Finding the Fun in Writing

Thursday I received my revisions on Her Warrior King from my editor. She said she absolutely loved the book, which made me do the happy dance. I’m not sure how much you guys know the stress this book put me through. I’d never written a book on a deadline before, and it was the scariest thing. I felt like my brain was cracking a whip, yelling, “Be creative now, or your career is over!” I think a pound of flesh and a pint of blood went into that book.

But now is the fun part. While I find my self-imposed revisions rather like a root canal, I really like editorial revisions. It’s like having a guidebook to follow, and while I might not know exactly HOW I’m going to accomplish what she wants, it’s fun for me.

For instance, there was one chapter opening where I had the hero spending the night with the heroine. Apparently, I had somehow forgotten to justify WHY he was doing this, when he was still in the wow-she’s-hot-but-I-can’t-have-her stage. I let the idea percolate, and wham! Out of the blue I got a brand new idea for a scene, which was so much fun. I had them make a wager, and the hero lost. His penalty was having to spend the night with the heroine (just keeping her company, get your mind out of the gutter). Problem solved, and I love this new scene.

I’m down to three revisions left, and then I can e-mail the book back, after I’ve done one more read-through to catch any repetitions I’ve done. I like to start with all the little tweaks and fixes and save the big changes for last. That way I have enough time to let my subconscious work on the issues. It seems to work for me.

Tomorrow marks the last week of school. :scream::streamer: To celebrate, the teachers in sixth grade are going out for breakfast at IHOP. We look forward to this every time there’s a 7th period exam for a 2-hour block. (We have planning 7th period.) I’m a complete sucker for Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Mmmm….can’t wait.

Last, I just finished reading my friend Anna Campbell’s Claiming the Courtesan. Anna is the sweetest person, and an absolute delight. I think some of the reviewers have put her through the wringer since this book is very controversial. Ever heard the 80’s song “Obsession?” I think that sums up the plot very nicely, and it was a fascinating read. To write about a hero like Justin took a great deal of guts, and I applaud her for it. I did enjoy the book, and to carry off the plot she did was pretty amazing.

Right now I’m reading Stephanie Tyler’s Risking it All. Love those Navy SEAL heroes! Have you read Anna or Stephanie’s books? If so, what did you think?