Home

Previous Entry | Next Entry

On Revisions...

  • Nov. 10th, 2009 at 9:35 PM
ironbridge
"Never think of revising as fixing something that is wrong. That starts you off in a negative frame of mind. Rather think of it as an opportunity to improve something you already love."
-Marion Dane Bauer


Last night I got my first ever editorial letter. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am absolutely certain that THE IRON WITCH will be better for it. I am excited. (And terrified... *g*) There was something almost magical about opening up that Word document, printing out the letter, and then taking my time as I read through the contents. I could feel my mind expand with the possibilites for this book; I just hope I can do myself and my characters justice. I hope I'm good enough.

I'll be busy over the next couple of months, but I will still try to keep up with people online and off - and I'll let you know how it's going. I have plenty of time for these edits, so I don't need to rush.

I'm also going to attempt to complete the second draft of Moth's novel (BEAUTIFUL GHOSTS) by the end of November, in line with my goals for [info]jonowrimo. I have lots of lovely people waiting to read it (yay!), but I've promised my mum the first copy of the manuscript as an early Christmas present. She reads everything I write and gives really helpful feedback. Not only does she cook me an amazing dinner every Sunday, she's a great beta reader... What more could I ask for? ;)
hit counter code

Comments

( 53 comments — Leave a comment )
[info]lazy_iris wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 10:25 pm (UTC)
You're totally good enough!!!

And I love that quote :)
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 07:38 pm (UTC)
Thanks, you're always good for my ego. ;P
[info]olmue wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 10:27 pm (UTC)
Good luck! And enjoy the experience.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 07:42 pm (UTC)
I will try to enjoy it... O.o Heh.
[info]barbhendee wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 10:33 pm (UTC)

Oh, Karen, JC and I didn't know anything about the publishing business when we sold Dhampir--and I mean, anything.

So, we genuinely didn't know what to expect after signing the contract.

When a twelve-page, single-spaced revision letter arrived, we both just stared at it in shock.

We thought we must be the worst writers in the whole world!

It wasn't until later that we realized this was "normal" and simply the next step in the process. Ah well.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 07:23 pm (UTC)
Oooh... 12 pages!! That must've been tough for the first one. ;) But yes, totally normal.

And although the work involved is HARD, it really does lead to a better book.

Talking of books, I bought Blood Memories today! Looking forward to it - I've been waiting for the mass market edition. :)
(no subject) - [info]barbhendee - Nov. 11th, 2009 07:32 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]kaz_mahoney - Nov. 11th, 2009 08:21 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]barbhendee - Nov. 12th, 2009 04:08 pm (UTC) Expand
[info]annastan wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 11:17 pm (UTC)
That MDB quote is one of my favorites - I use it in my writing class when the students start working on revisions. Good luck with the "improving"!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:44 pm (UTC)
Thank you! I only just found this quote and it's perfect. :)
[info]theinkymuse wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 11:29 pm (UTC)
You're definitely going to do great with the revisions. I'm a psychic, so take my word for it. :)

And your mom is awesome. I wish my mine was interested in my writing, haha. :p
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:50 pm (UTC)
Psychic, hmm? That could come in handy... ;P

My mum *is* awesome, I have to say. (She makes up for my dad...) Maybe once yours sees how serious you are about writing, she'll come around to it. Or maybe she's secretly proud?
(no subject) - [info]theinkymuse - Nov. 12th, 2009 12:56 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]kaz_mahoney - Nov. 12th, 2009 03:13 pm (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]theinkymuse - Nov. 15th, 2009 12:22 am (UTC) Expand
[info]jongibbs wrote:
Nov. 10th, 2009 11:53 pm (UTC)
Good luck with those edits :)
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:53 pm (UTC)
Thanks. I am a little overwhelmed with it today...
[info]reneesweet wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 12:25 am (UTC)
ZOMG! First edit letter!!!!! Yaaaaaay!!!! Can't wait to hear all about it! :)

And, yeah. You're absolutely good enough. Brian obviously thinks so. :)
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:54 pm (UTC)
*beams* I need to email you, I know I am horrible for not getting to it yet.

I don't want to let anyone down, you know?
[info]music_lover3 wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 02:10 am (UTC)
You are so good enough! Good luck with edits, I know you'll do great! And yay on the first editorial letter!!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:58 pm (UTC)
Thank you... *lowers voice* I'm a little scared today. It'll be fine though. I think. O.o
(no subject) - [info]music_lover3 - Nov. 11th, 2009 09:27 pm (UTC) Expand
[info]kellyrfineman wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 02:46 am (UTC)
Love that MDB quote. Congrats on the revision letter!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:58 pm (UTC)
Thank you!! :)
[info]psynde wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 04:47 am (UTC)
wow your edit letter..Im so excited for you!! You will do fab I know it..
hugs..and hopes that I actually get to meet you in person one day!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:59 pm (UTC)
I really hope I can do this!! Thanks. :)

And big hugs back. Same to you, dude.
[info]veschwab wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 04:56 am (UTC)
Perfect quote :)

I have no doubt that you will ROCK THIS. You already know that.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:59 pm (UTC)
*prepares for ROCKING* ;)
[info]sheela_chari wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 05:13 am (UTC)
Yay, K!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 08:59 pm (UTC)
:) I love that - I have a new name. I am K!
[info]spiritworld25 wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 06:49 am (UTC)
Sounds like your ready to go, that's great to hear. I wish you luck with the revisions. :) Happy writing.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:00 pm (UTC)
Thank you - same to you!
[info]esssjay wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 07:50 am (UTC)
You'll do a brilliant job, then next thing you know you'll be looking a drafts of your cover design - imagine that!

Enjoy your revisions :)
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:01 pm (UTC)
Gah!!! Don't even get me started! I can't wait! :D

Heh.

I like that icon, btw. Nice. :)
[info]lilifae wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:50 am (UTC)
So excited for you my friend! You are totally up to it, you know it! No doubt allowed. ;-)

Looking fwd to hearing about the letter and catching up.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:01 pm (UTC)
*tries to hide doubts in handbag*

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!! :)
[info]dragon_crier wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 10:39 am (UTC)
Good luck, and have fun with it! Hope things keep going well for you.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:04 pm (UTC)
Things are... busy. But okay. :)

Thanks! Hope you're doing well, too!
[info]faerie_writer wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 12:57 pm (UTC)
I could feel my mind expand with the possibilites for this book;

I love that feeling! Good luck with your revisions! :D
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:04 pm (UTC)
Now I just have to make what's in the manuscript match up to those possibilities... ;)
[info]phoenixfirewolf wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 02:19 pm (UTC)
Ohh... good luck :) And yes, you are good enough. :)
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:04 pm (UTC)
I might make that my new mantra! :)
(no subject) - [info]phoenixfirewolf - Nov. 12th, 2009 06:46 pm (UTC) Expand
[info]daydreammuse wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 02:30 pm (UTC)
Good luck, love. :) I am looking forward to hear how the process is working out for you. This will be quite the interesting time in your career to observe as wanna-be's.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:05 pm (UTC)
Oh, stop it. You're not a wannabe - you're DOING IT, right? :)
(no subject) - [info]daydreammuse - Nov. 12th, 2009 06:38 am (UTC) Expand
[info]meredith_wood wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 03:07 pm (UTC)
You're good enough. ;-) Also, I want your mum!
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:05 pm (UTC)
Thanks, dude. :)

*clutches Mum to her* She's mine! LOL.
[info]jessica_shea wrote:
Nov. 11th, 2009 09:42 pm (UTC)
It's lovely that your mum's supportive! My dad's been great about asking to read my work, and it means so much.

Good luck with the revisions! Expanding possibilities is a great way to think of it.

[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 12th, 2009 03:15 pm (UTC)
It makes a difference when you have at least ONE family member supporting your dreams. I can't say the same for everyone in my family, but my mum is awesome. :) I'm glad you have that in your dad.

Thanks for the good wishes - I feel like I need them!
[info]lloveland wrote:
Nov. 12th, 2009 02:21 am (UTC)
Love that quote! Thanks for the inspiration on my LJ-very sweet of you. In awe of how you take this in stride.
[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Nov. 12th, 2009 03:16 pm (UTC)
*lowers voice* I'll let you into a secret. Honestly, I am terrified half of the time, but I love to write and I want to get my stories out there... I have to do what it takes, even when it's hard. :)
( 53 comments — Leave a comment )

Profile

Wonder Woman
[info]kaz_mahoney
Karen Mahoney

Currently Reading:


UK edition


US edition

hit counter code

Latest Month

December 2009
S M T W T F S
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Tags

Powered by LiveJournal.com
Designed by Haze McElhenny