In the spirit of InSecDraMo, I thought I’d stop in today and give you all a mid-November update!
Okay, to be fair, I (re)started editing TDM on October 27th, so I got five days headstart on the ol’ month of writerly work, but that goes a little way toward off-setting the problem of Halloween a couple of days later, then my wedding anniversary and birthday falling in this month and taking me away from work (rightfully so, I suppose). For November itself, I’ve missed four days. I’ve added over 3,500 words to my manuscript, and cut or changed innumerable more (meaning I have no way of keeping track of exactly what I’ve cut, re-written, or replaced).
In terms of actual editing, I am more than half way through the book. There’s no accurate measurement for editing-to-word ratio, since I know for a fact that I will be adding in certain scenes further in the story, thus upping the final count. As far as current word count goes, I’ve edited up to the 57% point. That is a VERY good feeling.
For InSecDraMo, that would mean I’m ahead of schedule, and doing a mighty fine job of it! I admit, I’m struggling a little at the moment, and that’s a big part of why I’ve missed days. This chapter is amazing and totally awesome, but still desperately needed a hard edit. There were things I’d decided I needed to change, no question about it, and it’s just hard to add those elements in when it temporarily mangles an otherwise epic scene.
The story will still need work later on, but it’s definitely getting somewhere. I am still so in love with these characters, and the situations they are getting into make me some kind of gleeful maniac. It’s all a little mean, but an author has to do these things to the ones we love best! Right now, I think I have an excellent chance at reaching my editing goal and have it ready for my betas to read at the end of the month. Exciting! I know at least one of them is eagerly awaiting this story.
~A
The Fane 
Congratulations on making great progress on InSecDraMo!! Me too, plugging along on my own InSecDraMo — I’ve been doing a lot of stressing about the beginning (in addition to the rest of it), but I’ve come to peace with where I am and I’m moving on. I too have some excited Beta readers waiting, but now I’m wondering if I ever should have said anything to them!? Great work, Ashlee!!!!
Very exciting to hear about your progress too, Julia! It’s always good to find that nice middle ground, where you are able to give a critical eye (and note potential problem-areas), but can still be satisfied with your work and move along. After all, there’s more to do! Thanks for your support! 😀
~A
Ah, the halfway points. Those are both wonderful and horrible. In writing, that’s when you start feeling insecure about everything regarding the novel. In editing… well, I’m not quite that far yet, but going by this post, it’s much the same.
I wish you lots of luck with your editing! May we both accomplish our goals. 🙂
Thank you, Natasha! Oh yes, the half way point is a very bittersweet moment. It’s also really easy to get stuck or distracted at this time, I’ve found. XD
Good luck to you, too! 😀
~A
You’re welcome! Exactly. Once you get past the halfway point, you’re on the home stretch. It’s the easiest place to get stuck or distracted. It’s a trap, I tell you, a trap!
Thank you! 🙂