novel would be easier but there is still lots of adventures left for Junya and his crew.  I'm quite excited to see where they go!

The Gatekeepers Son II?

With the first book in the line-editing stage, I've begun storyboarding my next book.  I've already written 3 chapters but I don't want to repeat the mistake I made with The Gatekeepers Son, which was writing without a clear plan.  I had an outline but with this book I want to try the storyboard.  I'm a visual person and like the idea of seeing it laid out in front of me.

Thought I gave up?

I just reread the last post and had to laugh.  I didn't give up!

To get you up to date, I finished the rewrite and submitted it in early December 2012.  It came back in January 2013 with the usual message-cut another 100 pages, along with some major plot fixes.  I completed those by August but my editor couldn't get to it until October.  

When it came back, I was surprised that she didn't ask for another 100 page cut.  Instead, she had just a few plot issues that needed fixing.  The novel was the most cohesive version yet.  Inspired and happy, I attacked the rewrite.   As usual, amazing inspiration appeared just at the right time and inam so pleased with the outcome.

The final version went back to my editor in December.   The novel is done!  Line editing begins this month (January 2014) and then the next chapter begins... Getting an agent!

I'll keep you posted.

Has it been that long?

Since I last wrote, I finished the novel and sent it to Shannon.  That was in November 2011.  She came back with encouraging words and the task of removing 100 pages!  So here I am, plugging alone with that and was doing okay, up until April. Then a few things happened: first, I'm renovating my loft and after about 2 years doing that, light appeared at the end of the long tunnel!  The job was nearly done and encouraged by that, I devoted all my time to that -with real measurable results.  It looks amazing!

This also meant my writing has suffered and I began to wonder about my novel.  A year goes by so quick and unlike my renovations, what tangible result do I have? An unfinished novel with no apparent end in sight; just more editing and rewrites.  Bleak thoughts.  I have so many things to do; my life is busy.  I know I shouldn't   give up but, gods, after all this time and work, my chances of being published are so low.  sure, one must never give up but I am getting one year older every time my editor sends it back for more work.  Even if everything goes well, I'll be 50 in a few years...

I don't know.

Kodo Drummers of Japan

We went to see the Kodo Drummers last Friday night at the Queen Elizabeth Theater. Third time for me and my girl, but we brought all the kids this time. What a great experience as usual!

The only thing you can really say after watching them drum for 90 minutes is that you have witnessed excellence. There is no other word to describe it.

Strive for excellence and that is what you will achieve.

Ah, the bleak winter is upon us...

A perfect time to write. 

I finished the second half of the book by my November deadline and talked to Shannon, my editor.  She suggested I do the re-writes before she read it again (she's busy), so off I went.  However, as is usual with me, I got bogged down.  I compare my writing to building a house.  First I build the framing, then I go back and add the wires and insulation and drywall and... --you get the idea-- as I do the rewrites. 

Well, I found it quite hard to add details to the second half since the first half hasn't been re-written, so back to the beginning I went and that's where I'm at now.  It is going well and meshes well with the ending.  But I need to hurry up and finish this book!  The world needs to read about Junya.  I can't wait to introduce you.   

I'll keep you posted.    

Oh... where did the summer go?

It's been a while since I last blogged.  So much has happened.  August was a busy month.  I spent most of it in Japan, partly doing research but mostly trying to stay cool, which is nearly impossible.  However, I managed to do more location scouting in Matsue city, finding both a suitable location for the Ninja house and details on Matsue castle.  Both are necessary for the book.  I fulfilled one item on my 'bucket list' too, when I visited and stayed at the World Heritage site in Takayama, Gifu,  We stayed over night in a tradition house, an inn actually and had a great time.  I will use it some day in a book, for sure!

Traditional Housing in Shirakawa-gō

So, about that novel...  My editor was flattering, even as she tore my novel to shreds!  While it took some time to absorb, she was right about everything.  The plot is fine but there are so many things I need to cut, to clarify and strengthen.  While she edited the first half, I'm not even working on that right now.  At this point, I am working on the ending - not a small deal - writing it based on the changes I will make later on the first half.  Confusing?  Yeah, but it actually is working quite well and the ending will be so much better than i hoped for.  Thanks Shannon!  The due date is November 30.  Will I make it?