Monthly Archives: December 2012

Dec 28 2012

Think I am learning :)

It has been a couple of days since I’ve posted. But, I’ve been editing my novel. Which has been a big job. Don’t get me wrong, I loved writing it. I want to get on with the next one. This comes first.

I edited the first nine chapters and sent them off for a few bits of feedback.

I’ve got the first Chapter back from a lovely lady. And to be honest, it wasn’t so bad. I think I’ve been improving over the years.

Then again, my writing partner, also contacted me saying he’s read it and will message me over it in the new year… that’s when I go eeeek. I’m scared now.

However, I found a program which helps with your editing and is separate from Word and its spelling/grammar check, that’s been interesting.

I think at least the text now is a lot cleaner, shouldn’t be many spelling errors, I just need to wait and see what else I need to work on.

My first critter said that I need to put in some internal monologue, because the characters are written in ‘cinema scope’ no surprise there I’ve been a script writer for the last 10 years. Hard habits to break… so those bits I can put in.

Waiting patiently to see what everyone else things, or does it need to go in the bin. 😦

No, think positive.

Heading off the night. 🙂

D x

Dec 26 2012

Boxing Day :)

Well, the last couple of days have been really nice and relaxing. 🙂

And after an eventful Christmas day, cooking for my husband and my dad and step mum. I slopped off to bed last night at 9pm and slept right through to 9am.

I was exhausted. But in a very nice way.

So today, I am editing, writing and chilling out once again. Jobs are all done and the house is clean. I have my fav friend next to me, trying to push me off the couch. She won’t win!

The editing/writing is going well. I’m at present going through and eliminating all the things I know I over do in a first draft.

I tend to write passively, so fixing those spots up is a must. After all a story should be active and exciting….

Then there are some word choices I know I write which are ‘lazy’ so they’re next on the list. ‘nodded’ and ‘looked’ are some of them.

I would think dialogue will be my next hit. Lots to do huh…

What are your writing ‘habits’ that you have to go back and fix?

What is your most overused word?

Happy Boxing day 🙂

Dec 22 2012

Huge thanks to everyone!!!

We’ve had a massive boost on The Best Friends viewing over on youtube these last couple of weeks.

I wanted to thank you all so much.

It has really kicked off.

For anyone who wants to check it out….

Episode 4 is at 15,179 views how awesome. 🙂

And please like the face book page too 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/bestfriendstvseries?fref=ts

Any comments, let me know, love to hear from you.

Dawn x

Dec 21 2012

Holidays here we come :)

So, I haven’t needed to quite blog as I have… Although I do really want to keep up with everything and every one.

Today was the last day of work. A nice break now from the humdrum of like as a delivery driver.

To be truthful I really haven’t been looking forward to any of it.

I didn’t want to put the deccies up… I just wanted to hide away.

It’s been a tough financial month. Hubby hasn’t been at work, so wages are next to nothing and that means no extras, or well no anything this year.

I didn’t even give out any Xmas cards and that really isn’t like me.

However, I’ve had a little bit of cheer today. Some of my lovely customers gave me enough of a tip to be really happy. And I also received a huge box of veggies for Xmas day. 🙂 So chuffed it is unreal.

You see, before I even knew what we were doing for Xmas day, I invited my dad and his new wife over. They’re in a bit of a mess with their storm damaged house and well my mum is working.

This is the first ever Xmas I’ve had my dad over. So kind of a big deal.

But, then the crap hit the fan at Paul’s work and well no cash meant no nice Xmas dinner.

It has been saved. 🙂

Writing wise, I’ve done okay. Edited up to Chapter 9… about 100 pages. This is only the first pass. Will be several more before it is even anywhere near ready for anyone other than some nice alfa and beta readers. I am really happy with how it is developing, and there are so many little changes to it that tie in with the TV series, so it is working out fab.

I have lots to do this weekend.

Time to catch up on some sleep too. I need that.

Catch you all soon…

Dawn x

Dec 19 2012

Post novel finish…

Hey there,

So I did take a little break, honest. (One day)

But I know that I don’t have too much time… I’m itching to get this project really started.

My plan will be something like this.

Spell check… and first read through.

I’ve already asked my co-writer and partner with the TV series to come on board now. I value his creative input on the series as a whole. More than anything, and I do believe he sees and has the same vision as I do.

He will be blunt.

Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him but he’s no sweet talker when it comes to kicking my ass.

Of course, being so involved already with the series helps.

However, it can also ‘block’ seeing some mistakes out. So I will still be sending this off to a couple of people who don’t know anything about the TSK world.

I guess I will have to see then what happens. I do hope the readers love it as much as I do.

I think then when we’re really happy with it, I will go to a proper copy editor. I’ve been taking a look around. Lots of things to look at, work out.

Any recommendations on this. I am going to try one out, I saw the posts on the Nano site, I’ve looked at their work, etc and I’ve looked at costs over the net in general. I’ll be open minded, I’m not the best person to work with… Too many bad habits as a writer. Which I’ve tried to break. (over using commas is my worst one)

On another note. I am stuck in this ‘I must write’ phase. I still actually want to be cranking out words and not ‘editing’ that is the toughest part of the actual process. My mind all day has been thinking and plot spinning.

I already have a gazillion plots points ready for the next book. ‘le sigh’ but I can’t write it yet. I just can’t. Brain please shut up!

—————–

In other things, we only have two days to go at work… I am so excited for the holidays. 11 full days off work. Time to relax, time to write, read and chill out.

We aren’t going to be doing much, we don’t have the funds at the moment. But it will be nice to spend time with Paul and my family.

What are your plans?

Speak soon

D x