I have set a revision schedule that has me polishing up The Dragon and the Pearl by the end of July. I don’t write clean and do a lot of work “post-op” in revisions, so two months seems pretty aggressive to me. Especially when national conference is right smack in the middle of that. This is when I’ll layer in extra sexual tension and character development, strengthen my mushy middle, and let the major themes emerge.
It makes me think of what happens when you’re actually published. I’ve heard of published authors who were asked to write whole novels in six months. Could I do that if asked? I don’t know!
So there is a blessing to being unpublished. I can write this story and just worry about my craft for a while.
Jun 21, 2009 @ 19:42:36
I think we could do it. Especially if we’d been through the whole process once before with an editor. We’ve learned so much about writing just by working through a round of revisions with our agent. Can’t imagine how much we’d learn after working with an editor!
Jun 22, 2009 @ 13:15:25
I *may* be able to write a novel in six months if that was my sole job–especially since much of that would be devoted to historical research.
Jun 22, 2009 @ 14:01:38
Get used to the strict deadlines. I know quite a few authors who had to write full novels in 2-3 months!
You can do it! Can’t wait to see you at conference!
Jun 22, 2009 @ 14:13:28
Apparently I’m the only one who finds the thought terrifying!
And Jax, I know you’re one of those lightning quick writers when push comes to shove. Maybe pressure is the key.