There’s been an absence of blog entries for over a month, and for that I apologize. There’s been a lot going on, so I haven’t had much time to write a blog entry until now. With that said, onto to writing talk!

I’m over the 160,000 word hump of editing Serpent Skin. The one thing about editing, like writing, is that the further into it I get, the more I just want to reach the end. The difference is that there’s a definite end in sight, whereas, I’m crafting the ending as I write. Still, it doesn’t mean there’s not a lot that doesn’t get added or subtracted to the finished product one way or another. I’ve found myself taking out great chunks of the book, while adding other equally large chunks to fill in gaps, flesh out scenarios, or better explain some of the circumstances surrounding the characters. This means I’m doing just as much writing as I am editing. Then again, no one ever said that rewriting your novel would be easy.

I love how my characters have progressed as individuals over anything else. Sure, I’m fascinated by the stories, but the characters are the reason why I continue doing this. Whether it’s Emeraldwind’s quiet resolve, or fiery passion, or Randel’s battle with both indecision and understanding, I’m captivated by them. I especially enjoy the interaction between the two, and the way the past, present, and future seem to collide into one jumbled mess that lands in their laps.

That leads me back to the first book, The Awakening Key. I recently re-read it, and I was taken aback by its focus. For the better part of a decade, The Awakening Key was a story I wanted to tell. Emeraldwind is an old soul for me, considering I created her some thirteen years ago, and seeing her grow into this living, breathing wonder always leaves me a little thunderstruck. When I read her dialogue, I can her hear distinct voice, and the quiet power that resonates in her words. She knows what she wants, and how to achieve it, but her head, and the conflicted heart beating in her chest, sometimes push her down other paths. She could be considered somewhat neurotic, having had her entire life striped from her, but she is well-adjusted enough to know right from wrong, to define what life should be, and to live how she needs to be happy. When I follow her, I feel this within my own soul.

It’s also the supporting characters that draw me back again and again. I feel as if I know them, whether it’s Hassan’s fierce determination not to see any of his compatriots come into harm’s way, or Fayses’ psychotic manic depression. When I listen to music, or think about where the story will go, I immediately know where each of these characters are in the world, what is happening in their story, and where they will be when the end comes. For some, it makes me smile, for others, I’m saddened, but they all make me glad that I’m a writer.

I have another slew of letters to send this weekend. The internet is a wondrous tool in that I’ve been able to look up a good portion of the agencies and find out what I need to send, instead of just referencing my Writer’s Market book. This is a boon, because some of the information in Writer’s Market has changed since publication of the 2009 edition. It would be somewhat embarrassing if I were to send off a package to a place that was no longer accepting fantasy or science fiction submissions. But I’ve also had the chance to make submissions through email, which some agents prefer. I’ve had rejection after rejection, which allows me to tighten up my submission letter and package every time. I’ve even had a few helpful suggestions on what I can do for the future, advice which I will take to heart. There are a sea of no’s but it only takes one yes for everything to change.

Which reminds me... everyone and their mother is trying to get published. I’ve noticed people who never talked about writing trying to get a book out there. I wish them luck since the endeavor can be both disheartening and satisfying. If you’ve never written a novel, or anything longer than 10,000 words, then you’re in for a treat. Typically, novels are 100,000 words or more, with the heavy weights weighing in with as much as 300,000 or 400,000 words. It can feel as if finishing the rough draft takes forever, but you will finish it if you keep at it every day. Don’t worry if it doesn’t read so great once you’re done -- everyone’s first draft needs a ton of polish. That’s what editing and rewriting are for! Just stick with it, and you will finish. The first one might not get published, but subsequent ones down the line may fare better. It’s all about learning and making connections.

That’s all from me for this week. I will have a little more to say next week when I’ve had time to really think more on some of the submissions I’m sending out this weekend. Until then, friends!