tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post8181978623608310796..comments2023-05-12T06:37:48.238-04:00Comments on Manuscript Mavens: This is Not a Post on DetailErica Ridleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511276393455961757noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-38842079104050609702007-06-27T20:30:00.000-04:002007-06-27T20:30:00.000-04:00Hi Kelly! I actually did get your email yesterday,...Hi Kelly! I actually did get your email yesterday, I just hadn't had a chance to respond yet. (Stupid 3rd-world-country dial up internet!) I just wrote you back. Sorry if you thought I was ignoring you!Erica Ridleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05511276393455961757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-14072441694269726182007-06-27T20:06:00.000-04:002007-06-27T20:06:00.000-04:00BTW, Erica, I tried to e-mail you about the Tampa ...BTW, Erica, I tried to e-mail you about the Tampa RWA meeting, but the e-mail address on your website didn't work.Kelly Krystenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540403635154064801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-23579113377524397192007-06-27T15:36:00.000-04:002007-06-27T15:36:00.000-04:00Darcy, I’m glad you’re getting the rewrite figured...Darcy, I’m glad you’re getting the rewrite figured out. Been there, moaned over that. Most of the time, though, I love change, which is why I’m always eager to start a new book. And tear my house apart, and repaint, and buy new tee-shirts, and… The list goes one. It’s a wonder I can sit at the computer long enough to finish a book. Looking forward to you new opening scene.<BR/><BR/>JaniceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-22560770155247838062007-06-27T15:01:00.000-04:002007-06-27T15:01:00.000-04:00Leigh, thanks for stopping by! Man, I hear you abo...Leigh, thanks for stopping by! Man, I hear you about the birth. My first child's birth did NOT go according to plan (and yes, I had a birth plan <I>and</I> a doula). My biggest fear was that I'd have a c-section, and guess what? I had a c-section. And the world didn't end. It wasn't the birth I dreamed of, but the joy of my daughter has far exceeded anything that happened that day. (In fact, being her mom is so far from what I'd <I>planned</I>, it's frightening, but that's a post for another day.) I'll be thinking of you!<BR/><BR/>Jacq - glad you're in MN safe and sound! On dial-up - blech!Darcy Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14819984559001912841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-10484480742731345442007-06-27T14:21:00.000-04:002007-06-27T14:21:00.000-04:00Hey! We miss you!Leigh -- I don't have kids so I c...Hey! We miss you!<BR/><BR/>Leigh -- I don't have kids so I can't really imagine what you're going through. But I'm sending good, healthy wishes your way!lacey kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04748864831060027009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-29103697396878796172007-06-27T14:01:00.000-04:002007-06-27T14:01:00.000-04:00Just popping by the blog to say I'm not ignoring a...Just popping by the blog to say I'm not ignoring all y'all, but am on the family vacation in Minnesota. And the Internet access here is...gasp...dial-up. (I'm sooooo spoiled!)<BR/><BR/>As the Mavens know, I had some pretty disappointing feedback from a contest on my first manuscript, the opening for which I *thought* I'd finally nailed, damn it! Let us just say that I was not a happy camper. I told the Mavens in chat I would probably just shelve the manuscript for good, in large part because everything I've ever done to make it better seems to make it worse instead :-). Maybe the problem is that it's just not fixable and it's time to move on. After all, that was the first manuscript of any length I ever stayed interested in writing long enough to finish. How am I going to stay interested enough in it to write it from beginning to end a SECOND time (especially when I have yet to find the enthusiasm to do the final edits it needs in THIS iteration)? Besides, I just couldn't think how to fix it without ruining the best part of the story (the likability of the hero and heroine). <BR/><BR/>But then I had an epiphany while making sandwiches for the flight. (Usually, I have them in the shower, but apparently sandwich-making is also good for epiphany production.) I think it's a great idea. Darcy (who was still on chat at the time, bless her) agreed. But it DOES require effectively writing the book over from scratch.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, long story short(er), I admire Darcy's ability to set aside what she's done before and write fresh. I find it VERY hard. Because once it's written, that's the way the story IS and it's very hard for me to see ANOTHER way to tell the story once it's there!Jackie Barbosahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02904049760374126059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-69477107671807574702007-06-27T14:00:00.000-04:002007-06-27T14:00:00.000-04:00Congrats on finaling! A Maven's first- two in one ...Congrats on finaling! A Maven's first- two in one contest! Luckily you aren't in the same category ;-)<BR/><BR/>I am currently terrified of unexpected change. Not with my WIP, but with my birth. I KNOW that what I most need is to trust and be flexable, but I just started to freak out that something UNEXPECTED is going to happen (which it will, I'm sure.) SO, I'd like to say that I roll with the punches (my WIP has certainly changed in many ways I never foresaw) but currently I just want to hold tight and pray that everything looks that way I want it to!!!Lady Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08524318995902667785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-26218962218717830282007-06-27T13:41:00.000-04:002007-06-27T13:41:00.000-04:00I often look back and shudder at the thought of wh...<I>I often look back and shudder at the thought of what would have happened if all my so-called plans had come to fruition. Thank goodness life took over instead!</I><BR/><BR/>I could not have said this better! Exactly the truth.Erica Ridleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05511276393455961757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-43514415940175237432007-06-27T12:19:00.000-04:002007-06-27T12:19:00.000-04:00Kel, I like when stuff strays. Keeps it fresh and ...Kel, I like when stuff strays. Keeps it fresh and interesting for me.<BR/><BR/>Lacey said:<BR/><I>But then, I also have *scads* of free time ;-P </I> <BR/>What I wouldn't kill for that for the next two weeks! I love the delete key now too. Very liberating. In fact, I'm currently deleting...Darcy Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14819984559001912841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-66710082355712668762007-06-27T12:10:00.000-04:002007-06-27T12:10:00.000-04:00I write a scene and then go for a walk.Me, too! I ...<I>I write a scene and then go for a walk.</I><BR/><BR/>Me, too! I like to de-stress from the whole writing thing and take a few minutes to think about what I just did and what I'm about to do. Especially if I'm planning to write two scenes in one day.<BR/><BR/>I like Bill's quote. So true.<BR/><BR/>I'm definitely a changer. I'm totally good with changing. It's not my PREFERENCE, don't get me wrong, but I can delete like a pro. It didn't used to be that way, but once I started seeing terrific results (clarity, prose, characterization, fun) I got really friendly with the delete key. Which probably drives all the other Mavens crazy. I'm the one who's always suggesting rewrites when something doesn't work. Doesn't work? Get rid of it! Change it! You're the author, for God sakes. You're not etching into a stone tablet.<BR/><BR/>But then, I also have *scads* of free time ;-Placey kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04748864831060027009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-83064296954341176382007-06-27T11:50:00.000-04:002007-06-27T11:50:00.000-04:00Merylf said:They don't even like changing the tone...Merylf said:<BR/><I>They don't even like changing the toner...</I><BR/><BR/>Bwa! When I worked outsid the ole homestead, I hated when people wouldn't change the toner in the copy machine. Drove me nuts! <BR/><BR/>B.E. - Sounds like your flexibility serves you well!<BR/><BR/>Maggie - Isabel was right, that's a great quote!<BR/><BR/>Bill said:<BR/><I>Thank goodness life took over instead!</I><BR/>Amen, brother! Classic quote from my husband when we were dating, "Well, it's not like were going to get married." (This was a mutual thought at the time.) Then he laughed and said, "Now I've said that we'll get married and have ten kids." He was half right. :-)<BR/><BR/>Vicki, the waiting <I>IS</I> hard! I probably should have waited to tacke rewrites yesterday until I talked through the issues with a Maven. Unfortunately, even Mavens have lives (gasp!). But, it turns out Mr. Burke is a great substitute Maven.<BR/><BR/>Marianne, I haven't heard "piano" before! LOL. I agree that exercise helps the thought process. I should have done that yesterday. <BR/><BR/>You're all giving me such great comments! Man, I love this blogging thing!Darcy Burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14819984559001912841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-74269736330631497842007-06-27T11:48:00.000-04:002007-06-27T11:48:00.000-04:00I roll with it. MY stories stray so much from my o...I roll with it. MY stories stray so much from my original idea for the better, imo, I would be in hot water if I didn't make the changes. But you illustrated perfectly why it's such hard work. Every minor change trickles down.Kelly Krystenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540403635154064801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-47967058476062940972007-06-27T11:28:00.000-04:002007-06-27T11:28:00.000-04:00I love the 'ah ha' moment. Just love it. I'm a pan...I love the 'ah ha' moment. Just love it. I'm a panser, so planning / plotting never go as expected.<BR/><BR/>I write a scene and then go for a walk. Strange, how the heart pumping faster seems to clarify things. Too bad, the exercise hasn't worked off my piano (the part over the fence last.) <BR/><BR/>But still, I do love the 'ah ha' moment---er, moments. <BR/><BR/>I carry a notepad, write down the new discovery, makes notes of scenes that will need to change in order to make the new development work, jot down some ideas about where and when to add foreshadowing, and then run home and make the changes. <BR/><BR/>Of course, the changes come after a quick snack. Hmmmm, maybe that is why the piano is still hanging (literally) around.Sookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04309019627346019836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-30188445900934862682007-06-27T11:21:00.000-04:002007-06-27T11:21:00.000-04:00It depends. If I really liked what I had and then...It depends. If I really liked what I had and then I'm told it doesn't work it's sometimes hard to change it. <BR/><BR/>Once I let it lie for a few days and go back to it then I almost always see they were right. That's when it becomes exciting for me. <BR/><BR/>I'm trying to get past this have to wait a couple of days first thing though.Vickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04521384704019863926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-80913769152443742902007-06-27T10:42:00.000-04:002007-06-27T10:42:00.000-04:00The point is, life deals you some cards and you ju...<I>The point is, life deals you some cards and you just play them the best you can. You can make it work. After all, this was supposed to be a blog post about details.</I><BR/><BR/>What is it they say about life is what happens while you are making other plans?<BR/><BR/>I often look back and shudder at the thought of what would have happened if all my so-called plans had come to fruition. Thank goodness life took over instead!Bill Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01828998021246511869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-57282275785657922492007-06-27T10:05:00.000-04:002007-06-27T10:05:00.000-04:00Attitude is everything :-)Exactly.Though I still h...<I>Attitude is everything :-)</I><BR/><BR/>Exactly.<BR/><BR/>Though I still have a hard time with change. When it comes to my book I take it one comment at a time. <BR/><BR/>Maggie, this is an awesome quote, <I>I'm really good with real life change.It's fiction that makes me suffer.</I><BR/><BR/>~Isabel~Isabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17024134017512079157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-24608835917233067172007-06-27T09:52:00.000-04:002007-06-27T09:52:00.000-04:00Plans, schmans. But I admit I am often loath to us...Plans, schmans. But I admit I am often loath to use the cut and paste feature, or God forbid, delete. Just because I wrote it and hit "save" doesn't meant it should be, though. :)<BR/><BR/>I'm really good with real life change.It's fiction that makes me suffer.Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12585076626818354332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-90513408105545074922007-06-27T09:08:00.000-04:002007-06-27T09:08:00.000-04:00Unexpect change? I roll with it. I reserve all e...Unexpect change? I roll with it. I reserve all excitement and/or gnashing of teeth until the change has been dealt with. Once everything is fine, then I can either hoot with happiness, or grouse about my bad luck.<BR/><BR/>Sorry your unexpected fixes are giving you trouble, but it sounds like you're tackling them. =oDB.E. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04336115135400388268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-14332128580101071722007-06-27T09:07:00.000-04:002007-06-27T09:07:00.000-04:00I thrive on forward movement and change, which is ...I thrive on forward movement and change, which is one reason my colleagues drive me batty. Luddites, the lot of them. They don't even like changing the <I>toner</I>...<BR/><BR/>Luckily this translates ok to my writing and, after I squash the ego (how DARE they say that! It's perfect! Bah!) I can work in change no problem.<BR/><BR/>Glad to see you got through what sounds like some tricky edits :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10255083486196598825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-60169067363718181232007-06-27T08:16:00.000-04:002007-06-27T08:16:00.000-04:00Yes, plans! Plans change! THANK YOU!Glad to see yo...Yes, plans! Plans change! THANK YOU!<BR/><BR/>Glad to see you're right on track with this. Can't wait to see your fixes (but will have to, because today's a very busy day for me).<BR/><BR/>Attitude is everything :-)lacey kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04748864831060027009noreply@blogger.com