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Writing...What's that?

I know I haven't said anything recently about the WIP. There's a reason for that. I haven't touched the thing in a couple weeks. I just haven't had time.

I've also decided I'm afraid of finishing it. Yep, afraid.

I'm afraid it will suck and I'll realize only after I finish the thing that it came unravelled right at the end. At this stage in the game, the threads are winding nicely around each other, but I can so easily see the knot tying them all together slipping free. The logical part of me knows this is unlikely. The insecure child that lives inside my skull is not so sure.

Of course, even as I say this, I've been considering actually trying to find an agent/publisher. I know! I'm surprised, too. It's just the thought of waiting for months, possibly even years, for anything to happen that makes me shy away from this idea.

Not to mention I have NO IDEA where to market this. One part of me feels as if it might - if we stretch things far enough - fit into Christian fiction as well as romance. If I attempt romance only, I'm afraid the heavy Christian overtones will turn the agent/editor off. Humph.

I need a serious beta reader, too. Honest to the point of brutal without being downright ugly mean. I have friends and family reading it, but they're friends and family. Need I say more? They love me (sometimes) and won't want to disappoint or hurt my feelings by pointing out flaws.

Humph again.
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  1. Amanda3:25 PM

    RWC has a critique group. A lot of the specialty groups in RWA have critique groups. You might be able to find one at a local community college. I'd say I'd do it, but the time I have right now is being dedicated to writing. When I'm done though, I'd be willing.

    Push through to the end. It is definitely worth it even if you think your ending is crap. Being finished with the first draft is an awesome experience. It also helps when you go back to the beginning to edit, because you'll know where you are heading.

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  2. Krista Heiser4:49 PM

    Thanks, Amanda. I'll look into my local and online options for a crit partner. I'm thinking I might hit up a couple of writer friends that I've done the same for...

    I know by this post I sound as if I've never finished a novel, but I have. Quite a few actually. Yet, this one is just so "out there" that it's scary. It doesn't fit nicely into any one genre. It might be too hot, steamy and paranormal for the Christian market. Yet, it doesn't seem like a solid fit into Romance, either.

    Weird-ass hybrid. That's what it is! :-)

    Thank you for the offer and recommendations, as well as the words of encouragement. Sometimes having someone tell you to "just do it" makes a huge difference!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joely Sue Burkhart2:07 PM

    I know exactly what you mean. I always fall into a deep funk around the Dark Moment and seriously question why I should finish the darned story. FINISH IT. Then send it to me. I'll be happy to beta read for you. You certainly helped me with Letters!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Krista Heiser8:38 PM

    Thanks, Joely! I really appreciate your willingness to help, especially when I know how busy you are with your own projects, the EDJ, and the family.

    School is over on Wednesday. This means Wednesday night is the "open season" on the WIP. I plan on powering through the end of the story before the kids begin their summer vacation. ~crossing fingers~

    ReplyDelete

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