First Official Check-In! How are you all doing????? :-)

[jbknowles]

Hi everyone!

Today is our first official check-in. Line on up and let us all know how you're doing in the comments! Need some encouragement? Advice? A high-five? We're here for you!

xo

I want to hear from...

afraclose
Amy Fisher Quinn
amygreenfield
annemariepace
barbarabaker
blackeyedsue21
boreal_owl
briankell
chickwith_stick
cfaughnan
cynleitichsmith
dampscribbler
Elisabeth
goddess57
Heather Jessen
jbknowles
jeniwrites
jjhoutman
josiecv
katiemas
katywriter
kaz_mahoney
kimmiepoppins
Kip Wilson
Kristina
lisa_schroeder
lisaschulman
lizjonesbooks
marvelousmarv
Meaghan
MelanieACrowder
Menaha
Michelle Davison Kane

Comments

[katywriter]

My goal is to finish my first draft of book # 2 and I'm already 38k into it, so I think I'm going to make it. Of course the first draft always needs help, but I'm getting the story down and plan to tighten it up later. I just don't know if I should send "editor M" the crappy draft or fix it then send it to her?

[jbknowles]

Katy, this is a great question. I think it depends on lots of factors, such as whether this is a book under contract already, with a tight deadline

[amygreenfield]

Katy, I think Jo's advice is great. Even when I'm working under contract, I like to polish the manuscript as much as possible before turning it in.

The only thing I'd add is that some editors DO prefer to see things at an earlier stage if a book is under contract. If you're delivering a sequel under a tight deadline, for instance, or if they don't have much experience working with you, they may want to have a chance to see how book is going, and to give their advice as soon as you have that first draft.

So you might want to ask "editor M" what she'd like you to do.

Congratulations on getting so much done!

[kimmiepoppins]

I like Jo's advice too. Makes a lot of sense. :o)

New Goal

[ext_1397701]

We've had a guest and been sightseeing and visiting the past two weeks. Castles and Canals and river-falls - all great fun but no writing. When I tried to get back into things yesterday, I realized I needed a break from my WIP.

So I have a new goal: a comprehensive outline +10k words on my back-burner idea that is going to be my new focus. I'm off to a good start with a few pages of notes already.

I hope everyone else has had a productive couple of weeks!

Elisabeth

Re: New Goal

[jbknowles]

Sounds like a fun time!!!

Now get to work! ;-)

Re: New Goal

[amygreenfield]

Castles and canals and river-falls - that sounds magical! Good luck with the new project!

Re: New Goal

[jeniwrites]

Sometimes a break is just what you need. I hope the next two weeks are good to you, writing wise, and that you have lots of fun memories to draw upon. Cheering for you!

[d_michiko_f]

I'm cheering everyone on! I'm so sad to miss JoNo this year - the first time ever that I'm missing it! Sigh.

[jbknowles]

We miss you too!

[jeniwrites]

We miss you, too!

[blackeyedsue21]

Miss you too, Debbi! Good luck with whatever you're working on!

[amygreenfield]

My goal is to have a draft of my next book to my editor in November. When we started, I had lots of great feedback from my beta readers, and since then I've revised the manuscript beginning to end. Last night I printed it out so that I can work with it again on paper. I'm sure there's more to do, but I think I'm getting close...

Cheering for all you JoNoers! Good luck!

[ext_1397701]

Wow! That's awesome progress :-).

Elisabeth

[amygreenfield]

Thanks, Elisabeth! Revising is my favorite part of writing a novel, so that helps a lot.

[jeniwrites]

Yay for getting close! Isn't that the best feeling?

[stephwooten]

I am 14,000 words into this first draft. I was supposed to be at 16,000 today, but I went to visit my mom this weekend and have been helping her move everything to her new house (bye bye, childhood home). I am planning on getting to at least 15K by tonight, if not 16.

I hope all of you are having FUN and doing well! :)

[jeniwrites]

I know you will reach 15,000 today and would not be surprised if you reach 16,000, as you'd hoped. Cheering for you!!!

[stephwooten]

Almost at 15,000! I love you!

[amygreenfield]

Great progress, Steph! And saying goodbye to a childhood home is always a big step. Wishing you lots of luck with everything!