Ladies and gents, The Shadow Conspiracy, my NaNo novel, was officially finished yesterday at roughly 111k words and 265 pages.
Woo! I'm excited. This is the first novel that I have finished that I intend to do something with. :) This means it's time to go through the editing process.....and we'll start with changes of backstories and the title --- for as I found out, the title has next to nothing to do with the book itself. xD
For those who have completed a novel and edited it successfully, what are your tips for getting through it without having a mental breakdown? I'll need all the help I can get :)
First tip. Put it down and don't touch it for at least a month. Work on something completely different. Don't even think about the characters.
ReplyDeleteSecond. Get your hands on a kindle, if at all possible. There is something about putting your story in book format that really helps you focus on making it a better book, and at 111,000 words, printing it out would be expensive. (Trust me. Next to my computer, my kindle is my most valuable writing resource)
Third. Don't think of it as your book. Think of it as a book that a stranger wrote and you have picked it up at the library and you have no idea what's going to happen. That way you won't feel so horrible about the mistakes and plot holes.
I've self-published three books, and I'm working on my fourth, so trust me. These secrets are tried and true.
Thanks Kendra!! Those are awesome tips, and I will definitely obey them :-) I do not have a kindle unfortunately but I do have an iPod, so I'll play around.
DeleteCongrats! I can't wait to read it. I agree with waiting awhile before editing. It changes your perspective, I think, and helps you to pick up on phrases etc. that sound wonderful when writing, but not so much when reading. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace :-) You'll be one of the first to read it, I promise!
DeleteHUZZAH!!! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteThe only tips I have would be to find some people willing to read it over for you. They can help with giving editing tips and ideas. Also, as Kendra said, set it aside for a little while. This will give you a fresh look at it when you come back.
Also, if you ever need help with a cover, I know a great cover artist. *Grin*
And lastly, enjoy your completed project!!! Because you finished a novel!!
Thank you Jack :) I will definitely have to contact that great cover artist at some point ;) are you a part of the Go Teen Writers group on Facebook? Or, rather, the question to ask first would be do you have a Facebook? ;)
DeleteSadly, I am not part of the Teen Writers on facebook - I'm too old. 8-P But I am on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/JackLBaillot?ref=tn_tnmn
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