Editing the Seven Seas

This week I will begin editing the first draft of my YA novel.

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What's with the photo?

What is its relevance?

Mmm, well.....how about:

"Setting sail on the next stage of this novel writing journey".

I know!

Sorry.

But I was a little stuck for images. I had to make this one fit somehow. Sort of.

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This photo was taken on a showery day in Lerryn, Cornwall. A couple of weeks ago we went on a boat trip from Fowey to Lerryn and back to celebrate my goddaughter's Birthday. Despite the rain showers it was a fun trip for all.

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So here's the thing: I'm actually quite nervous about beginning the edits.

Why?

Because when I edited the children's book I wrote last year it all went horribly wrong. I edited out every last scrap of joy.

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But.....................

I learnt a lot in the process of writing and editing that first book.

And I am excited about this YA novel. I'm really pleased with it and in many ways am looking forward to polishing it so that it can truly shine. (Yet another cliche inspired sentence. Note to self: must ensure novel is free of them)

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Yet, I've still got butterflies in my stomach. (Surely that's an original description of nerves. No? Been used before? Damn!)

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Maybe I'm so nervous because this novel is worth getting right.

Or I'm just chicken.

Cluck.

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Please share your editing wisdom.

Ease my anguish - throw me a life raft! (Okay that's the last nauseating pun)

And wish me luck.

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Well time to depart on this next journey.

Anchors away!

(Sorry I just couldn't help but put in a departing dose of cheese. I promise that my novel will be free of such things.) (Hopefully)

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Celebration - First Draft Complete

Yesterday I completed the first draft of my YA novel. The word count total for this first draft was 74,030. By far the largest single piece of writing I've ever finished.

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I'm especially happy with what I've achieved because of all the health set backs I've had recently. Last night I was buzzing & jittery - not sure what to do with myself and missing my characters already. I decided on wine, food & celebration!

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I'm really pleased with this first draft and can't wait to start editing it. Any advice on how long I should leave it before starting the edits?

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I've so much other work to catch up on but am already getting distracted by the sequel I have partially planned in my head.

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But for today - a little rest. My 5 year old was awake half the night with nightmares. He bounced to school. I'm dead on my feet. Oh to have a child's energy....

5 things this week......

I haven't been a very good blogger - sorry about that. So what the heck have I been doing? Here are 5 of the things I've been up to this past week...........

1. I've been busy writing my YA novel & have completed 37 out of 40 chapters!

2. I read 'The Demon's Lexicon' by Sarah Rees Brennan. An amazing YA urban fantasy book. I challenge any reader not to fall in love with Alan & Nick. I don't know how I'm going to wait until next year for the sequel.

3. I attended my children's school sports day. Cheered loudly & generally became over involved. Photo opposite is of my five year old being a super star.

4. I've been enjoying the Lillies that my friend gave me. Every time I come downstairs I smell their wonderful sweet aroma & enjoy the sight of them decorating my dining room window.

5. I've ordered a copy of the Writers and Artists Yearbook 2010 in the hope that I will soon have my YA novel at a stage where I can start sending it to agents. (remaining hopeful)