Fourteen months ago, I started my novel The Grave Winner. Today I finished it. I’ve edited it like a crazy lady, um, I mean a sane writer. I’ve read and reread every critique I’ve ever received on it. I thought about critters’ concerns and questions. I’ve added, deleted, rewrote, and rewrote again. And it’s finally done.
The story has changed a lot since I first spewed it across my notebook. The reason Leigh was chosen is much different now, but I don’t think I’ll repost anything to Critique Circle because the changes are so minor in individual chapters. But then on a grander scale, it is very different from drafts one and two.
I’ve planted seeds I’m excited to work with in the sequels. Some of them are brand new too, so I won’t say anything more about them.
So, yeah, it’s done, and I’m terrified. Now the real work begins. I’ll tell you my plan: I’ll enter the first 250 words into a contest next week. Those first 250 words are winners, if I do say so myself, and I’ve won other contests with those same words. If I win, an agent will read my book. No promises – just a read and critique. If I don’t win or if the agent tells me I suck, I’ll take a ride on the query highway for awhile. When I get impatient with that, I’ll look at small publishing companies. When that gets old, I’ll enter Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Contest. If I lose that, I’ll self-publish. So if any of these first roads lead to doom, this story will be published somehow. I’m too in love with it to let it sit on my computer forever.
In the meantime, I’ll plot the sequels and write at least the first chapter of another novel that’s knocking around in my head and won’t leave me alone. Writing will be therapy for my terror. That and chocolate.
Congrats! And good luck! At least you have a plan all figured out. That’s further than I got. 😀
Great plan and love your positive outlook… would love to read your awesome 250 words:)
Tania
Great news, Lindsey!
I know I am shamefully behind on my crits, but that seems to be about how it goes anymore. Do you want me to do the last chapter?
Congratz on being “Done-done” though. I am far from it. Best of luck hooking an agent / publisher!
–j–
That’s great! I’m so happy for you! I’m still waiting, waiting, waiting eagerly for that day when I can write THE END.
Whooooo-hoo. It’s very terrifying. But I’ll hold hands with you and we can skip down the road together (and look really gay doing it).
Very exciting on the contest! Now I shall pass the bucket of positive thoughts back to you. Puff…puff…pass!
P
I’m beyond excited for you!! Tania–I’ve got to read GW twice now 🙂 Love it!
And sequels, too? Woot!
Congratz on THE END and good luck in the contests. I know it’ll be in print somewhere!
Mysti
Congratulations…..and good luck! If you send us a printed copy, Glenn will try to get it on someone’s desk at the YA division of MacMillan.
Constance
icanhasopinions – Thank you! I’m a bit of a freak when it comes to planning.
Tania – Thank you! The glass is always half full in my world. 🙂
Joe – I would love for you to crit my last chapter!
Ryan – That day will come. I’m sure of it!
Pam – I will hold hands and skip with you as long as it’s down the yellow brick road! Speaking of, have you ever seen the yellow brick road in Liberal, KS?
Mysti – I still owe you a plate of cookies, real not virtual, for reading through it twice! Thank you so much!
Constance – I’m speechless. Thank you! And thank you, Glenn!
Yellow brick road in Liberal, KS? Huh. How’d I miss that all my life?
You’re missing out big time. 😉
It’s such a great feeling to type the end and finish revisions! Best of luck with the contest!
That’s awesome Lindsey! Good luck with the contest! : )
Thanks Laura and Kristen!