Some more between-project fumbling and stumbling last week. I did shove several mss back into circulation, and am now working on those drop-ins for Petra. The first two were easy–single-paragraph insertions, addressing some plot points. I think they’re short enough to avoid looking like infodump. The last one is trickier, as it’s a characterization bit that will need to be folded into a couple of places. The toughest part is figuring out exactly where I need to insert it, and making the necessary adjustments.
OK, I guess that’s two parts.
Once I get the drop-ins squared away and give the draft a once-over, it will be ready for some readers . . . whoever those lucky souls may be. Hey, if you’re interested in a critique swap, let me know in comments.
Then I need to revise my Halloween story from last year. After that, I’ll be ready to start something new–probably a short story that’s been nagging at me. And after that, I’ll get to work on the follow-up to Petra. Am pleased to report the sequel is finally starting to take shape in my head. It wasn’t that I had no idea what do next. Rather, I have so many ideas, so many different directions I could go, that I’ve had a hard time choosing. Sometimes you get overwhelmed by the possibilities, you know? And this will be my first attempt at a sequel, so that gives me just a little pause, too. But I think I’m on the right path now.
In other news, there’s finally been some forward movement on a Sekrit Project that’s been stalled for a while. All will be revealed soon. I hope.
Write Club update: Of “Toll,” Dark Wisdom said, “The story was enjoyable, the characters strong, but it doesn’t quite fit the style of the magazine. . . . It seems likely the story will find a home with another market.” Response time, about 10 months.
And I’m out.