Synopsis?

It's harder to write about my novel that it was to write the damn thing. I want to bang my head against my metal desk and listen to my grey matter squish out of my ears and flop on the ground. (and poke my eyes out with the scissors). The craziest thing: it's effort for all the rejection letters I will get. Maybe I should just write myself a rejection letter and get on with writing the next novel.

Here it goes:

Dear Ms. Morris,

We regret to inform you that your novel entitled, (Whatever the final title will be), is not a good fit for our agency/publishing company. First, it's not Science-fictiony enough. We are looking for aliens with green skin, teleportation devices, and flying saucers. Second, your characters have stupid names and worse characterization. Third, your synopsis sucked, therefore, your writing must as well. Fourth, we don't like your name. It's simply not publishable. Fifth, we are honestly not sure where you live since your query was mailed from one state, your synopsis from another and your phone number is from neither. Sixth, we don't see where it could go after this. There is simply no potential. Seventh, I have a headache and actually didn't read beyond the first sentence. Eighth, you suck. Ninth, your novel isn't long enough. Tenth, simply put: no one will read it.

We hope we have provided you a clear enough explanation of why you and your writing are not a good fit for us. Feel free to submit again, when you get a clue.

Sincerely,

Some evil witch who hates all life

Ok, now that I have written the worst rejection letter I can think of (to myself), I feel a bit better. In fact, I highly suspect this will be the most original rejection I receive. (That is not a challenge). But if you are reading this, and planning on rejecting me anyway - go for it.

On that note: back to my synopsis (attempt)

Organizing My Thoughts

Visually, organizing my thoughts that is. New white dividers in my white binder. Freshly printed chapter by chapter outline. I'm working on typing up my character information from the random loose-leaf paper, sticky notes, and ripped journal pages strewn about.

In other new: I have written two versions of the query letter (so far).

Outline Complete

15 pages, 5,600+ words later and the outline to my novel is finished. I'm very happy about this because it will be much easier to work with 15 pages to write a synopsis rather than 224 pages.

Up next: Synopsis, Query Letter(s), and Cover Letter

Long term: Begin to outline the next book.

I'm not typically one to do outlines for stories/novels. However, I have a lot of directions I could go and I think outlining will help me determine which directions I want to go in next. Even if I don't follow it exactly, I'm hoping that it will save me some time.

Genre study

I read somewhere, probably many places, and have been told countless times that in order to be a better writer, I must read fervently. Don't mistake that. I do read, a lot. It's just I tend to read randomly and many genres or I read specifically a lot by a few authors. So, I have decided that if I want to write Science Fiction (which is the only thing that really interests me (as a writer), I need to read a wider range of material. Hence: genre study.

Where to start? Good question.

I have been researching MFA programs for awhile now, and found that the University of Kansas has The Center for the Study of Science Fiction. It offers a lot of unique courses that focus in SF and I would love the opportunity to study there. However, I have no idea where we will end up. They do offer a week long class (that has already occurred) on The Science Fiction Novel. The website includes a list of all required reading, and that's where I decided to start my genre study. If, by chance, I get to attend someday, I'm ahead of the curve. If not, it's a good start on a much larger goal. Hell, my favorite SF author isn't even included, so I know there are many more good choices out there.

I'm starting the list in the middle, with the one book that I have

I started reading it awhile ago, but never finished. I'm not sure why.

I've also ordered a couple more, so that when I'm done, I can read another. I love Amazon's used books section. Seriously, one cent for a book plus $3.99 shipping. I'm a happy girl!

Printing . . .

224 pages. Ready, Set, Go! Yes, a complete second draft is done and printing as I type. This time, I am printing it front only, full size, with page numbers. This next read through, I will focus on more of the big picture. I started to on the first draft, but got lost in grammar, tense, wording and timing issues (some of which I will probably still find). I will also be looking at small issues: changing words and descriptions, finding a title, adding description/taking away useless words, dialog, fillers and whatever else pops up.

**My printer decided to stop printing. I was printing in 25 page sections, so as to keep tabs on paper and ink, two sets of printing and it stopped. Technology is everything good and evil all at once. Yesterday, my computer decided it would be neat if the start menu was at the top of my screen instead of the bottom.

How I fix a printer: unplug and plug it back in = SUCCESS!

Light at the top of the tunnel!

(Title post = reference to POV #3 of my novel!) Yes, today I actually feel confident saying that I am in fact writing a novel. Not simply that I am trying to, but it actually is taking shape. I have finished editing it. (Though, truth be told, I haven't updated it all yet, but I've read through it and made corrections on paper. Second truth, the last chapter needs rewritten - but I do know what it will say - sort of). I am well into POV #3 (hence the reference above). Though, in some ways, POV #3 is a whole new thing that requires new research and development and feels like I am starting all over again. Anyway, I am finally able to see a *short-list of what needs to be done in order to be done, in order to get it *possibly on it's way to be published (if it doesn't suck).

I felt more confident starting this post than now that it's finished. I guess I'll just get back to work.

just keep writing . . .

I've been continuing to work on part three. It's tripled in size, though, I realize that's not saying a whole lot. I have been editing parts one and two also (still). In my defense, I now live in a new state and have most of the house in order; including new office furniture. (yes, again). Our other awesome stuff wasn't quite made to "cut it" for a move, with one piece in half and the desk pieces way to wobbly for us to work hard on our laptops, it a necessary buy. So, we opted for metal! They are sleek and modern and hopefully will withstand a few more moves.

two of theseone of these

one of these

two of these

two of theses

All courtesy of www.cb2.com! (as are the pictures) It all complements the AWESOME book shelf I scored from the antique store a few months ago too!

Even more in my defense, I am working hard on preparing myself and my husband for the GRE. I have challenged him to it, telling him I will do better. (IDK if that will happen, but it should keep me on my toes).

As for part three: I'm liking it's direction. I'm just hoping it is the right shape puzzle piece for this novel. It's made out of different material, but as long as it connects, that shouldn't matter.