I’ve learned much on the journey of writing my first novel. I learned, for example, that my first draft was more about storytelling and less about writing. My scariest realization happened when I went through my first draft for the first time and realized that the writing was pure shit. After I calmed down in knowing that my story was still intact, I acquainted myself with the act of rewriting and, with each subsequent rewrite, I watched my style evolve, I cut out many of my darlings that I was, at one point, so proud of writing (it’s strange how a section you once loved so much no longer has a chance), and, perhaps above all, I realized how much time it takes to polish an entire manuscript (I originally wrote 600 pages; I now have around 400 pages).
There is one remaining section of the novel I need to rewrite and polish. Of course, I could just turn over the manuscript and be done with it but I’ve worked too hard and too long to do that. I want it to be right. I’ve asked my publishers for more time and they’ve given it to me (you can read the announcement here).
I really appreciate all the e-mails and messages from some of you who are excited for my novel’s release. Don’t be disillusioned. You would want me to make sure it’s ready. Enjoy the holidays. My novel will be ready and released in early 2012.
If you have any questions or thoughts, talk to me.
You can still pre-order the novel on Amazon or read the first two chapters.
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