My editor, AKA the bow-tied one, asked me to send him plot ideas for my next novel. "They don't have to be fully developed," he told me. "Just any ideas that you think are good."
So I sent him several plot ideas complete with beginnings, middles, and ends.
He didn't choose any of those. In fact, he chose one that I don't actually remember writing. It was a one sentence thing that I threw in for some reason (probably to show him I was trying to be versatile)which had no beginning, middle, end, conflict, or story question.
So that's what I've been working on. I wrote the first five thousand words, changed them, and have now thrown them away. I started over again yesterday and am now two thousand words into it.
Moral of the story: Do not send your editor one sentence story premises just to show that you can be versatile. Versatility, it turns out, is way overrated.
He called to talk to me about the new plot, giving me many instructions and I would tell you everything he had to say about it, except that in the middle of the conversation he said, "And I don't want to see any of these things I'm telling you on your blog."
"You won't," I said, "because you never read my blog."
He paused then said, "Yeah, but I make my assistant read it, and she flags it for me every time you mention me."
So now I'm considering randomly inserting the word: Tim into every blog just so he'll have to read them all. And by the way: Hi Shauna! I hope you like my blogs. Call me later so we can talk about Tim behind his back.
(Note to Tim: Just kidding. Please do not tell any more large crowds that I skip out on paying my parking fees.)
Anyway, I'm supposed to have the new book done by the end of August. The way things are going it may not be done until August 50th or so.
Manuscript update: 4,580 words written. Aproximately 45,000 to go.
14 comments:
Janette,
I think you're amazing, my friend. Is it common for you to draft a manuscript in 2 months? I'm in awe!
Come visit me again this fall! Just don't fly in on another rainy day! ;)
No, it's not common for me to draft a novel in two months, which is why I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to do it. I guess we'll see.
Have you watched the movie yet?
I didn't know anyone was eating those chocolate raisins! (previous post)
It's checked out from the library. I'm going to have to put it on hold.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll be able to pull through with this one with flying colors! :)
That was very hilarious! Thanks for a Monday Morning laugh.
I thought I had the only "Procrastinater's Calendar", with 50 days in every month!
I love reading your blog. You make me laugh. The bow tie guy will be thrilled with whatever you turn in because we all know everything you write is brilliant.
And August has fifty days? I am so behind on everything that I i am thrilled to hear about the extension!
I hope your done by my birthday the 13th of august. The quiker its out the more likely it can be my late birthday present!!!
Holy crap. Im not sure I want to write any more.He expects you to turn one sentence into a novel by August! Crazy man!
I wonder if I'd make a better editor. Then I could give the authors more time. :)
Good luck! You can do it!!! I have a writing deadline for the end of August too. Maybe we'll have to compare notes on how we did. :)
I had no idea that editors choose what you write.
Is that a sign of success?
It's a sign of something, but I'm not sure what.
Wow, I can't believe how bossed around you are. I've heard about those editors, but goodness, they sound brutal!
You really need that refuge, right?
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