Good luck with this, Lorraine. I reckon that once you get into it, you'll find it quite satisfying as you see a leaner, meaner book emerge.

That's a serious start, Lorraine, I hope it wasn't too painful. It can be hard dropping bits that you like but have to admit you don't need. Good luck with the chapter by chapter edit. I'll be joining you in the cutting room soon!

My first attempt at writing, took off in great style. I was so passionate for the story I was telling and the characters I was creating that I became obsessed, got carried away and didn’t know when to stop. So much so that I ended up with the finish MSS at 260000+ words. Oh yes, you did read that right, and I did say I got a little carried away. I can’t even look at the book, nor could I ever imagine trying to salvage something from it. I mean that would be some task attempted to down the size and cutting so much would never work. So my first attempted is shelved never to see the light of day. However, I have chored some scenes from it for other stories, and I even chored a character. So nothing we write is wasted. It all comes in eventually.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is everyone over steps the wordcount mark, (some a little more than others) and everything we write may just come in for the next story.

I would wish you luck, but somehow I just know you don’t need it. You are a doer, and you will get the wordcount down on that I would lay a strong bet.

That's great Lorraine, you are getting there, lots of luck.

Yes, those shears out and join the slashing party!

Thanks everyone. After meeting up with Sharley last night, I've suddenly realised that not only do I need to get the first 3 chapters of Delve into shape, but also the first 3 chapters of The Curse (now x3). I need to make the best of the opportunity to pitch at next week's conference, and that's means being ready to give the first 3 chapters of both pieces of work.

Delve should be straightforward unless I decide to really slash at it, but x3 needs quite a bit of work

Do you mean that x3 is the new title of The Curse? What a brilliant title! I'd pick that up in a book shop just to see what it was about.

What an opportunity, thought, to pitch both at once - and hence to show that you're serious about this writing business, and can produce more than one novel.

That's it. I always had the title in the back of my mind, and it fits perfectly. Got to edit another two chapters of x3 in order to be prepped for the conference, and then there's the whole Delve re-edit (I may experiment ; )

Good luck. I'm sure you'll get them re-edited on time.

How's it going? ;

I was wondering; now you’ve cut all the irrelevant stuff out, how do you know what to cut next? How do you decide what’s for the chop?

Hi Lilly, I spent Friday rehashing Chapter 2 to give it a new middle scene, and edit it around the edges. And now I've got to do the same with Chapter 3 which is basically amalgamate two previous chapters into one. So I'm still at the hard edge of editing it. Once I get more of the structural stuff done, I'm going to read through the rest of the chapters and take out bits that don't read quite right, or adapt them (but then we're talking cutting or re-editing paragraphs, sentences or words rather than full scenes).

And before I do all of that - I need to also crack on with chapters 2 and 3 of x3.

I've got alot to do before Saturday.

Lorraine

And take a deep breath...

Gosh, my mind is spinning just reading what you are doing. And with a deadline looming I have to ask when are you finding any time to sleep?? ;

Good luck for Saturday, you can nail this. And I sincerely hope you get to hear something positive from whomever you are pitching to.

Phew, you've got a lot on your hands, Lorraine. I hope the momentum you gathered at Christmas will see you through. I guess having a deadline will help your focus too, as long as you can find enough time.

Good luck with getting everything done. I'm sure you'll manage it.

Thanks everyone. I'm trying to find the time when I can. I managed to put together Chapter 3 of Delve yesterday and post it in the CWG group, and last night I spent the best part of two hours odd finishing Chapter 2 of x3. Now all I need to do is Chapter 3 of x3, and then work through and edit both WIPs to take into account some of the crit that I've had.

Goodness, you're an absolute dynamo - and presumably you're doing your day job as well??

You're almost done, with a few days in hand. By Saturday you'll hopefully be cool and confident about both. Do they tell you there and there if they're interested, or do they just make a note of stuff and get back to you later?

Thanks Sarah. Yep, trying to fit this all in around the day job. I trotted in early to the office today to get an hour's of writing in before work, and I've just posted chapters 2 & 3 for x3 in IC. Just a few edits needed to take into account feedback that I've had and I'm there.

From what Sharley tells me, you do your pitch and if they're interested they'll ask for your submission (ie. synopsis plus first 3 chapters). That's why I've been beavering away this week to make sure I'm prepared to sub.

Lorraine

How are you feeling Lorraine, do you feel ready (or nearly ready)?

Well I¡¦ve finished my sample synopsis and 3 chapters for both Delve and x3. Phew! ƒº It was hard work, and the critique I received from both the CWG and IC groups really helped, so thanks to anyone on here who contributed.

I¡¦m going to have a night off, and then tomorrow I¡¦m going to try and brush up on both pitches. I have the main pitches written, but I still need to work out my style ¡V particularly on x3. And I want to try and memorise my pitches so I don¡¦t have to keep looking at a piece of paper trembling in my hands. ;

Great, fan-bloody-tastic. You mean to tell me that I’ve just spent the last two hours commenting on x3 in IC and I’m too late.(That’s the story of my life,) ;

I would just like to say, brilliant chapters so even if I am too late I still enjoyed the read so it doesn’t feel a wasted effort.

Good Luck again for Saturday. I will be here on WW awaiting your news, and my fingers will be crossed for you and Sharley.

I've just booked an extra 10 minutes with Jane Judd, an agent. A space became available and I've nabbed it (hopefully - just awaiting confirmation). Stupid bloody paypal account - it paid for the booking before I had to chance to state what it was for, but I've emailed the woman organising it.

Anyway I'm feeling even more nervous and excited because that's effectively 3 pitches I need to do. Funny though, I made an extra copy of my synopsis plus first 3 chapters of Delve on the off chance that I got talking casually to the right person. I'm glad I did now. Maybe destiny will shine a light.

Lorraine

Squeezed some time in to finish the edit on Chapter 4 of Delve. I feel much happier with it. It's a pacey chapter at 3,378 words (havig cut over 1,300 words from the chapter, and ms). Chapter 5 is going to be tricky so might take a bit more time.

Ooh - good luck. I didn't think about actually doing another one with someone else. Doh! Good luck - Astrea and I are with her too!

Gosh, when you decide to do something you really go for it! A word of advice for tomorrow, don't drink too much coffee! You'll be buzzing enough already! I wish you all the best, Lorraine, I'll be thinking of you and Sharley.

I'm glad your editing is going well, good luck with tackling chapter 5.

And what is it with Paypal? I tried changing card details on it once and it wouldn't let me. Stupid thing.

Thanks Jackie. I'm confirmed for Jane Judd. Woo Hoo.

Andy, well if you're going to do something, you might as well go all out with it ;

Definitely! Go for it, Lorraine! We're all behind you cheering you on!

thinking of you and Sharley today - you might even be pitching at this very moment! Hope you have a brilliant day, no matter what the outcome

Good luck Lorraine - I hope Donna comes back with a really positive response

And, thank you, Freebird

I've been trying to tackle both edits of Delve and x3 at the same time, but my instincts tell me that I need to deal with one st a time. I've just read through my edits of Delve so far, and the shape of things to come, and hope that I can get Delve down to approx 95k words (I don't think I can get it any lower). But the problem is that the full time job is starting to ramp up again so I will struggle to find time to deal with the edits that I need to do. x3 can wait for now. I'd rather get Delve sorted, start subbing again, and that get x3 to a decent draft and start subbing that. Lots to do and no time to do it

You know your work best Lorraine, good luck with cutting it down. Pesky real life often gets in the way of writing, doesn't it? I hope you manage to find the time that you need and want, I'm guessing caffine is going to become one of your best friends. Good luck.

Have you considered using your bed as a luxury, use for a maximum of a few hours per night, or every other night, or even once a week? ;

On a serious note: sometimes even though we don’t want to, a little time away for a WIP turns out to be more productive than sitting looking at the same piece with nothing flowing. So a few days or even weeks with other matters on your hands might be a blessing, but I feel for you, especially at this important time.

Lilly

It's always the way, isn't it? Just at the time when you've got loads of writing to be done and know what you need to do to achieve your goal, the rest of life rears up and steals your time away.

Make sure you try and get enough sleep - and enough time in that dreamy state between waking and sleeping; it's amazing how your mind comes up with solutions and ideas at that time. Don't run yourself into the ground!

I've skimmed through much of the Delve edit today and have realised that I can't get my wordcount down to below approx 108k, and though it's better than the original 126k that I first subbed, I don't know if it's good enough. To get it down anymore I'll have to cut a major thread out that I wanted to keep in there, which would take it down to nearer 100k. God this is so hard! Not sure what to do.

Couldn't sleep so got up this morning and decided that I need to find a way to get Delve down to around 95k. I've cut out two major threads which were'nt adding much to the core story but which I could bring in later in book 2 or 3. And I also cut out the near rape scene with Drew It was the only scene where the POV wasn't Rowan's and I think in order to keep the POV consistent throughout it needed to go. So my wordcount is down to just under 100k now - 99,713 words to be exact. With a bit more fringe editing I hope to get it down to the magical 95k and I think that's acceptable for a YA urban fantasy, paranormal novel. There's something almost psychological about it being 100k like the difference between 99p and £1.

<Added>

I meant under 100k ;)

Great work Lorraine. Keep at it. You'll get there. You are doing brilliantly.

gosh, Lorraine, that's tough. Getting it down to 108k must have been tough enough, without having to chop major strands. Although, for what it's worth, I think it might be a stronger book if you don't suddenly dip into Drew's pov. This must be the hardest cutting anyone on here has had to do. Good luck with it!

That's some serious cutting you doing, Lorraine. I hope it's not too painful. It's tough losing stuff that you've labored on. Hopefully though it will make a tighter story, and at least with this being a series you might be able to use sections elsewhere. I agree with Freebird, having only one scene in another POV might stand out a bit. Good luck getting to your magical 95k.

have you managed to do any over the weekend?

I've been tinkering with it Sarah. I'm combing through each chapter, and I'm now at Chapter 4 again. And you'll be pleased to know I've taken the book burning out! I've got a really busy day at work tomorrow so doubt I'll be get time on my wip or that I'll be back on here until Tuesday. Lorraine

Good luck Lorraine

Have you really managed to cut those threads so quickly? Brilliant! I've taken since September to clear my unwanted threads (after a report said I had too many subplots).

Well done for knowing what to do and than tackling it. Amazing work.

I think these tough writing tasks that we face are probably the ones that teach us the most and improve us the most.

So when you're struggling and swearing over it, just remember... It's doing you good!

You must be on tenterhooks waiting to hear back from the leads that came out of the pitching at the conference. Hope they come to something really good

Just dropping in to let you know I'm alive. Well just! Swamped with work, coming down with some viral thing, and I've got a 3 hour drive ahead of me in the morning for a meeting at 10am. I've done nothing on either wip and am feeling crap I'll probably be absent for a few days. Hoping to catch up at the weekend.

Glad you're still with us I hope you don't come down the viral thing that's going round my way. Good luck with work and your meeting. I hope you get the chance to tackle your WiP soon.

Get well soon Lorraine. It's awful having to go to work and force yourself to have energy when you are feeling ill.

Hi All, What a week I've had. Work has been all consuming, and I've hated the fact that I haven't had any time on either wip. Next week is probably going to be about the same. And now the weekend's here and I'm trying to get some time to look at Delve but keep getting interrupted. Aaaaaah! Hoping for a miracle.

I hope you got your miracle yesterday, or at least find the miracle time today. Good luck with Delve, Lorraine.

I feel your frustration, Lorraine. Bloody work! I hope you found some time at last and managed to get some words down. Hope you're feeling better too.

Hoping for a miracle.

Aren’t we all… ;

Life seems to get in the way, and its worse when you've planned your day around writing and then get nothing at all done for interruptions. It seems like a waste...

I hope you find some time, even if its just an hour to have a look at your WIP, or you might start to get withdrawal symptoms. (Here, just thinking, yeah it did hurt just a bit, but is there such a thing as writing withdrawal symptom, apart for a short fuse and feeling frustrated that is???)

I managed some on the edit yesterday. Up to about chapter 11 and overall wordcount 98,500 words or there abouts. Another manic week ahead so you may not hear from me much , but I'll try to check in when I can. ;

Hope you manage to find some time for your edits Lorraine, Hopefully things will settle at work for you soon. Well done you've managed to cut down a big chunk of your original word count.

life does get in the way of writing sometimes, doesn't it? Which is fine when it's something you want to do, but less fine when you really want to be tackling your wip without distractions.

Just try and keep it in your head if you can, mulling over things, and jot down anything that comes to you. Then when you do get time, you'll be able to jump straight in.

Managed to get half an hour at lunchtime today and made another bold decision to cut a character and scene that will get me nearer to the magical 95k. I didn't want to do it, but I'm being really harsh with my wip now. It's funny because when I look at my first wip it was 95k and then I completely changed some of the threads, and added additional scenes to take it to 126k and although I'm aiming to get back to the 95k, in some ways it's a different book. And though I'm being harsh now, I think it will be a much tighter and pacier novel that will hopefully appeal to all those fecking agents out there. Aaaah! Sorry I've had a glass or two or three of wine tonight

It's already a much tighter and pacier novel, so you're obviously doing something right! I recommend more wine ;

Hope it's going well Lorraine. I'm sure you've made the right choices, if you think something can go I'm sure it can. Oh and enjoy that wine.

Thanks Sarah & Diane. I've got the weekend ahead and hubby's staying with friends this weekend and though I've got the kids, I'm hoping to find some quality time to crack through this edit. With work getting in the way, it feels like the edit dragging and I want it to be done and to start subbing again this weekend. Fingers crossed

Well done for taking the tough decisions. I'm amazed at your speed though. Please teach me how to edit and change things so quickly - I've been doing it for months and it feels such a long, slow process. Tighter and pacier can only be good.

Argggh! I'm now questioning some of my editing decision. Well one or two at least, but if I listen to the doubts I won't hit 95k. What do I do? Of course, I know that only I can answer that question. Stupid mind! Think!

It's ok. After a wobble, I'm back on track and avoided reversing my earlier decisions. The main structure is there now I think. Wordcount is 96,500 words. I'm hoping that a little fringe edit again will reduce it further but let's see.

Wow, you are amazingly quick. I'm glad I came along post-wobble. It was great to see the positive post just thirty minutes after your wobbling one.

Sounds like you had a rough moment there, Lorraine, well done for a swift recovery. Are you still settled with your post-wobble decision? I hope the fringe edit is going well.

Was that the fastest wobble ever on FFD? ;

Lorraine does anything ever faze you? Anyhow, how's it going?

Hope it's all going well Lorraine! Fabulous 96 K. Will read back to investigate wobble...

Thanks all. I have frequent wobbles throughout the day, and not just about writing, although I don't always broadcast them. My mum used to say it was something to do with me having a libra ascendant. I think basically she meant that I'm indecisive.

Anyway about three quarters of the way through the ms now, and I did reverse at least one editing decision - putting back in a scene that I felt was needed to move the story forward. My total ms wordcount so far is a tad under 98k words. I'm still trying to drive it down but I don't think there's alot of opportunity from here on in to do so. Still I'll have to wait and see.

Hoping to finish the full ms in the next day or so, and then I'll print it and do one final readthrough to make sure it all hangs together. TBH I'm getting bored now with reading it. I've done it so many bloody times now, but I think losing some of my earlier enthusiasm has helped me to be a much harsher critic on the editing.

I think losing some of my earlier enthusiasm has helped me to be a much harsher critic on the editing.

That's a good point, Lorraine. Perhaps we do need need to get a bit fed up with it so we can be more objective. At the beginning, when we're full of enthusiasm for our new WIP, it's very hard to let go of the bits we like but aren't really needed. Maybe losing enthusiasm can be a positive and useful thing too!

it was something to do with me having a libra ascendant. I think basically she meant that I'm indecisive.

For me, I think it's not so much about being indecisive but about being world weary with the story and wondering whether all the extra work being put in will be worth it (the fear in the back of the mind that the hard slog of changing, editing, cutting, changing, editing, perfecting, cutting) will never see the light of publishing day.

I don't know if that's how you feel - but you do have a light shining on your WiP with this positive feedback and the encouragement you received. Crack on and be confident and good luck with the editing. The harsher critic can be positive.

Keep at it Lorraine, you are nearly there and you have managed to cut loads so far with your editing.

Good luck

Didn't manage to do anything over the weekend despite the best laid plans. Husband decided to kidnap my time with creating some kind of pets corner at home. We've gone from having 2 rabbits to now having 4 rabbits and 2 gerbils. Anyway he's at footie tonight, so hoping to get some decent editing in this evening.

Yes, when you get fed up with it then you can be more objective about what works and what doesn't. If you can bring it in under 100k, that's really good. 98k is going to sound a LOT shorter than, say, 101k when it might only be the difference of one chapter.

Sorry that you didn't manage to get anything done at the weekend. Fingers crossed you get loads done.

My goodness, 4 rabbits and 2 gerbils.Wwho has to clean all the hutches and cages out? Are they house or garden rabbits?

My daughters been harping on for a puppy, I've said yes, but I just keep thinking of all the extra work. I'm putting her off till after we've been on holiday in the summer.

Have a tortoise. Much less work - and they go to sleep for most of the winter!

Good luck Lorraine. I'm building and you're chopping. I hope you get some well-earned time this weekend to get on with your writing.

Haven't done much these last few days. Work has been all consuming again and is likely to be for some time. Still I'm going to work out some sort of schedule to keep at my wip.

Diane, they're garden rabbits, and hubby cleans out all the cages as he's at home every day and taking care of the house, kids and now a menagerie.

Yes, I need a schedule too - I do think it helps. Hope this week is not to busy and you get a moment to write soon.

"Kidnap my time" - you know I seem to be suffering from this form of kidnappitis at the moment. How is the escape plan coming along?

hope you manage to get some done again soon. Good job you have a 'house husband' to keep everything ticking over

Hi Lorraine, long time no hear. I hope the quietude means you've been finding some time for your writing. Have you got a workable schedule together now?

Sorry guys. I have been very quiet, largely due to work commitments. I've just had three full on days of workshops and more to come next week, but hopefully I've a little breather now for the rest of this week. Still trying to find time to edit in the evenings although I'm so exhausted from work that I've either been flopping onto the sofa or into bed.

In terms of progress update, I'm currently at 96,000 words and nearing the end (about 5 chapters left to review). If I can get it under the 96k mark, I'll be happy. But I still think when I'm done, I'll have to print it all off and have a final read through.

If I can get that all done by the end of the week ie. Sunday, I'll be ecstatic (and very optimistic).

Good luck Lorraine, but don't push yourself too hard that you run yourself down. I can see things are very busy for you at the moment.
Hope you manage to meet your target of the weekend.

Good luck , Lorraine- I really hope you get there by Sunday. Don't be too cross if not. You'll get there.

wow, you're so close! You've done amazingly well to keep going with this at all, considering your work commitments - let alone getting within sight of the end! Good idea to print it off and have a good read through. Or at least read it in a different format. it's amazing how things leap off the page that you hadn't noticed before.

I see since my last visit your family has grown, with the added addition of 4 rabbits and 2 gerbils. You certainly don’t do things by halves.

Anyhow, it seems Sunday is the big day and I really hope you hit your goal. You have stuck with it and I guess all your hard work in now paying off, the end is in sight. ;

Thanks everyone. Just a quick update to say that I think I'm there. My wordcount is 95,823. I'm going to print out and read through over the course of the weekend and may end up tightening a word or two here and there, but essentially I think it's as pacey and tight as I can get it whilst keeping true to the core of the story. Some of the things I have done do now have implications on any sequel but I just need get some interest in this novel first, before even worrying about a second.

Well done for getting there, Lorraine, and with great speed too! I hope you enjoy the read, it can make a refreshing change just to read it through. I think you're right about concentrating on this one first of all. It would be tricky marketing the next book as a sequel if the first one isn't out there!

Fantastic - I'm so pleased for you. Good luck with the revised subbing - and well done for cutting it down and doing what is needed.



<Added>

BTW - although the agent didn't like the title 'Delve', a friend of mine is being published in May - a YA book - with the title 'Slated', so one-word titles are not the issue.

I'm almost there. I stayed up till past midnight making some last changes but my eyes began to droop. Hopefully I'll finish it today but it might have to be in a hotel room somewhere. Looks like there's a last minute trip for work up to Cannock and another hectic week ahead. Still I'm feeling happy that I've got as far as I have and can't wait to put sub this one out again, and put it to bed.

What an achievement - you got it down to the wordcount you wanted, and you still have material that could go into a sequel if the opportunity arises.

one-word titles are not the issue.

Very true - loads of YA trilogies are one word titles (Delirium, Pandemonium, for example. And there's Insurgence and I can't remember the next one, but it's one word)

Did a bit more at lunch time and though I'm not holed up in a hotel, and I made it home, hubby feeling neglected so no more editing for me tonight. And have to be up at 6am tomorrow for that trip to Cannock.

I think one word titles are absolutely fine, but I may just change the title of Delve to Soul Seer as a new tactic.

Soul Seer is a good title - it's more descriptive of what's actually going on, although I like the idea of her delving! Then you could have Soul... something else for the second book.

Slayer
Stalker
Searcher
Survivor

Are you finished with your editing now? Or have you a little to do?

How's that busy week going? Any chance for a last read through, or are you ready to sub again now?

A quick update. Work has taken priority this week and has seen me up and down the country, and in day long meetings. I think it will only take me an hour or so to finish my edit, which I'm hoping to get done this weekend and then subbing. But tonight is a social so expect I'll get very drunk as I need a proper wind down after such a hectic week. Hope everyone else is progressing.

Yes, you make sure you have a blast tonight! The editing can wait - and how exciting to be subbing again. We'll be biting our nails alongside you...

Have a good time, Lorraine, and I hope you manage to finish your edit once the hangover has worn off! How are you feeling about the prospect of subbing again?

I hope you got proper tipsy and had a fab time relaxing after your week at work. Good luck with the edits and subbing. How fantastic that you're there so soon. You put me to shame.

Have a wonderful weekend and GOOD LUCK!

Yes, got very drunk although no hangover this morning which was a bonus. And hubby let me lay in bed with my laptop which means I'm done. YIPPEE!!!!

Final wordcount was 94,704 so really pleased that I bettered my 95k target if only by a bit. And I've kept most of my chapters around 2,000 to 4,000 words making it alot pacier I hope.

And this afternoon, I've been working on my sub package and am looking to send it out today to as many agencies as I can including the US. Fingers crossed. ;

Oh and new title is confirmed now as Soul Seer.

Well done you, and how did you manage not to have a hangover, that never happens to me!

Good luck with the subbing, fingers toes and everything crossed.

Shelly

Good luck - and well done! Soul Seer sounds fab.

I hope you do really well with the submissions. Wouldn't it be great if you get picked off that slushpile.

Does your husband ever do what mine does and ask if you're ever going to make some money from writing so he can retire? If so, good luck with meeting your husband's ambitions ;

Jackie, all he wants out of it is a Porsche. High expectations me thinks. ;

I hope he gets the porsche and you get an Aston Martin DB9.

I like Soul Seer too, and as Freebird says, it does leave open the possibility of lots of sequel titles.

I can't believe that you've done so much work so quickly when you have so much else going on. You certainly deserved to get very drunk! I feel really excited that you're ready to sub again, all the very best of luck with it. I think you're right about keeping the chapters between 2 and 4k, it does seem to be the way these days.

yes, that's a very quick turnaround between being stuck at 120k and getting below 95 k, ready to sub again. I have a very good feeling about this...

Thanks everyone. I've already had an email for one commissioning editor who says she's looking forward to reading my revised sub, so I'm hoping something positive will come of that but not trying to get my hopes up too much.

That's sound promising, so do you mean you've already sent it to them?

No. Not to that particular one, but see one of the main threads posted at the top of FFD. This afternoon I've had a request for the full from a US agent. It's gone now so I'll be biting my nails for some feedback.

So what are you going to do next Lorraine? Are you going to concentrate on subbing or are you going to write something while you wait too hear? Anyawy good luck.