Monday, September 6, 2010

Screwing Up Time

This post is a little late, but it’s a holiday so I know you’ll cut me some slack. Plus, I’ve had a cold. Though it’s a lot better now.

When I first started blogging, I read that you shouldn’t post on what was going on with your novels in regards to agents, etc. But I love reading about how other writers are progressing toward publication, and I try to glean lessons from what they’re learning. Today I’ve decided that it’s time to give back.

I’m currently revising a young adult novel, Screwing Up Time. Here’s a summary of the novel: Mark Montgomery is a slacker content with his life and in a few months he’ll graduate and get a brand new sports car from his parents, assuming he stays out of trouble. Then, she comes into his life—Miranda with her I-just-escaped-from-a-Renaissance-Fair clothing. Only, she hasn’t. She’s come from the Middle Ages and demands two things. Although Mark has never even heard of either before, he must find them quickly, or Miranda will die. To save her, Mark must break into a psych hospital to visit his grandfather who once tried to kill him, pass through the colors of time, take on a medieval alchemist, prevent Miranda’s marriage to a two-timing baron, and keep it all hidden from his parents. The sports car is definitely in trouble.

Right now I have several interested agents.  I've completed an R&R (revise and resubmit—you revise the novel according to the agent’s recommendation and resubmit it) for one agent, and the agent has asked for a second R&R. I’m in the midst of this second R&R. I have to say R&Rs are crazy thrill rides all their own. I’m so close....but not quite there. Some days are discouraging, and my brain is mush. Other days are exhilarating as I mold the manuscript and see it getting better and better.

I hope to have this R&R done in another week or two. Then we’ll see what happens. That’s where I am. I’d love to hear where other writers are at. Especially anyone that’s done an R&R.

17 comments:

  1. That sounds great. I love how it's from the guy's POV.

    As you know, I'm currently writing my 2nd novel since my 1st novel hasn't gotten too many takers. I don't think it's YA enough for this market.

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  2. Lazy or slacking characters tend to be popular... Mostly because we can all identify with them. Heh heh.

    Either way, I eagerly anticipate reading through such an awesome story!! I can't contain my excitement!!

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  3. It may be a bit premature for such a question, but will Mark be screwing up time in some other era beyond the Medieval Ages? Don't get me wrong.. I love the Dark Ages more than anybody else!! I just think it would be rather neat to have a modern boy and a medieval girl riding a prehistoric dinosaur as they chase a corrupt futuristic spacecop who stole something random from some colonial cowboys. Something of that sort.

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  4. Andrew-

    If I get a multi-book contract, I have great times and places to visit already planned and researched. (Past and future.) In fact, part of a sequel is already written.

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  5. I like the stories of Stephen King, sorry that he did not have so many stories on the Middle Ages. basically all the action takes place in our time, namely from 60-ies of the 20 century.

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  6. I'm currently working on writing my third novel. The first two are in revisions but the new idea is too strong to control so I'll write her out first.

    One day I'll be ready to share with the world!

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  7. Wow! And R&R's are awesome! You should be super excited that you've made it to that stage. I completed an R&R and then my agent called and offered representation a week later. I'm hoping this is the one for you!

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  8. Wow! Good luck! Make sure your revision is tight and get it to your beta readers! I made the mistake once of sending my MG off to two agents who had requested revisions too soon. (I've put YA and MG off to the side for a bit, focusing on a memoir).

    Anyway, the concept sounds exciting. Love the title.

    Never get discouraged! Never give up!

    From another forty-something-year-old black lab lover.

    Cheers-

    Samantha

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  9. Can't wait to see this book on the shelves and you know I'll be at your first signing with bells on!

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  10. You ARE close! Keep at it! Good luck!

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  11. Being in the midst of an R&R feels like you're stuck in purgatory with no hope of getting out. The good news? You really are SOOO close, even if it feels like nothing will ever happen.

    While I can't look back on my R&R time and laugh (yet), I definitely think getting through it helped prime me a little for other stressful, writerly things.

    Just think how well-prepared you're going to be when you go on submission or get your first editorial letter. You're no stranger to a little editing, right? Right!

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  12. My brain is mush...exactly my FB post this morning. I wonder if there's any stage of the publishing process where we can relax, probably not. I'm about to get busy querying and I dread it. Bet it feels good to be on the other side of that hurdle!

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  13. Wow! That's really great. Just getting to the R&R stage is already a huge step. I'm still writing my first draft (of the 3rd-ish novel) and hope to have it done soon.

    Best of luck!

    p.s. The premise of your story sounds fantastic!

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  14. Congrats on the second R&R and getting rid of the cold!

    I've completed drafts of four novels so far (should finish the first draft of a fifth on Thursday)The one that I most want to have published recieved an informal request for revision - more of a if you change this and send it back I'd love to reconsider. It's currently with my critique partner and I'm hoping to resubmit by the end of the month (The informal request was five months ago - the wait is killing me. I'm horrible at waiting. I hope you're better at it.) Good luck!

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  15. This is probably one of the most responded posts yet.

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  16. Sounds fantastic--great work getting a few agents on the hook! Best wishes as you revise!

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  17. I am totally in the same boat. R&Rs are pretty frustrating (but also exciting!)

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