Things are still going slowly, but they’re going. I’m 20 chapters deep into the first round of edits for a 34 chapter long novel. I’m over half-way there, but it really doesn’t feel like it. This is the part where I run out of steam (always) because there still is a lot of work ahead.
Right now I’m focusing on fleshing out character motivations, and fixing plot issues. So far I’ve had to write one new chapter and rearrange the second half of the book. It’s going to be a bumpy ride from here on out because major details had to be shifted to fit in the real historical timeline. I’m not sure if the pacing still works with these changes, so I’m keeping an eye on it. The most exciting bit so far has been figuring out the emotional character arc of the protagonist. She’s so flawed I’m not sure if she’ll come across as sympathetic, but that’s one of the best things about writing this book too.
You know how people say “The only way to eat an elephant is one spoon at a time.” Well, I’m a little tired of elephant by now. A little chicken or fish would be a nice change, but looking at all the stuff still left to get through really kills the appetite. But don’t worry, because this always happens somewhere along the line and it’s just par the course. Mostly I’m just getting impatient with myself.*
So, how goes it in your neck of the woods?
*No actual elephants were harmed in the creation of this novel, but metaphor was badly abused.