The Write and Wrong of My First Manuscript
I don’t have a book published yet; however, I’ve written several manuscripts. My collection includes three and one-half completed novels for a mystery/romance series and a finished memoir. But none of these books are ready to be published. I’m still an author-in-training. Each book needs more critiquing—more editing.
I learned a lot about the write and wrong of the publishing world while working on my first “book.” I discovered it pays off to complete a novel before starting a new one. Completing a project builds confidence. It creates momentum that carries over to the next writing goal.
- My first project told me I can do it.
- My first book told me I have what it takes to commence and complete projects.
This is huge. Most people who start a book don’t finish it. My first manuscript also showed me how rewarding it is to fall in love with characters. Although they tend to create a mind of their own, it’s fun to uncover their inner conflicts and motivations for why they do--and don’t do--the things they do.
Writing a mystery is especially fun because I don’t find out which suspect did the deed until close to the end of the first draft. And because I love sweet romances, I included this genre as an equal partner in each manuscript (Although I may have to change that in order to fit better on a particular genre's bookshelf.).
I enjoy having both my heart and mind engaged.
The wrong I learned from my first book is I queried agents before I subjected my manuscripts to several rigorous round of critiques. Although I got three requests for a full manuscript (Wow, was I stoked.), they weren’t ready to be published. My idea was good, but my work needed … well… more work. I was invited to resubmit after I polished my projects.
And so the polishing, reading, platform building, networking, and learning have continued since then. I’m grateful for the opportunity to resubmit. I appreciate the generous tips from agents. And I’m thankful for an abundance of writing craft information available for those who desire to learn the write and wrong of how to be published.
I'm nosy-to-know what recent lessons you've learned about the write and wrong of publishing.
Wendy L. Macdonald is an inspirational blogger and podcaster who loves to photograph nature on Vancouver Island. Her byline is: “My faith is not shallow because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” Her main website is wendylmacdonald.com where she enjoys interacting with readers.
Requests for more is a huge victory in itself, Wendy. Well done! I look forward to being able to read the polished versions when you get them to that stage!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Tracy. I could use prayer for courage and direction.
DeleteBlessings ~ Wendy
Wendy, I enjoyed your post very much.
ReplyDeleteEspecially liked hearing about what you learned from your two first projects: "My first project told me I can do it. My first book told me I have what it takes to commence and complete projects." An important lesson, indeed. I've been learning that myself.
Thank you, dear Brenda. Those two points are part of the foundation of any book--that's for sure.
DeleteBlessings a you keep writing ~ Wendy
Hi Wendy! Thank you for your post. I appreciate what you say about some of our basics of our writing. The "polishing, reading, platform building, networking, and learning" are all part of our calling, work and business. I also like what you said about completing a piece before starting on a new one. The only thing is, I'm still learning to do that. I'm a late bloomer and have tons to learn. The main thing is to keep on writing. Blessings Wendy! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alan, for the blessing. From what I've noticed, writers are always in class because the best ones never stop learning. We, late bloomers, are in good company.
DeleteBlessings as you complete the projects God has planned for you ~ Wendy
I appreciate your faithfulness in blogging, Wendy. I am equally impressed with the fact that you have three and one-half novels completed, even if you still have those extra duties to perform. The plotting and the major plodding are done. Through you blogging and the initial writing of these novels you have shown yourself that you've got what it takes.
ReplyDeleteThat invitation to resubmit when you finish polishing your work is nothing to sneeze at! I believe you have shown yourself that you have what it takes to make the last leg of the journey, Wendy L. MacDonald!
Thank you for your encouraging words, dear Sharon. I've heard that many stories languish for lack of courage to tell them. I'm praying for wisdom, timing, and His will to be done.
DeleteBlessings ~ Wendy