Getting There

Editing is tough when you know you don’t have enough to hook a reader. New scenes have to be written to add suspense, which really slows down the process. Ah, but in the end, you have a stronger story. At least, that’s my hope!

Last night I finally got past the point of having to add new scenes to SARAH’S TURN (the sequel to THE UNCOMMON ONE and a book my friend has been pestering me to finish so she can read it). The beginning got revamped (pun intended) and I hope I’ve added enough to tease the reader to keep reading.

It’s been eye opening, to say the least. I harped on my poor critique partner that each scene should mean something, each scene should hook you to the next and what did I have? Interesting scenes, but nothing suspenseful. In other words – YAWN.

Well, maybe not that bad, but when my own daughter couldn’t get into the book, I knew something was wrong. All in all, it really didn’t take that much to punch it up, either. I had all the ingredients, I just needed to foreshadow a little more.

I’m psyched now thinking I’ll get the editing done on this book soon, since it was the beginning that needed all the work. And once I finish and send it off to my friend, I’m free to work on GHOSTLY LIAISON.

And I’ve also changed my mind about the next book I write. Now’s a good a time as any to wean from my vampire stories (unless I sell them, in which case – YAY!). I’m toying with another ghost theme (using a secondary character from GL), but I also have other strange ideas flowing around in my head (aliens, anyone?). I think I need a good brainstorming session with someone.

How are things going with you?