Reacquainted

Coming back to my story after a break of a few months, I realize I'd forgotten some little details. Yikes. Fortunately, it was names of things like a castle, an estate, and a few minor characters. But still, yikes.

At least I didn't put everything out of mind, it's not like I could forget Akeva and Brian after I searched long and hard for their names or how long I've worked with them before, although they are a bit more snarky than I recall. Is it me or them? Not sure that it matters, but should I try to hear/write them as I remember them, or as they sound now? I'll have to think about that.

This revision process also highlights lots of "missed opportunities," you know those things that don't look so good after some time and distance. The upside/downside ... I have lots of those to capitalize. The Emily Contest comments have been extremely helpful to understand what I can do to improve the story. I'm finally getting the "Show, Don't Tell" mantra that writers see and hear everywhere.

In all, this whole process is a good learning experience, and reiterates to me that I should find some critique partners soon.

It's also nice to get reacquainted with my story again. Sort of like when you get back in contact with old friends from high school and college. If only it were as easy as those sorts of reunions. Speaking of which, time to get back to my keyboard, I still have some catching up to do.

Back in the saddle again.

Last week's celebrating is finished. The family grilled me a wonderful dinner, and they baked a 7Up bundt cake. I've downloaded my  music and ordered a new hard drive.

Now I'm in the throes of line-editing, revising, and typing a 400 page beast of a mostly handwritten manuscript. I've arranged my notes on what to watch out for, printed out the Emily Contest judges' comments, and rearranged my workspace so I can have everything at hand.

And so, I'm back in the saddle again.