Teller of tales. Lover of words. Writer of stories for children & young adults.
I’ve been so deep in the writing cave, that I’ve neglected my Motivational Monday series. I’ve finished the first draft now, and it’s sitting, gaining perspective. š I’ve switched to revising a picture book manuscript and preparing for my fall classes, which start in two weeks. There’s never a dull moment! On that note, hope these are inspiring!
I’m in the thick of rewriting my WIP and I’m happy to say it’s finally flowing, that I’m finally progressing. I’ve covered 27K in two weeks, and I’m hopeful that in another three, I’ll be done with the first draft. I finally worked through my desireĀ to go back and re-read/edit every. freaking. scene. It was a struggle, but I pushed through it. What helped me? Remembering this:
It’s okay to make mistakes in the first draft. For me, it’s a journey of discovery, and in attempts to try to “get it right” right away, I was shutting down. I also realized that in order to be able to reviseĀ anything, I needed to writeĀ something first. And I had a plan, an outline. At first, I fretted that I didn’t have all the details worked out. That I only knew with certainty the major plot points, how it ends. I also had the first half more fleshed out, but that second half scared the bejeezers out of me. Because while I knew what was going to happen, I wasn’t sure how I was going to connect the dots. Then I remembered this:
And I took it by sections. As I connected the inciting incident to the first plot point, the events coming right after came into focus. As I connected the first plot point to the second, the details after that became clear. It’s been a dance. Write, flesh out outline more. Write, flesh out outline more. I’m happy with this progress, and I feel more confident with how the story is evolving. I have half the manuscript written, and though the other half is still blank:
You would think that with two other manuscripts under my belt, I would feel more confident and comfortable with this one. But truth be told, each one has brought with it a different process, and a different set of emotional expectations. I’ve done a lot of soul searching with this WIP. It’s too close to my own experiences with my autoimmune disorder, and because of that, it’s too painful at times. I find myself wanting to protect my MC–a lot, too much–and I’ve learned to identify this problem so I can fix it.Ā Because it’s been hard to write, I know it’s important to write.
I’m hopeful and optimistic I will be writing THE END by August 1st. Then I look forward to revision, when I can take this clump of words and continue shaping it into the story I know it can be.
Happy writing, everyone!
I’m in the process of rewriting my WIP. And by rewriting, I mean starting back from the blank page when I was already half-way done because my story wasn’t working, even though I’d plotted it out. Even though I’d prepared. It just wasn’t working. If you’ve ever had to start over, I don’t have to tell you how frustrating that can be. All the work, gone. But it isn’t wasted because I learned along the way, and what I learned will hopefully make this new draft not suck so bad so I can move on with revisions. As I tackle this overhaul, I’m reminded of how difficult writing can be–and yet how absolutely amazing and rewarding it is if we simply follow through. So this is a reminder to all not to give up, regardless of where you are in the process. You’re just starting? Don’t give up. Querying? Don’t give up. On submissions? Don’t give up. Just keep writing, keep revising, and keep reaching for your dreams because they WILL happen if you’re willing to work for them.
But perhaps one of my favorite quotes that reminds me it’s all possible–
and it’s a quote I have on my business cards–is this one:
Because…
Isn’t this the truth? I swear, sometimes I go through all of these in one day!
This week’s Motivational Monday revolves around plot. I’m in the midst of re-plotting and re-writing my WIP, so these are particularly useful for me right now. All come from my Pinterest board on writing. Enjoy!
But every once in a while…
If you like retellings, Vivi Barnes‘ OLIVIA TWISTED is for you! It’s Oliver Twist with computer hackers. With alternating points of view, and tackling themes of abandonment, abuse, and hope–and of love and loss–Vivi delivers a novel that is emotionallyĀ true.
Here’s the blurb:
Olivia
He tilts my chin up so my eyes meet his, his thumb brushing lightly across my lips. I close my eyes. I know Z is trouble. I know that being with him is going to get me into trouble. I donāt care.
At least at this moment, I donāt care.
Tossed from foster home to foster home, Oliviaās seen a lot in her sixteen years. Sheās hardened, sure, though mostly just wants to fly under the radar until graduation. But her natural ability with computers catches the eye of Z, a mysterious guy at her new school. Soon, Z has brought Liv into his team of hacker eliteābreak into a few bank accounts, and voila, he drives a motorcycle. Follow his lead, and Olivia might even be able to escape from her oppressive foster parents. As Olivia and Z grow closer, though, so does the watchful eye of Bill Sykes, Zās boss. And heās got bigger plans for Livā¦
Z
I can picture Livās face: wide-eyed, trusting. Her smooth lips that taste like strawberry Fanta.
It was just a kiss. Thatās all. Sheās just like any other girl.
Except that sheās not.
Thanks to Z, Oliviaās about to get twisted.
What I loved about OLIVIA TWISTED most were the characters. The novel is told in alternating POVs from Olivia and Z’s perspective. When done well, I really enjoy dual POVs because they add depth to a work. Vivi did it well! The chapters headings contain the characters’ names, so we know immediately whose POV we’re in, but honestly, I didn’t need them. Olivia and Z’s voices were distinct enough that I just knew. This is so hard to pull off (I know–I’ve tried! lol) and Vivi did a fabulous job with channeling both characters. I loved Olivia. She was strong and stubborn and a quick-thinker–and the computer hacking part was so cool! I admit I know zilch about it, but the way Vivi works it into the plot, through the characters, was seamless. Z was mysterious and though he had this bad-boy exterior, his complexity was awesome. Sam was so much fun, too! I loved her.
There was a twist, which I sort of saw coming, but I wasn’t 100% correct. The pacing was perfect–I read this in practically one sitting, and Vivi had the perfect combination of tension and romance and action that kept me entertained, emotionally engaged, and reading because I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I was hooked.
Vivi Barnes is one cool kid. She’s hilarious and sweet and so much fun to be around–just ask anyone who knows her or who’s met her at an SCBWI Florida Conference. (Every year, I look forward to seeing what elaborate costume she comes up with for the next conference ball!) You can follow her on TwitterĀ or check out her website for updates.Ā Her new book, PAPER OR PLASTIC, comes out winter 2015 from Entangled Teen! I can’t wait to read it!
I may have been late to OLIVIA TWISTED (it debuted Nov 5, 2013 and I didn’t get to read it until May 2014), but I’m so happy I finally did!
One of the best things about summer vacation is that I get to read to my heart’s content. Stay up late? No problem. I can sleep in or nap the next day. All semester long, I accumulated this fabulous TBR pile that, because of work and revisions, I couldn’t get to, but oh how I wanted to.
I broke my reading fast with GILDED by Christina Farley. I met Christina at the 2013 SCBWI Florida Mid-Year Workshops. Actually, it was during the Elixir Mixer, where my friend Larissa introduced us. We got to talking about multicultural books and myths and the richness of other cultures when she told me about her debut novel, GILDED, a YA contemporary fantasy whichĀ features Korean mythology. She gave me her card, and I immediately started following her on Twitter. When her book released on March 1, I cursed I couldn’t read it immediately. When I finally did in early May, though, I was not disappointed!
Here’s the blurb:
This week, I thought this was pertinent. It seems thatĀ I’ve been working at a snail’s pace lately. I won’t stop, and I know I’ll reach THE END soon enough, but it’s a good reminder that it isn’t always about how fast we reach the finish line–it’s about finishing the race.
I’m baaaaaack.
The semester is over. Revisions are done. And I’m officially on summer vacation.
It might take me a little bit to unwind because, let’s face it. There’s so much truth to this picture:
The end of the semester came with its usual flare-up–though it was a bit harsher than the last one–so I’ve been focusing on healing, resting, and getting better. It was bitter, coming on the heels of a great month and a half (Jan-Feb) where I thought for sure I was in remission. I suppose it’s always harder that way, isn’t it? When you’ve had a taste of “normal” only to then be whacked by the pain and exhaustion. But onward. The rest is helping and I’m feeling better, limping less, sleeping more. And writing more, which absolutely, positively helps me improve. Thank God for this blessing!
I’m looking forward to being back, to resuming my Motivational Monday series and bringing in some new projects here on the blog.
Happy writing, everyone!
Alexandra Alessandri 