Saturday, July 27, 2013

Editing and Querying and More Editing and Querying: A Mid-Year Review

Okay, so it's a bit past the middle of the year. I find myself in a contemplative state (those of you that know me are thinking "shocker!" in very sarcastic tones) about what I've accomplished so far this year, and what I want to finish up. I've not been blogging a whole lot this year, so here's a quick rundown of what I've been up to:

  • I changed my first book from third to first person and worked on a new beginning
  • I got into Pitch Wars with my third book, got some agent requests and sent out some queries
  • I wrote about a quarter of a new middle grade steampunk before stopping to work on edits on my third book based on feedback from the agents
  • Needed some space from my third book so rewrote my second book, changing my protag from a vampire to another supernatural being I created, since vamps are so oversaturated in the market now
  • Currently querying that and getting some agent nibbles
  • Now back to work on my third book, editing ferociously and without mercy
I kind of feel like I've been spinning in circles, but I think I'm finally making some progress. Once I finish edits on my third book, I'd like to finish up the first draft of the steampunk before the end of the year.

What has everyone else been up to? Have I missed anything important during my lack of regular blog hopping?

14 comments:

  1. You have a lot of projects in the mix. I can only focus on one thing at a time. Not good, but that's the way I roll.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow - well done on so many achievements. I once rewrote from third to first and it was hard work but the ms was a million times better for it.

    What a great idea for a post btw! You've inspired me :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like you're staying busy and productive. I'm still working on my YA WIP. Since you write kidlit, will you be at the SCBWI conference in LA?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like you've had a busy and productive few months. You go, girl! Congrats on the nibbles, too. One of us has to get somewhere this year. ;o)

    Me, I'm still working on this rewrite. I was supposed to finish it by the end of this month, but I'm being a toad. The weather's been so nice and there's so much yardwork to do... excuses, excuses.

    Keep up the good work and blog when you get time. =o)

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you could change your vampire to another creature then his vampiric nature was not core to who he was -- how in-depth were your views into his thinking in the book?

    It's not that vampires cannot be done anymore but that we must make a different, new twist to an old cliche. I wish you luck in all your endeavors!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good question - I should have elaborated. The new being I made up is still vampiric in nature. I used a blending of different Irish myths on vampiric creatures, and some involved creatures that sucked souls or life force instead of blood, which I really liked, but I used the Irish Gaelic words for 'soul thief' since I didn't really like the names of these creatures in the Irish legends. Anyways, as you say a twist on what is essentially still similar to a vamp.

      Delete
  6. You've been very busy...and best of luck with the agent nibbles....:) Like you, I've got several pieces in the works right now. I'm also working on a YA steampunk / fantasty story:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow; you've been busy! Good luck with the querying; hope they fight over who gets you first :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Alexia, you have been super busy rewriting loads of books. Hope the agent nibbles turn into offers. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ugh, I couldn't imagine having the change the POV of one of my books. So time-consuming! But you've definitely been busy. Keep going!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm glad that you're making progress, even if sometimes it seems like you're not. But every re-write, every experiment with different POVs, it's all part of the process. And I'm glad you're surging ahead with the queries and the agents!

    Jai

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey there! Yep you have been busy. And i know just how you feel. Blogging had to take a back burner for me all summer so I can focus on my stories.
    Best of luck with your subs!! Hope you get some good news soon!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You're doing awesome! I admire your work ethic. Something will happen for you soon. I know it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, sounds like you have been getting a LOT done!

    ReplyDelete

I love talking with friends new and old! What's on your mind?