After I finish a first draft, I like to take time away from it and let my husband read it. He’s good at problem solving and often has ideas that most people don’t think of. I like getting his feedback before starting to edit something.
He finished reading The Fiercest Chicken awhile ago and we brainstormed some plot improvements together. Overall, I think there might be less editing needed than what I did for Somewhat Alive. Of course, as that one guy always says, “Comparisons are odious.”
Last night, as I was lying in bed trying to get back to sleep after the heater had made That Noise for the fifth time, it occurred to me that I probably should just permanently shelve Salt in the Shallows. At least for now. I don’t know. I could finish it. But I’m kind of struggling with where the plot is going and I’m just over halfway done with it. I sort of know the ending, but it’s limping there rather than flowing easily.
I just wonder if my writing skills have improved to the point where it could be easier to start over than to finish something I started writing several years ago.
I do have a new book idea that I’m really excited about. I have the title and main character and while I don’t like to brag, I even have a bit of a plot. I think it could be really good.
I just don’t know how much you can trust your middle of the night thoughts. Sometimes things seem perfectly clear and obvious in the middle of the night, but then in the daytime, it’s more murky.
Of course, if it wasn’t so cold outside, we wouldn’t need to run the heater, and the heater would not be making That Noise and waking me up all night and then I could save all of my thoughts for daytime thoughts, when I don’t have to question whether or not I’m thinking clearly. I mean, as long as I’ve had my coffee.
Never trust any thoughts that happen before you’ve had your coffee.
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