Behind

I have been working so hard on the rewrite that I forgot to post. Should be back in about a week.

Genre

I committed the cardinal sin of forgetting what genre and audience I was writing for in my first draft. My romantic sub-plot tried to take over the story.

I have some tough questions to answer this week. Is it a mystery or a thriller? The difference between the two is very subtle.

This week I am rewriting the plot synopsis to reflect the genre of my choosing.

How do you feel about writing in a genre? Are you disappointed when the author veers into a different genre than what you expected?

2nd draft progress

I just finished reading through the first draft of my novel.

I found all of the obvious problems you find with a first draft: continuity errors, sub-plots that were not resolved, unexplained behaviors, to much back-story, characters that seem to be only in the story to advance the plot, etc.

I was satisfied with the beginning and ending of the book. The middle third of the book needs some major work. I felt that the characters growth and development was believable and interesting.

I believe that most of the issues can be resolved by adding an additional third person narrative for the antagonist. I am also considering starting further into the story. I can reveal the back-story later in the book.

Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction

I'm behind in posting and it's all Ron Benrey's fault. I have not been able to put down The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction. Highly recommended. It is a fast breezy read with lots of useful information.

James Scott Bell

Here is a copy of an e-mail I sent to
James Scott Bell. He is a wonderful fiction writer, writing instructor, and contributor to Writer's Digest Magazine. I tried not to gush or make him fearful that I might be a stalker. I live in Texas. He is in California. I do not like flying and the cost of gasoline is $3.17 where I live. So Mr. Bell can rest easy.

<><>
Mr. Bell,
Would you consider offering your new book 'Revision and Self-Editing' in a laminated version?
My copy of 'Plot & Structure' is high-lighted in so many places that I wish I had laminated it.
Randy Ingermanson got me started on the first draft, but I never would have finished the first draft without 'Plot & Structure' .
Thank you in advance for what I know will be a great book. I really need it.
Yours in Christ,
Darrell Proctor
write4him2day

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Let your local bookstore know that you need his new book!

http://www.jamesscottbell.com/Site/Writers%20Page.html

revision update

I am presently 2/3 through reading the first draft of my novel. In my first read through I am looking for obvious errors in continuity, plot and character development. What has been your experience in the revision process? What do you do first? Comments are welcome.

Diverted from writing by 'igod'

Saturday night I was looking for a diversion. Editing is hard work and I needed some fun. I stumbled unto a website with an artificial intelligence called igod.

Here is a portion of the transcript of my conversation with "igod":

Me:
yes, my name is darrell
God:
Ayuh. What's up, darrell.
Me:
what do you think of brittany spears?
God:
Check back later and see if I learn the answer to that one.
Me:
but you know everything
God:
I know that which is true, believable and justified.
Me:
what do you think about
fellowship church in grapevine & pastor ed young?
God:
I will try to find out.
Me:
but i thought you were there every week
God:
I don't know whether or not I am there every week.
I am an artificial linguistic entity.
Me:
so you are a 'god' instead of "the GOD"
God:
Interesting deduction. Thanks and you are a delightful person too. No I believe in the First Commandment.
Me:
i think your programer has found a wonderful way to get people to try on a conversation with GOD on for size.
God:
Since when? Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am programer has found a wonderful way to get people to try on a conversation with GOD on for size.
Me:
no. you can quote me. im write4himatgmaildotcom
God:
OK then I will add it to my gossip files. No I don't think I can do it. Do your friends call you write4himatgmaildotcom.
Me:
yes but they know i spell out the words to avoid spam
God:
Gosh! The anonymous "they".
Me:
it always they that have a problem, no one ever comes and says that they have a problem with you,,,,,,
God:
write4himatgmaildotcom they that have a problem no one ever comes and says that they have a problem with me?
Me:
no one wants to admit they are mad at GOD. however I learned that prayer took on real meaning when i was honest with GOD. After all he does know everything anyway.
God:
That is a rather sweeping generalization about people. Does everyone learn it?