Relationship advice
Jun. 3rd, 2005 09:39 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pbrayIt's revision time, and as I went through the latest set of notes this morning, I was once again reminded why I tell people that writing a book is a lot like entering into a long term relationship. You may start by making a commitment to one or two central characters, but once you commit to them you're also committing to an extended family in the form of all the other characters that you'll bring in to tell the story. You're going to be spending a lot of time with these folks (years if it's a multi-volume series) so you'd better really enjoy hanging out with them.
Why you should look before you leap
Looking at it another way, I've had the basic story idea and main character in my head since September 2003. I haven't been constantly working on the story since that time, but the characters have been hanging around-- like guests dropping by unexpectedly, cluttering up my living space, insisting on dragging me out places when I've other things to do. First it was one, then two, then they started bringing their friends over and insisting that I meet the in-laws.
Each chapter that has been written has been read individually at least four times so far, and before the end of this month I'll have read the entire book through from start to end at least three times, more likely four.
I can then expect to read the entire book at least four more times (twice as I revise it based on my editor's comments, once for copy-edits and once for galleys). By the time the book hits the shelves I'll have had the characters in my head for nearly three years.
And this is the first of a three book series, so I can confidently say that I'll be hanging out with these people till at least 2007, depending on release dates. By the time the final book hits the stores I'll have moved on to other projects, but I'll still have to go back and spend time with my "ex" as I do readings, signings, and other promotion for that title.
Good thing I still like these guys. So far, at least.
Why you should look before you leap
Looking at it another way, I've had the basic story idea and main character in my head since September 2003. I haven't been constantly working on the story since that time, but the characters have been hanging around-- like guests dropping by unexpectedly, cluttering up my living space, insisting on dragging me out places when I've other things to do. First it was one, then two, then they started bringing their friends over and insisting that I meet the in-laws.
Each chapter that has been written has been read individually at least four times so far, and before the end of this month I'll have read the entire book through from start to end at least three times, more likely four.
I can then expect to read the entire book at least four more times (twice as I revise it based on my editor's comments, once for copy-edits and once for galleys). By the time the book hits the shelves I'll have had the characters in my head for nearly three years.
And this is the first of a three book series, so I can confidently say that I'll be hanging out with these people till at least 2007, depending on release dates. By the time the final book hits the stores I'll have moved on to other projects, but I'll still have to go back and spend time with my "ex" as I do readings, signings, and other promotion for that title.
Good thing I still like these guys. So far, at least.
