Word count (to the nearest thousand): 66,000 (and rising)
Status: Incorporating feedback from my latest batch of betas
Attitude: Fluttery
Fluttery because I’m excited. Fluttery because I’m nervous. Fluttery because I’m fast approaching Bob’s first birthday and I can’t believe it’s been a YEAR.
This week, I plan to put together what I hope will be my last revision outline, and then I’ll only have to pretty up each chapter according to said outline. (Well, I also plan to try that dreaded out-loud read again, but as we all remember how well that went a few months ago, I’m still kind of ignoring it…)
My first batch of betas caught the major problems with my plot and story construction, and my second batch uncovered some issues with characterization and world building. That’s just how it should be, I think--the first batch found the biggest problems, and the second batch the second biggest problems. Interestingly, none of my second-batch betas brought up the same major issues my first batch did, which (hopefully) means I fixed those plot problems. Phew.
Depending on how I feel about this fifth draft once I finish it, I may decide to give Bob to a third round of beta readers, but for now, I’m thinking these two will be good. Which means I’ll probably be ready to query by late September.
Wowsers. Querying by late September.
And that’s why I’m all fluttery.
My baby (the written one) just passed a year a couple months ago. It's a lot like my real babies in the emotional extremes it puts me through. Querying is a lot like sending a child off to kindergarten, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteKrista, I'm fluttery for you! Good job - you're almost there!!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Yay! about to send your baby out into the world--how scary but exciting. Good luck with "Bob"! (LOL, you're still calling the ms Bob, even tho he has a new name.)
ReplyDeleteWow! Way to go! You are progressing so quickly!
ReplyDeleteWOW that is great progress. Good luck with the querying.
ReplyDeleteYou're a rockstar!
Ben, I've never sent a kid to kindergarten (my oldest just turned three), but I'm already cringing at the thought. If sending a kid to kindergarten is like querying, I'm going to be a basket case in a couple more years:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. And how is yours coming along? Are you going to dive straight into revisions now that you're finished with your whirlwind first draft?
Thanks, Carol. And yeah, I'm still calling him Bob. It's just easier to say, and he still feels like Bob to me. (No offense, Ben! Still loving your title!)
Esther --> :) Sometimes I feel like I'm slogging, so it's nice to hear I'm moving quickly.
Erinn, no one's ever called me a rock star before. I don't know if I could pull off the bling and skinny jeans:)
So exciting to be that close!! I know Bob will find a good home :)
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Krista! It's rather exciting, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe kindergartner thing gets easier when there are siblings at school together. They watch out for each other and I like that. It's sad and scary but it gets easier. Hoping querying is the same!
Jemi, I really, really hope you're right:)
ReplyDeleteKelly, I bet it is easier once you can send the siblings together. Luckily, our ward is pretty small (geographically speaking), so I know he'll have some older wardies to look after him.
Exciting! I'm almost as excited for BOB as I am for my own. I think your queries will go out before mine though. Let me know if you need anything! :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Myrna! I may have to take you up on that offer...
ReplyDeleteWe're in the same boat - I'll be querying in a couple months as soon as I get these edits done.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything!
WTG! You could be writing your practice query letters right now... Remember to keep your query under 300 words!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Elena! And good luck to you, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sharon, you snuck that comment right in there:) But that's good advice. I have been working on my query for the past few months, but it could always use another tweak.
ReplyDeleteIt's the synopsis that I've been avoiding like the plague. Still haven't even started it...
Hey, not to shirk comment etiquette by veering slightly from the post, but today I glanced over and saw Bob's new name, and since I'd read it fast, I read: WHOSE TEETH ARE SWORDS. Sounded cool, and I'm wondering...do you need that "AS"?? A more metaphor-type title might be stronger than a simile-type. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI've seen you around Nathan Bransford's forum :) I want to wish you luck on your last revision and querying. I'll be sure to check back here for updates!
ReplyDeleteCarol, you make a good point. I like the rhythm of WHOSE TEETH ARE AS SWORDS better, but it's something to think about.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I do tend to hang out there:) And thanks!