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Friday, March 16, 2007

Exciting Stuff

Drawing towards the end of a novel is exciting stuff.

But the end isn't necessarily "the end" of the work.

After you've finished the final chapter - for about the 6th - 10th time - and you're happy with your rewrites, the next step is to get it read by someone who will represent your "reading public".

Hand your manuscript over to someone who is familiar with that genre and enjoys that type of novel.

Then...

Get to work on your next baby.

Don't sit around biting your nails and phoning the reader every day to see how far they've read. You want them to take their time and read it properly.

If possible, get that reader to critique your novel for you.

Some of the things a reader can look for, as opposed to an editor or assessment service, are:

Are the characters likable?
Can a reader identify with them and empathise with them?
Does the book "hook" the reader in from the very beginning?
Is the plot easy to follow?
Are there any inconsistencies in the plot?
Did you leave out any explanations or put too many in?
Do you waffle in places?
Do you repeat yourself?
Does the book have good pace?
Does the climax build satisfactorily towards the end.
Is the ending satisfying and exciting.
If there is a sequel, does the ending make you want to read the second book?

Also ask them, if they see any glaring grammar or spelling mistakes to point those out for you, if they wouldn't mind.

As authors, we know what should be in our novels, and so we read them with our eyes and our minds half closed to some things.

A fresh set of eyes is invaluable.

Once your wonderful reader has written all over your manuscript for you, get to work on the rewrites. Fix up any mistakes, no matter how tiny they may be.

After all, you want that manuscript to be as close to perfect as you can get it.

A manuscript assessment service is a good next step.

A glowing critique from a reputable assessment service can go a long way towards pitching your novel to a publisher.

So, people, go ahead. Give it a go... Write, write and then write some more!

Cheers

Plurk

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Glenloth Earth Tones Art at Zazzle


Gypsy Stone Dukkering

Casting the Stones

Long before the Tarot became synonymous with fortune telling, Gypsies used the natural world around them to help them see into the troubled hearts of those who came seeking knowledge and guidance.
River stones, gems, crystals, sticks, needles and bones were often used by the dunkerer [dukkerer] or palm reader.
I love using my own set of river stones that I personally hand picked and charged with healing energy.
When I read, I'm not so much telling a fortune, as looking into the heart of the energy surrounding the person I'm reading for. I believe this gives a more accurate insight into what is at the heart of a problem or situation and can provide real, down to earth ways of helping people deal with what life sometimes throws at them.
Casting the stones is something I love and I hope to continue with my readings for as long as life will allow.

Láshi Baxt Me Zhav Tute

(May Good Luck from me go with you)

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