Thursday, June 11, 2015

On My Writing: First Draft


Exciting news guys! I finished the first draft of my WIP! Oh my gosh, I am so excited. It came in at a total of 80,564 words. I thought it would be around 80k so I was pretty spot on with that guess. For a while there, I thought it would be longer and then the other day I started writing and suddenly the book was over. I'm a total pantser so I never really have any idea how or when my story is going to end until it does. I was thrilled and am still riding that high even though I finished about a week ago now. 

So now what? I let the story sit for a few days, about a week. I'm trying really hard not to think about it so I can come back to it fresh and ready to revise. I hate revisions. My last WIP, revisions were horrible and I practically had to rewrite the whole book. I'm hoping that this time goes a bit better. I know the book still needs lots of work, but I'm hoping I don't have to practically rewrite the whole thing. All the veteran authors out there are probably laughing at me right now. 

So I'm planning on printing the whole thing out with my critique partners comments and reading through it myself. Out loud. As painful as that's going to be, I definitely think it helps to read it out loud so I can see just how terrible some parts sound. I'll make notes on the hard copy and once I'm through that I'll start actually editing it. I'll probably have somebody read it as I go through revisions to get their thoughts. If you'd be interested in doing that, let me know! 

After those revisions, I'll hopefully only have some minor edits to do and then it can go off to beta readers. I'll probably choose three people to beta read for me. Again, let me know if you're interested. I want people who read a  LOT of YA and you all fit that bill. Then I'll make some more (hopefully) minor edits and then I can begin the terrifying task of querying.

Then if all goes well, I get an agent, that agent sells my book and then I'm becoming a published author! A girl can dream big right? When I write it out like this it sounds so easy, but I know that won't be the case. I have a long, hard road ahead and this book may not even sell. I may have to write a whole new one. But I'm going to keep going and keep trying, because this is my ultimate dream and I'm not the type of person who gives up on her dreams. So cheer me on as I start the arduous task of revisions! 
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13 comments:

  1. JulzJune 11, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    I'm so so thrilled for you, Becca! I can't wait to get to follow along with your next draft progress, and hopefully get to read another draft of the story, because I seriously miss your characters so much. I'm wishing you all the best in the world with revisions, and eventual publication. You're a writing goddess, so I have no doubt that you'll nail this!

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    1. Rebecca @ Unbound PagesJune 12, 2015 at 5:55 AM

      Thank you, dearest! Your encouraging words always motivate me to work harder. You're the best! Can't wait to get the last section of yours!

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  2. Wendy @ Book ScentsJune 14, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    SO MUCH CONGRATS!! That is such an awesome awesome thing finishing your first draft!! if i was on my phone i'd be putting in lots of awesome celebrating emojis :) I would be so happy to read, at whatever stage, for you! revisions, beta, whatever, just ask me if you want to :) wishing you the BEST on this super amazing writing journey!

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    1. Rebecca @ Unbound PagesJune 15, 2015 at 5:26 AM

      Thank you!! I think I will definitely have you beta read it when I get to that point. I've got at least one more round of revisions before I'm at that stage. Thank you so much for volunteering to help! You're the best!

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  3. EmmaJune 14, 2015 at 8:44 PM

    Omgsh, I'm so happy for you! All the fist pumps, high-fives, and jazz hands for Rebecca! Is there anything you feel comfortable sharing about your book (what it's about, setting, etc.)? I understand if not because I keep my lips sealed pretty well about my writing. Also, how did you find your critique partners? I know a lot of authors have just met theirs online.

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    1. Rebecca @ Unbound PagesJune 15, 2015 at 5:27 AM

      Thank you!! I'm not really sharing a synopsis yet, but I will tell you it's a fantasy and it's titled Crimson Sands. I only have one as of now and I found her online, on this website called Ladies Who Critique. Are you looking for a CP?

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    2. EmmaJune 16, 2015 at 12:05 AM

      Cool title! And yeah, I should start looking for one soon. But I also might find some through my beginning creative writing fiction class this fall at my university, so we'll see.

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    3. Rebecca @ Unbound PagesJune 16, 2015 at 8:10 AM

      Yeah, that would be nice. If you ever are in need of one, I'd be more than happy to swap stories with you. Just let me know!

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    4. EmmaJune 16, 2015 at 6:19 PM

      Will do! ^.^

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  4. yaescapefromrealityJune 20, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    That's amazing news…congrats!!!!!! I'm in awe, I have to say. And even though there's a lot of work ahead, you must be so happy and proud to have accomplished this. And I would love to be a reader, for whenever you need me to. I'm so happy for you!!! ~Pam

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    1. Rebecca @ Unbound PagesJune 22, 2015 at 7:17 AM

      Thank you so much!! I definitely would love for you to beta read when it's ready for that point! <3

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  5. LaurenJuly 1, 2015 at 9:54 PM

    This is amazing Rebecca!!! SOOOO happy for you <3

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