First, thanks to those who offered their editing opinions in response to my last post. Most significantly, I amended that troublesome sentence to: “One way or another, we would’ve wound up The Crazy Freshmen, aka Space Cadet, me, and Beaker Brain, Isaac.” That takes care of that, yes?
I had combined short paragraphs, as instructed by the editor, but most of you agreed they were better separate. Later, I went back and looked at the combined sentences, and it just didn’t feel right. So, I separated them back a little more.
The comma after “Hopefully” will come over my cold, dead body!!! Okay, fine, maybe not, but what about here: “Hopefully Ben could avoid being named publicly.” I need a comma after that one? Really? I might point out that my blog editor friend didn’t flag either of these on his read… I might point that out, but I won’t because that would be rude.
I have until August 16 to turn in my final draft of Wish YOU Were Here. Shouldn’t be a problem. But do you know what I AM seeing as a problem?
Friggin’ Book 3!
Remember how I was told to have Book 2 turned in when Book 1, Wish I Was Here, was in presale? I sweat that task pretty hard, but did complete it. That was when I already had most of Book 2 written or at least knew what was going to happen.
Book 3? Pish! Scoff! I’m screwed. I had three different opening scenes written–get this–years ago. They were all terrible. Seventeen pages in one Word doc featured a new character I now realize I don’t actually have a use for. Aside from a few witty lines I might rehome, this opener is useless except as a “bonus feature” for super fans, though they may take scissors to their fan club membership cards after reading.
Book 2 may go into presale in December–good news for Christmas gifts–bad news for me being ready with Book 3.
After hiding in my room Sunday to write, I asked Hubby how long I’d been in there. He said about three hours. Three hours?! All I’d done was edit a few pages for my “fourth time’s the charm?” opening pages.
That’s!
It!
Why am I sooooooooo slow at this?
I decided to start this book with a bang, so, a couple pages in, explosion. Talk about an inciting incident! And, oh, the places book research has taken me… Still keeping a look out my window for the Feds to show up.
You know how we writers do.
What’s that other thing I do? Oh right…
Jiu-Jitsu! I love that the book’s fight scenes don’t require any special research. That be straight up first person knowledge, yo!
In one class, I did a move with Instructor. “Yes!” he said. Then, “Guys, check this out.” The dudes turned to look, but of course I didn’t know what I had done so well. When I tried again, Instructor had to tell me to go back and do it a particular way. Figures.
Instructor has multiple skills. Another time, there were two guys waiting on the benches for the next class. Their loud voices made it hard to hear Instructor. He paused and turned to them. I internally cringed for their imminent reprimand. Instead, Instructor said, “Hey, guys, watch this. It’s really cool.”
They stopped talking and watched. It was masterfully handled. What a guy.
I have this bizarre uncontrollable habit of making sound effects when I do a lot of the moves. Some people have called it hilarious. I wonder if those who say nothing are secretly annoyed.
I also made the mistake of talking out my strategy while rolling (sparring) with Thoughtful One. Surprise of all surprises–he countered my move.
“I probably shouldn’t talk through what I’m trying to do,” I said. He merely smiled.
However, I finally pulled off this cool technique called Bow and Arrow. I like it. I think it’s one I’ll keep in my… quiver.
Snort. Eye roll.
Another fun thing: I was working with Thoughtful One when Instructor walked over with my attendance card and pointed out, “You’re getting close to your first stripe!”
Aww. He cares. Once I get that stripe; however, it’s back to an empty card and a long haul to the next stripe. Whew. This Jiu-Jitsu stuff is a long distance swim.
Much like writing novels. Ah, full circle.
Q: “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world” is the epitaph engraved on the gravestone of this mid-20th-century American poet.
Andrew answers correctly in 5, 4, 3, 2, …
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Writing and Martial Arts 
All of the commas and structure are somebody else’s job right.. lol
Wow, already on to book 3, impressive.. good luck with getting book 2 out!!❣️
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Well, sort of. This editor said I’m allowed to take or leave her suggestions. I just want to do the best thing in each instance, hence crowd sourcing for feedback. And, thanks, Cindy! 🙂
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The answer has to be Robert Frost unless someone else plagiarized it. Good luck on book three.
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Correct! And thank you!
Ah-ha! My phone just notified me that you reposted on X. Thank you, as always! 🙂
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Of course.
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Good for you, you’re making great progress on completing the final draft of your second novel! Starting book three with a bang sounds great. Funny that you should mention the Feds showing up 😀 I woke from such a nightmare this morning. As writers, book research can definitely leave dangerous trails on our search record.
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For sure on the search trails. I’m guessing the robots searching our searches maybe also know we’re writers?? I’m sorry you had a nightmare about that! And, yes, hopefully I’ll put Book 2 to rest soon so I can fully focus on Book 3. It needs a ton, ton of work!
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In your quiver — ha, ha, ha! Good one. I think you are just letting go of the things you don’t want to write for book 3 and when you get those out of the way, it’ll all flow. I’m sure of it!
And I’m laughing about telling your moves out loud — hmm, definitely don’t play poker!
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That’s such a nice thought, Wynne. Thank you! Another “problem” was, after I wrote the fabulous Seattle chapters, I realized, “Wait! That new character isn’t here. How will I explain that?” Now, since I’ve exiled her to the discarded character bin, that problem is solved. 🙂
I know it will all come together, eventually, but oh, the challenge! It will be a beautiful thing when it’s complete. Such an exciting hope!
I love how you laugh at the things I laugh at! You’re often the only one who points those bits out. Thank you, friend!
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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“Why am I sooooooooo slow at this?” Oh it’s all about perspective!!! You’re further along than someone who never started or never finished a novel. Yes, deadlines suck, but you’ll get there!!! Plus, you need to finish so I find out the ending!!!! Ha ha. 🤣🤣🤣😎😎😎
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With the thought firmly in front of me of: “Brian needs to know how this ends,” I will write like the wind! Thanks for that motivation, B!
BTW, have you chosen sides? I have people in both the Ben and Isaac camps. Some friends are going to be disappointed either way. Eek. Oops.
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You’re very talented, Ilsa. Do the best you can, and everything will, hopefully, come out great.
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Thanks, Tim. That’s very kind of you. Eventually I’ll be writing a post saying, “I finished!” That’ll be a great day. Maybe I’ll buy expensive chocolate to celebrate. 🙂
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That’ll be a wonderful post, Ilsa. 😍
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Yes! And a tasty treat. 😉
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Well, with all the hints about book 2 I am getting excited. As to the Feds, well, I think it’s a known fact around the internet that you are an author so I wouldn’t worry. Much. Umm, there haven’t been any strange, black Suburbans cruising your neighbor hood, have there? (Cues up Secret Agent Man theme song.)
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I’m totally hearing the song in my head now! 😛
I’m glad you’re excited. I’m excited too. Hopefully I can get signed copies out to my Faithful Few for Christmas. Otherwise, it’s a March 11 publication date for the riffraff. 😉
And I’ll keep my eye out for black Suburbans just in case. Good tip. 🙂
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😁
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