I have finished the final first draft of FINDING VERITY. This draft came in at a little under 95,000 words. My goal is to rewrite and polish for the next 30 days, and then mail the manuscript off to my BETA READERS. While the Beta Readers read, I’ll be working on the book’s cover, the book blurb (back cover), and the trailer for the book.
When I write, I begin my day with a rewrite of what I wrote the day before. So this draft does not come without some rewriting. First drafts are hard for me. I know, some writers just sit down and the story pours out of their hearts. But, that’s not the way it works for me. First drafts are difficult. They’re like a slow bleed-out. Sometimes I have to squeeze out the story to get to the blood.
I see first drafts as being a skeleton. And, if the skeleton isn’t strong, no amount of rewriting is going to help. The skeleton must be strong so the story can stand on its own.
So now I get to reread the story and tighten up the time-line and add more mood and try to make the characters as loveable or despicable as they’re supposed to be. It’s a monumental task. But I love it!
I wonder how many words I’ll end up with on August 31st!
