Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month, as a writing prompt for IWSG members. Answering it is optional. For May, the question is: “It’s spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose, C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My answer to the question (“It’s spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?”)
No, unless the weather is rainy, cold, or windy (like now). If any season inspires me to write more, it’s winter. Not because I like that time of the year, on the contrary. I prefer a sunny, warm climate, making summer my favorite. But, winter weather is the perfect excuse to sit behind the computer and be productive. So, as you might expect, summer and its outdoor activities are a major distraction from getting any writing done.
My book progress
April was a crazy month, with a lot of bad luck coming our way. Mark and I persevered. We dealt with days of health care plan hassles, important business decisions, hackers crashing and corrupting our two websites, figuring out our summer plans, and a few camper projects. During the weekends, we went on bike rides and scenic drives, weather permitting.
Despite our frustrations, I managed to reread and “softly” edit the remaining chapters of my second draft, which is now finished. I call it a completed second draft, but all that happened is a bit of cutting, rephrasing and rewording. My husband continues reading through this draft, and I incorporate his feedback. The book is still 50K words too long.
Third daft, here I come! I suspect this is the most difficult stage, as I want to rewrite parts and tighten the manuscript more, to get it ready for critique partners and beta readers. Still a long process…
Worth mentioning
Everyone who has been reading my blog for a while has become familiar with the IWSG, thanks to these monthly updates. Another Facebook group that’s extremely supportive for writers, specifically for writing (ex-)sailors, or sailing writers, is the WWSWW: Women Who Sail Who Write. It’s a mouthful of an abbreviation, and a spin-off of the Women Who Sail (WWS) Facebook group. Just like these five letters have meaning, I attempted to do the same with the tab bar of my blog. But, who ever noticed that they form a sentence describing my current life?
May is the last (known) month that Mark and I are house sitting. What does this have to do with my memoir writing? A lot. To write, one needs focus, time, and comfort in the sense of reliable electricity, internet and desk space. All that will be gone when we leave Santa Fe on May 26th. So, it’s important to me that I focus on my book as much as possible these last weeks. There’s nothing like a (mental) deadline and running out of time. 🙂 As I mentioned before, once the summer (or the end of May) rolls around, other priorities will prevail. No wonder writing this book is taking so long!
Memoir excerpt
In March, I shared an excerpt of the prologue (“Mid-ocean”) of my WIP (Work in Progress), which has the temporary title “Floating About – A Life Less Ordinary”. A blog post last year included a section of the first chapter (“A True Kiss and a False Start”), and last month I provided an excerpt of the second chapter (“From Seasick to Lovesick”). This month, I continue the tradition with an excerpt of the third chapter (“Trying Anew”).
There is, of course, life besides the virtual world. Austin is an attractive city, with its liberal attitude, park-like setting, vibrant town center, and plethora of outdoor activities. Barack Obama, a democratic presidential candidate for 2008, visits the capital of Texas. We watch him address the crowd. He’s smart and well-dressed, a confident speaker with an ambitious agenda to pursue. We immediately like him and wave placards with his name above our heads, thinking it will be a small miracle if this country chooses him as president. Luckily, in a world where so much goes wrong, miracles do still happen. We eventually find our Toyota Tacoma and a shell for the pick-up bed. All our belongings just fit, and stay dry. Kali and Darwin have their own space on the back seats. We’re finally making progress towards our move to Placencia [Belize].
Being constantly online creates a different conundrum. It doesn’t take long before I find out why Mark’s time behind the computer – and his excitement level – has increased.
“You know, I was looking at second-hand catamarans again,” he begins, “and they’re cheaper than they used to be.”
“Really?” I respond, “Do you want to go cruising again?” I had no idea he’s still interested in sailing the world after our last misadventure.
“Well,” he answers, “catamarans are much more comfortable and roomier than monohulls. I think you and the dogs would like them better.” It has been his dream to go sailing for a long time. I’m sure the thought of owning a sailboat again is as exciting as it gets for him.
“Maybe, but there’s no way we can afford one, even secondhand,” I counter.
“You never know,” Mark utters. “We might find a desperate seller, or bargain someone down enough that it will work for us.”
“Or, maybe we can live in Belize for a while and find a catamaran there when we want to go sailing again.” I stubbornly hold my ground, yet realize this small country is probably not the ideal place to sailboat shop. Mark remains quiet. He must still be figuring out his new revelation.
Comments – especially tips/improvements in regards to the excerpts – are appreciated.
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May 2, 2018 at 09:47
Nice exceprt Liesbet. Sounds like you played your part in getting Obama elected! Sorry to hear of your April “challenges”. I hope May proves much more positive. Continued best wishes for your writing!
May 3, 2018 at 14:14
You’re funny, Denzil. I can’t even vote in this country. 🙂 Thanks for the well-wishes, and I can report that May, so far has been a bit better. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 09:54
I’m intrigued by your comment that after May you have no housesitting plans. Is that because nothing has been finalized yet, or are you headed out for a big adventure on the road? Those alpacas are adorable… did you come home with a pet? 🙂
May 3, 2018 at 14:49
Both. Nope, no pet (yet). 🙂
We’re planning a three-week road trip, combining work and travel, but know about the challenges involved. So… we might still “give in” and secure another short house sit, before we take Amtrak to Boston, and I fly to Belgium for three weeks. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 10:40
That excerpt is fantastic! That’s a huge accomplishment to draw a line under the sand on draft 2 – yipee!
Sorry you’ve had such bad luck lately – health insurance, hacking etc. It all sounds just awful.
I love the WWSWW ladies – such an amazingly supportive and encouraging group. I feel lucky to have found both that group and IWSG.
May 3, 2018 at 14:50
I’m glad you liked the excerpt, Ellen. The WWSWW is amazing, and so are their admins. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 10:49
Good luck on getting your writing done.
Ronel visiting on Insecure Writer’s Support Group day: Autumn Decisions
May 3, 2018 at 14:17
Thanks, Ronel. Congrats on all your recent writing accomplishments! I was wondering whether your last name was South African, or Dutch (but that would be van Vuren :-)).
May 2, 2018 at 10:54
Excellent writing, Lisbet. I’d certainly read more.
When Obama came into the limelight I was so relieved to hear someone who could actually speak, that I too waved a placard for him. He didn’t follow through for me, but he did know the English language, so for that I was grateful.
May 3, 2018 at 14:20
Thanks, Lee. We were actually out of the country for Obama’s two terms, so are not closely familiar with his leadership. Agreed about the English language, though. These days, speaking or writing properly doesn’t seem important anymore. I blame education in this country. Everything seems to come down to education…
May 2, 2018 at 11:31
Have you thought abut asking a beta reader to look at it? They might be able to suggest some bits that you could lose etc.
May 3, 2018 at 14:21
Thanks for the suggestion, Claire. I have thought a lot about beta readers, and am planning to send the manuscript off after this third round of edits. It’s not quite ready for that, as the stories still keep jumping all over the place…
May 2, 2018 at 11:41
I always enjoy your leaving-us-hanging snippets, but what I really want to know (like another commenter) is what you’ll be up to after May 26 … I sure hope it’s something you’re excited about!
May 3, 2018 at 14:24
After May 26th, huh? We could be excited about what’s next, but … not yet. We’re planning to live and travel in Zesty for a while, but… we know it will be a challenge to combine travel with work, which is the main reason we’ve been house sitting. We might change our mind again and decide to do another last-minute house sit in June, because it’s just more convenience. Time will tell. Mid-June, we have a summer trip planned to visit friends and family in Massachusetts and Belgium, but we’re not taking the camper.
May 2, 2018 at 11:54
You’re in a beautiful part of the country. Take advantage of it and the writing time. Where will you go after that?
May 3, 2018 at 14:26
Hi Alex! This month, I really need to focus on my writing. But, that’s OK, because after this sit, we’re planning a three-week “tour” of the Four Corner area (attempting to combine travel with work), to see some sites in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Which is why I’ll be OK just “hanging around” Santa Fe the coming weekends, and not venture any further anymore. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 12:02
I’m sorry for your troubles. I hope next month will be better. 🙂
May 3, 2018 at 14:27
Thanks, Anna. Unfortunately, some of these issue have been and are long-standing, but we might be able to deal with our frustrations better this month, if half of the problems disappear. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 12:12
Here’s to you getting more writing completed and having a positive time from May onwards and not so many “challenges”.
May 3, 2018 at 14:27
Lovely wishes, Suz. Thank you! A new month, a new start…
May 2, 2018 at 12:49
Hooray for being one step closer to done. A second draft is awesome and I’m betting the third will be easier and more fun. Maybe not? I’m too optimistic?
May 3, 2018 at 14:29
You love editing, Ryan. And, I do as well, but I seem to not be fond of rewriting, since that’s starting from scratch in many situations. For that reason, I’m not looking forward to this round of edits and I think it’ll be the toughest part. Of course, I’m winging all of it, so who knows. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 12:52
How fun to house-sit and write! Those alpacas look entertaining 🙂 I’m such an under writer. I always have to add to my drafts. Ugh. I think either way, it’s hard to add or cut words!
May 3, 2018 at 14:30
It’s a wonderful combination, this house sitting and writing gig. 🙂 We don’t have to worry about being homeless, and we have the time and resources to work from home. 🙂 I can’t imagine ever having to add words. I think it would be a nice change, but tough as well!
May 2, 2018 at 12:55
Second draft done – we’ll done you! Hope things are a bit more settled this month.
May 3, 2018 at 14:31
Thanks, Anabel. This month will go way to fast, that I can already tell you right now! 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 14:33
Sorry to hear you’ve been having difficulties lately, especially with the health care plan…that’s never a good thing. Congratulations on getting your second draft completed, Liesbet! That’s great news. I’m struggling with mine…but that’s normal. 🙂
May 3, 2018 at 14:36
I think you and I are both (with everyone else) struggling, probably, but every day we work with our manuscript, we are closer to finishing it. The road is long and tough, unfortunately. But, you have experience with the whole process, from beginning to end, so that should help. 🙂 What’s your third book about?
The Mass Health situation is a big mess, Jill, and not only for us. They made some changes, before figuring out how that would affect people, and with no knowledge about how to help customers. It’s crazy!
May 3, 2018 at 15:20
I may have experience with the process from beginning to end, but it certainly doesn’t make it any easier…LOL! My current story is about two former high school sweethearts who are reunited after 14 years and must decide whether or not you let past mistakes, yours or others, define who you are. Thanks for asking. 🙂
I’m really sorry to hear the Mass Health is such a mess. The insurance industry certainly doesn’t look out for their customers, that’s for sure. I hope things are resolved soon, Liesbet.
May 3, 2018 at 15:27
Thanks, Jill. And, I do realize that writing is hard, no matter how many books one has published. 🙂 It is always starting from scratch, and going through the whole process. I was hoping to imply that you “know what’s coming next”, but maybe that differs with every book as well… Thanks for telling me the plot about your newest novel. Sounds interesting and fun, especially since I have come across couples in real life, who did just that. Enjoy!!
May 3, 2018 at 16:37
Yes, it is different with each book…but that’s what makes it such fun…even if I do pull out my hair. 🙂
May 5, 2018 at 08:09
Looks like you still have plenty of hair left, Jill! 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 15:47
Congratulations on getting your second draft done, Liesbet! Hope May is a much nicer month for you.
May 3, 2018 at 14:37
Thanks a lot, Natalie! Busy days, and I”m behind reading and commenting on other blog… 🙁
May 2, 2018 at 16:37
Here’s hoping next month improves for you…
Your excerpt definitely has me wondering not if, but when and how an affordable catamaran makes its way into your lives. Well done for making progress and getting the second draft done.
Love the photos of the alpacas.
Peta
May 3, 2018 at 14:43
Affordable is probably relative, Peta. Catamarans were and are expensive, but, back then, the asking prices had come down $20-30K or so compared to a year earlier, and we hoped to strike a “good deal”. 🙂 It is another funny story, though. That’s the good and the bad part about my memoir, every single event in our lives is a story in itself… And, that’s why I have problems cutting so much out. There is no quick, straightforward answer whenever a new acquaintance asks us a question. ANY question, from where we live to how we met. My book makes up a string of those life altering events.
Those alpacas are so cute and furry, and, we did pet them. 🙂
May 2, 2018 at 18:41
Congratulations on completing a second draft in spite of all your April setbacks. The place you are house sitting looks amazing. I kind of want to alpaca-nap one of those adorable guys and bring him home. I hope your plans for the summer (or post May) are everything you are hoping for.
May 3, 2018 at 14:46
Aren’t they cute, those alpacas? But, be careful… That’s how the owner of the farm started. She saw a cute little alpaca face, and before she knew it, she had a farm with about 100 of them, and is involved in everything alpaca – from breeding to shaving to harvesting their fleece and being creative with it. 🙂
The summer plans are figured out, which is great, but the materialization of them (as with any plans) is always up in the air!
May 2, 2018 at 21:29
I miss Obama. The good ol’ days. 🙂 I like your voice in the excerpt! Keep it up!
May 3, 2018 at 14:46
Thanks, Raimey. We were fortunate to hear him speak when he wasn’t “famous” yet. 🙂
May 3, 2018 at 12:48
Hi Liesbet,
Congratulations on finishing your ‘soft’ second draft. Any steps count as progress so as much as you’d like to be further along, please take a minute to appreciate the steps taken. If life is a game board, you may not be where you want to be, but you’re definitely many squares past Go.
You asked for some feedback on your excerpt. Like Raimey, I enjoy your voice. I love your sentence in the first paragraph that ends, “miracles do still happen.” But then you lost me in the rest of that paragraph. I appreciate that it’s probably a pick-up of something you’d written prior to the excerpt, but even so, I think it diminishes the power of your text about Obama. It takes us away from the sense of possibility, even magic, that you so effectively conveyed in the first part and moves us too quickly to practicalities about your belongings and dogs.
I’m saying this only because you asked for suggestions. I’d never presume to offer them without your invitation. But since you did ask, my thought is that you need to milk that Obama moment for its meaning in your life. How does, how might you guys waving your placards for Obama and feeling hopeful contribute to your conversation about Belize or a return to sailing?
If I’m not making sense to you, do let me know Liesbet and I’ll try again. Or if there’s any other way I can help, just say the word.
May 3, 2018 at 15:03
You are such a positive person when it comes to personal accomplishments and progress, Karen. Thanks, for pointing that out to me. As long as the work isn’t finished and I’m not pleased with the whole package (there is that perfectionism trait sticking its head up), I feel there is no reason to celebrate. But, this is such a long process, that little breaks and celebrations should be part of it. I need to push myself, though, and keep working, because at the end of this month, I know circumstances will change. Without another “stable” period to write lined up.
Thanks for your constructive feedback. The paragraph about Obama is probably the one that should go, as I kind of threw that in there to show the reader that we ventured away from our computers once in a while, during those three months of our “in limbo” lives in Austin. And… now you have found my main issue. I attempt to write about too much, while I should stick to the main theme and story, which is Mark and my lifestyle and relationship, and how we jump into each adventure.
That being said, if I leave that paragraph in, I agree that I should use the “hopefulness” or “positive vibes” from the Obama experience in a way that it influences our decision about what to do next. Very helpful! And, please, Karen, always tell me what you think (even if I don’t ask, if you dare :-))! I appreciate honesty and straightforwardness, and… I have a thick skin. But I have a feeling I won’t need that with you, since you are such a nice person. 🙂
On a similar note, would you be interested to become one of my beta readers, if and when that time comes (at some point this summer, hopefully)? Feel free to say “no”. I have thick skin, remember?
May 5, 2018 at 06:45
I would absolutely love to be one of your beta readers, Liesbet. And please don’t take this late reply as any hesitation on my part. Lately, I seem to be inhabiting two different extremes. Some days I’m a model of efficiency, productivity, and positive feeling. And then the next day, I’m feeling disconnected and unfocused, which makes me annoyed. May 3rd when I wrote to you and today when I thought to check for your reply are examples of the former state. Yesterday, unfortunately, was the latter. I think I’m mirroring the weather. Yesterday was rain and then sun, heat and the craziest mini-tornado level winds that went on for hours and hours.
May 5, 2018 at 08:23
Your extremes sound familiar, Karen. I recognize both versions of how the day can progress. It appears to be impossible to collect a string of positive days in a row! And, when we don’t achieve, we’re annoyed. On top of that, I am not allowing myself any downtime these days. I know it might be counter-productive (I talked to Mark about ways to find a balance yesterday, after he dragged me away from my laptop for a walk), but I know after May 26th, our conditions change, and working on the book will be close to impossible. I’ve gone through these “life” cycles before, but thought it’ll all work out, to then be away from my book for a month or two at a time due to our lifestyle, and being surprised and annoyed by that. 🙂
I’m delighted that you’re interested to become a beta reader. That means a lot to me, with your knowledge of the language, writing and the insights you can provide. Fantastic news, Karen. Thank you so much!!
And, I hope the weather shapes up for you this weekend. Luckily, you have this amazing art studio to be creative in, when the weather “slaps” you in the face. 🙂
May 3, 2018 at 13:56
Sorry to hear of your mishaps. I hope May will be better for you and Mark. Catamarans are beautiful, but I didn’t know you could live on them. Cool.
As for your snippet, maybe add a bit more about why YOU think you both shouldn’t purchase a cat at this time or should live in Belize for a while first. Ground the reader a bit more physically as to where you actually are in this scene and be sure the reader understands that you PLAN TO move to Belize. And possibly why. You’ve got a great story here, Liesbet.
May 3, 2018 at 15:07
When catamarans are big enough (in our case 35 ft, which is actually not that big, all boats considered :-)), you can live and travel the world on them!
Good points, Victoria. Since I picked a small excerpt, it was probably not obvious that we plan to move to Belize and why I am hesitant. The text before this excerpt and the part after reveal more about that. Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll make sure that it is obvious, taking the whole chapter into account.
May 3, 2018 at 15:30
Always great to read what adventures you are up to, Liesbet. April sounded stressful! I’m like you, if I focused on writing, it would be in the winter. It’s hard enough to blog in the summer! Congrats on getting through your second draft, that’s big!
May 5, 2018 at 08:08
Thanks, Terri. How will you combine your blogging and outdoor adventures this summer? Do you have a lot of trips to the Delta planned? Did you guys get a new camper trailer? Yep, I feel the writing times will be over, once that sunny, warm weather appears. But, I’ll try to avoid it until the end of May. 🙂
May 5, 2018 at 10:04
Seems like our even years are years we travel. We are already set up at the delta in our new trailer, it was worth selling the old one and financing this one at a good rate. My brother is getting married in July and then in Sept we have our 40-year high school reunion, both in San Diego! I’m hoping to spend more time writing this summer, because once the Fall semester starts I’m back to teaching three classes and that takes up my time!
May 6, 2018 at 07:27
Looks like you have a wonderful summer to look forward to, Terri! Enjoy. Writing will be tough with the distractions, but I’m sure it’ll be easier than when school starts again.
May 3, 2018 at 15:36
I LOVE this excerpt, Liesbet. And I would be intrigued by it even if I did not know the author. I want to read MORE!
May 5, 2018 at 08:09
I just LOVE your excitement about my writing, Donna. So encouraging! But, I hope my book will deliver and entice, once it’s done…
May 3, 2018 at 23:00
Having the accounts hacked must have been a nightmare, Liesbet. Technology seems to be a minefield these days. I thought you hadn’t been around much online but with all this going on… you’ll be glad of some downtime 🙂 🙂 But that generates its own problems too, doesn’t it? I’m not good at achieving stuff on sunny days. You’d think that living where I do I’d be a major achiever, but no! Heaven help me when I move to the Algarve. 🙂
May 5, 2018 at 08:12
I can’t emphasize our love/hate relationship with technology enough, Jo. Things, truly, can be a nightmare, and we’re looking forward to the day nature will replace screen time! Something that will be your main occupation in the Algarve, I’m sure. I’d take travel over writing any time. Although, being able to combine both isn’t so bad. That’s my goal anyway. 🙂
May 4, 2018 at 08:50
Liesbet congratulations on the book! What a lot of progress you have made over the winter. I have no critique to offer but thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I’m sorry to hear you have had multiple challenges, The hacking into websites sounds especially daunting. Best of luck in the weeks ahead and on your trip to Belgium.
May 5, 2018 at 08:13
Thanks for the wishes and support, Sue. I’m being hard on and demanding of myself here in Santa Fe, since it is the last two months that I know I can work on the book. After that, it’s all up in the air, until… whenever! The coming week will be sunny and warm. It’ll be hard to remain focused!!
May 4, 2018 at 15:12
I’m exactly the same, I love writing in the colder months. At the moment we’re heading into mid autumn and the weather is so conducive to sitting at one’s computer, it’s brilliant. In spring, I’m far more tempted to run around outside 🙂
May 5, 2018 at 08:15
Bright minds think alike! You’re in for some productive times, then, Yvette! As for me, it’s a race against spring and summer right now. Talk about a double-edged sword. I have so much to write and plan in regards to my book still, yet, the forecast calls for sunny and 28 degree weather next week, and I can’t wait to be outside again. 🙂
May 4, 2018 at 16:56
And the plot thickens…will they sail off into the sunset or…
I like it. It’s enticing.
Looking forward to the final version
Laura
May 5, 2018 at 08:16
Drum roll… they will… I guess you’ll have to wait until the next episode, next month. 🙂 Thank you so much for your positive vibes and encouraging comments, Laura!
May 6, 2018 at 06:44
That extract read perfectly. It was like being a ‘fly on the wall.’ Sorry to hear about the problems you’ve both had with hackers invading your website.
So, a vacation rather than another housesit from May 26th? I hope you get what writing you want done before setting off into summer. I defiantly need a desktop to write.
May 6, 2018 at 07:31
Unfortunately, no vacation, Hugh. We haven’t had one of those in nine years, since we started our full-time business. The end of May, we are actually going to try and combine living in our van, travel, and work for three weeks. It’ll be a tad challenging (we know as we’ve done this combination in campers and on our sailboat for many years), so we might still consider a last-minute house sit if we desire the conveniences of a home (our main reason to house sit is to be able to work in comfort; we don’t see the house and pet sitting as work and aren’t paid for it). We will see what happens…
May 6, 2018 at 18:18
I love IWSG because I get to meet so many interesting, talented bloggers. You do have a less ordinary life and I can only imagine what stories you have to tell. Second draft is done? Kudos to you for sticking with it. After we sold our business, we full-timed in a fifth wheel RV for 8 plus years. Love, love, loved it! Minimal housekeeping and we could move if we didn’t like the neighbors!! My WIP is a memoir I have been writing off and on for 2 years. Taking my time and really enjoying re-visiting a year in my life. Wishing you great success in completing your memoir!
JQ Rose
May 9, 2018 at 11:03
Hi JQ! Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. My husband and I are hoping, and preparing, to go RVing full-time again as well. It’s a wonderful lifestyle (I agree with all the advantages you list here), and much easier than sailing the world on your own sailboat. But, less easy and convenient than house and pet sitting. 🙂
Thanks for the well-wishes and the compliments. I wish you a lot of joy with your memoir as well. A year-long time period seems manageable! I’m covering ten years in one memoir, and that doesn’t seem realistic, on hindsight! I have to cut way too much out, unfortunately.
May 7, 2018 at 19:42
Love the excerpt Liesbet. And I’m with you, writing is definitely easier when it’s cold and nasty outside. Our warm weather season is much to short to keep behind a computer day after day. 🙂
May 9, 2018 at 11:08
Yep! And, now you know why I”m rushing against the clock here, and turning crazy. I feel overwhelmed and have a massive list of things I want to get done within two weeks. Aaaaargh! And, it is 28C outside. 🙂
May 8, 2018 at 23:29
Sorry you had such a tough month, Liesbet, but hooray for continuing to work on the memoir! Thanks for sharing your excerpts with us. I love how you incorporate so much dialogue. Many memoirs lapse into “this happened, then this happened, then this happened,” and the use of dialogue is a great way to keep that from happening.
And are those alpacas?! So adorable!
May 9, 2018 at 11:15
Yep. Alpacas, and very adorable. 🙂
Thanks for the dialogue remark, JH. I really appreciate it. I’d like to break the “prose” up with conversations, but hope they don’t come across too simplistic.
May 16, 2018 at 22:00
Liesbet, how wonderful that you have completed your second draft! You have been working on it really hard to get so much done in such a short time.
I totally identify with the too many words problem; I am having the same problem with my current WIP, a novel. WORD stops counting the number of words in a document at 100,000 words. That happened to me a couple of chapters ago, so I no longer know exactly how long it is, only that it’s probably too long. And it’s still not finished. I am dreading the revisions because I hate cutting.
I really enjoyed reading your excerpt. It makes we want to read further to find out what happened next. I like the way that you introduce the idea of buying a catamaran, in dialogue. It creates a conflict between the new dream that Mark is starting to become attached to, and your expectation that you are about to move to Belize to camp as both of you had been planning.
You could address the point that Karen raised just by starting a new paragraph with the sentence about the Tacoma.
Don’t cut out any of the good stories! But you could cut some explanatory filler explaining how you got from A to B by just jumping straight to B (ellipses) and letting the reader figure out that there was a gap in time. E.g., “Six months later, after setting sail from A, and passing through X, Y and Z, we were anchored in B because…”
Jude
May 19, 2018 at 09:40
Hi Jude! I’m writing my manuscript in Scrivener, which is fun and organized to work in, and when I compiled one of the drafts in Word, I think it counted over 100K. The reason I put the book in Word in the first place was to figure out the word count, and I know it was still 140K or so. I’ll try it again after this draft and let you know how that went. Maybe you need an updated version of Word? Not sure.
I do like the editing process, in general. But, there is a difference between cutting a few hundred words, or a few thousand! The reason I made the manuscript so long, is because I think all the stories fit in it. So, to have to now cut whole sections, and probably even chapters, out, is a bit heart-breaking, and takes twice or thrice the time. I have to admit that I should have listened to Mark, and write the book from memory and see where I got, instead of reading all the blogs of those eight years on our boat, and adding some of those stories to the book.
Thanks for the insights about my last excerpt. I really appreciate it! But, I will have to cut out a lot of the good stories, since I”m attempting to focus this book on my relationship with Mark. I’m collecting most of the stories I cut (and didn’t add from the beginning) to maybe compile in a story/adventure book, where every chapter is a different (fun or frightened) experience while on the boat.
I like your comment about ellipses. I have to do that a lot, because my memoir covers a time period of ten (!) years. I’ll look into it a bit more, and see where I could condense chapters some more with your approach. Thanks!
May 17, 2018 at 04:31
Like you, I’m not a fan of winter. BUT, I get much more writing done in winter. What else is there to do but look out the window at the snow? ;-0 Keep on keeping on with the writing. Every word counts. When I travel, I have difficulty working on my Work in Progress, though. I wonder if you can.
Re insurance woes. UGH. It’s a horrible difficult process. Nothing easy or happy to say about it, I’m afraid.
May 19, 2018 at 09:56
Oh no… snow!? Mark and I vowed to never house sit or travel in cold areas anymore during the winter (or fall, or spring). But, I so agree: cold weather is the best motivator to write books inside a cozy home. So, if I want to be productive, we will have to spend time in cold regions! With summer around the corner… the writing will (have to) be done.
To answer your question: no, I can’t work on my WIP while traveling. Hence, I have five days left to get to a stopping point with my memoir, because, next weekend, all that is on the agenda for the foreseeable future is travel! I’ve had my chances to finish this book these last two years, but life got in the way more than once, and now I’m out of time! New adventures lure around the corner. And, I’m not done writing…