The path to a novel.
I crossed 30k words this morning. The original plan for Daughters of Bridget Cleary was 30k, but as I plot it, I'm finding so much more to say. The end result will probably be between 40-50k.
Building a story from scratch is very different from writing one based in established worlds. For one thing, I have to plot out and write scenes to establish who my characters are, and what the rules are for the world they inhabit. With Special projects, the assumption was there that everyone already knew some version of the characters that I played with.
At any rate, I plan to have my rough draft done by the end of the month. Then I'll try to find a developmental editor (someone who can point out holes and dangling plot threads). While that's happening, I'll work on edits from a different novel. Then rewrites, and a line edit for grammar (my biggest weak spot).
Given my background in photography and design, I may do my own cover (something that most self-published authors don't recommend, but I have a degree that says I can do it.) Which would leave more money for the edit. I'm doing this on a shoestring, so I need to save where I can.
More on my progress as I have updates.
Building a story from scratch is very different from writing one based in established worlds. For one thing, I have to plot out and write scenes to establish who my characters are, and what the rules are for the world they inhabit. With Special projects, the assumption was there that everyone already knew some version of the characters that I played with.
At any rate, I plan to have my rough draft done by the end of the month. Then I'll try to find a developmental editor (someone who can point out holes and dangling plot threads). While that's happening, I'll work on edits from a different novel. Then rewrites, and a line edit for grammar (my biggest weak spot).
Given my background in photography and design, I may do my own cover (something that most self-published authors don't recommend, but I have a degree that says I can do it.) Which would leave more money for the edit. I'm doing this on a shoestring, so I need to save where I can.
More on my progress as I have updates.