The amazing two-headed novel

[pjthompson]

What's new in the yard: The planter of amaryllis is in full bloom, but the first blooming flowers have started to fade. The pink and yellow lantana has been popping for awhile now. The Mexican poppies--a papery, pale lavender--have sprung up here and there throughout the yard. And the pink and white geranium has been joined by a maroon and pink one.

Writing talk of the day: A real good session yesterday. The final fight is well underway. A fairly good session today. I continued the fight, then spent a certain amount of time staring at the wall. But it was good staring at the wall, thinking about "If A happens, then B could happen, and lead to C..." I blocked out important elements of the rest of the fight and hope that means I can work steadily towards the conclusion now.

This late in the game I find myself second-guessing some of my decisions and that's slowed things down quite a bit. But I have to let go of the idea that everything will hang together perfectly at this point. First draft I keep repeating to myself.

A funny thing happened on the way to writing this book: I wrote two books. Two books, with a household move thrown in for good measure. I do not wish to repeat the experience.

And if Lois McMasters Bujold cannot sell a 200k ms. as one book, I haven't got a prayer because I am sooooooo not Ms. Bujold. I am not quite at 200k (SMF) yet, but so close it's not worth mentioning. When all is done, done, done, the epic will probably have to be taken apart and rearranged, and broken in two. And somewhere in there a third book will have to be written.

But not now. God no, not now.

Comments

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

Well, to have two novels spawn out of one? Hey, that's a good thing. And yes, do keep repeating "it's a draft, it's a draft..." It's a very good thing to remember. NOBODY writes a perfect early draft. I've heard some say that the novel is really written in the revisions. So congrats on your progress!!!

[pjthompson]

I'm only unhappy about its length because of the marketing ramifications. Well, and because it was damned hard work. I want to get away from it for a long while now to give myself some perspective on how to remodel it. I think I'll write another novel first, though.

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

Some time away from something you've been so involved with for so long is a good thing. You most definitely need a little distance and perspective and to be able to come back to it with fresh eyes. Best of luck with it to you though!!!!!

[pjthompson]

Thanks.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Oh Lordy, I so did not need to know that about Bujold. *frets*

And YAY! to the conclusion. I've read 37 and will get to it as soon as.

[pjthompson]

Oh Lordy, I so did not need to know that about Bujold. *frets*

Bujold sold the 200k book but the publisher decided to split it. And Cecilia Cecelia Cecellia... C. Dart Thornton sold her 300k Bitterbynde monster in one piece--which the publisher then turned into three books. And she was a first time novelist. So, it is possible to sell huge books if they're good enough, but then the marketing decision often seems to be to split them. *shrug* But what do I know?

And YAY! to the conclusion. I've read 37 and will get to it as soon as.

Well, the conclusion ain't done yet, but it's getting there. And I know you are a very busy girl these days so I'm keeping my expectations low. Do it when you can. And thanks for all the hard work there!

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Okay, so that is better news, especially that about CDT. Did you read the Bitterbynde books? If so, do you think the story works well as three volumes?

Not that what you or I think will have any bearing on whether or not publishers think our monsters are publishable. Still, it is fun interesting to speculate. Someone out there is bound to be in need of a doorstop, right?

And I can empathize with what you said to java_fiend about writing something else before tackling it again. I'm not on first draft, though, so I think that after this pass, I should clean mine up and get it out the door.

[pjthompson]

Did you read the Bitterbynde books? If so, do you think the story works well as three volumes?

Heh. I read books one and two. I've bought but not yet read three. I thought book two was better than one because she'd calmed down a bit on the overblown language and the first book was all about lavish and lush worldbuilding. I think lavish and lush, but I thought this was way overdone. I seem to be in the minority there. *shrug* I also felt cheated at the end of book one because although some things were resolved, mostly the story just stopped. Two had a more satisfying ending for me. But it's been some time now and I still haven't been pulled on to book three. However, like I said, I seem to be a minority there.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Actually I've heard very mixed things, too, or people preferring one volume to the other, same observations about the ending and the lack of desire to read the third, which is why I've never taken the plunge, even to support an ex-OWWer.

[pjthompson]

I'll probably get around to it eventually, but I supported her in buying the books at least. I did wait for paperback, however. :-)