Hello, there. It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? As promised, I went dormant for awhile, burrowed deep into my novel to get that first round of revision done. I sent the second draft to some beta readers last week. I’m proud of the book it’s become, and am excited to see what Laura and Dale think of it. It’s substantially different than when I started revising it, that’s for sure. Over the two months of revision, I cut almost 14k words, and wrote just short of 17k new ones. The book is big. Bigger than I’d originally planned. 96,053 words. Over 430 pages.
But, it’s off my desk. Its files closed. This Ravenous Country is a concern for 2024. I have decided I’m not allowed to think about the book until after New Year’s. Then I can continue working on the query letter and synopsis. Then, when I get feedback from my readers, I can delve into the next batch of revisions. But until that time, I am on a break.
So, what’s on my plate in the interim?
What's Going On?
Well, I wrote a short story for an anthology call. I think it’s one of my best, and one of my most personal pieces of work. I’m curious to see how it’s received by editors. I submitted it today, so I guess we’ll see in a month or so.
I also finished a few applications to various workshops and things. It’s the time of year to start shooting shots for 2024, looking ahead at all the what-ifs. My dance teacher always said to apply and ask for things, because the worst someone could tell you was, “no.” I’m giving a lot of people the chance to tell me no in 2024… but also, the chance to say yes.
Speaking of yes, I do have a little smidgeon of news. I sold a story last week, to an anthology I am very excited about! I haven’t signed a contract yet, so I won’t go into details, but I think it’s sort of a big deal. Like, sharing a table of contents with some really big names and widely distributed level of big deal. I’m very excited to share the news properly once I can.
But now, with edits turned in to the editor, applications submitted, and revisions on pause, I find my desk uncomfortably clear. Okay, not literally. This place is a freaking mess! But, figuratively speaking, I’ve got nothing to work on. And honestly? I’m never quite sure how to feel about that.
So, What's Next?
Well, I think I’ve earned a bit of a break. It’s been a stressful year, to put it mildly, and I’ve really been a bit of a recluse these past couple months. Not only is my desk a literal mess, but my plants are showing signs of neglect, and I haven’t read a physical book in months. I haven’t even been playing video games!
And, it’s the holidays. It’s a time for family – both blood and chosen – and a time for reflection, for gratitude and hope for the future. So, my plans are pretty simple. The next couple of weeks are for cleaning slates. For rest and resetting. I want to clean my office, catch up on the chores and routines I let degrade as I poured myself into the book. And I want to read – short stories and graphic novels, and maybe squeeze in Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle.
And as I’m resting and reclaiming a life beyond the book, I’ll inevitably start thinking of the new year, and what I hope to achieve. I already have an intention in mind, but I’ll keep it close for now. I’m not quite ready to wipe the white board clean and proclaim anything concrete about 2024.
Keep an eye out for the traditional year-end post around the New Year. I’ll break down 2023 by the numbers and set goals and an intention for 2024. You know, the usual.
Until then, bloggos, I hope you have a lovely holiday season.
BZ
