Round 2

I'm working on the second draft of All for Owen. In fact, I am already on chapter 7.

The second draft is really fun to write. It's different from the first in several ways. I already know the story. I know the characters much better. I know what plot problems I want to fix. Etc...

This time around, I'm really focusing on Character development and consistency. So far, I'm really pleased with the direction this draft is heading. Assuming I keep the pace going, my goal is to have the second draft finished in three weeks. (February 5th.) That means I'll be looking for beta readers around Valentines day.  Any takers?

So what am I reading?

  

This book is both inspirational and upsetting because Zusak's writing is just so good, it makes me realize how much work is ahead for me.

One Draft Down

Good news and bad news.

First the bad news. I didn't reach my goal of finishing the first draft of ALL FOR OWEN by Dec 21, 2012.

The good news is that the world didn't actually end, (whew) so I had more time. Today, I can announce that the first draft is finished!

It's weird because I really want to be happy and celebrate this momentous occasion, but it doesn't really feel like the big accomplishment it truly is. I had the same feeling when I finished the first draft of THE CAUSE. I guess I'm the type of person who climbs up a mountain, but instead of looking around and saying "Wow, I really did it," I look around and say, "Great, now I need to get all the way back to the car without killing myself."

I've started looking at the first two chapters and I know there are serious changes to be made. The really amazing part is that I have a starting point. I know the story now and the characters. So I'm going to take a breath, then head back down the mountain.