It stormed really bad here (Southern Illinois) last night and I know it stormed bad in a lot of other places too. So, I hope everyone out there stayed safe through the night!
On a lighter note, lately I've been editing my novel (and by lately I mean I've been doing it more adamantly after taking a break after Nano). This is only my first read through and I'm editing it from past to present tense, which is proving to be more difficult than I originally thought.
I've done about 20 thousand words and I have about 45 thousand words left to edit. And this is only my first read/editing! I haven't even added in the, at least two or three, scenes I want to add in. This editing process is no joke people! I'm sure most of you already know that though.
My question is, you people out there, do you use Word, Scrivener, etc. to edit your novel? Right now I'm using Word but I have only read good things about Scrivener, and to me it seems to be the most widely used by writers. I have also read it has an insanely long tutorial that most people skip. I am interested in buying Scrivener but I'm not sure if it's worth the money!
 |
| At least it has a cool logo! |
Also, with getting closer to being half way done with my first edit, the idea of a query pops in my head. Yes, yes, I know that I still have a long time before I should even be worrying about it, but hey! A boy can dream! The idea of a query also freaks me out! Namely because I've read online that if an agent passes on a query, it's a general rule not to query them on the same project, even if the query is different. What if all the agents hate it!? I guess it'll just be time to move onto the next project, eh?
Anyway, what do you people out there use to edit? How do you go about writing a query and not being so stressed/scared?. Let me know your secrets!
I use Scrivener. I came across it in 2009 during Nanowrimo when they offered it as a trial version with a discount if you made your 50,000 words. I was motivated by that carrot, and hit my word count so I could get the discount on the software. I love the fact that it can be used full screen. It has many other features that are intuitive for writers: dividing the text into easy to rearrange notecards, metadata, tons of extras that you can but don't have to use... I did sit through the tutorials, and probably need to do it again because I've forgotten so many of the advanced features.
ReplyDeleteI would seriously consider spending twice as much money on a Mac just to have Scrivener. Fortunately they've come up with a Windows version so I don't have to (though I haven't tried it to see how the file conversion would be).
I'm pretty sure I'm going to look into getting it after Nano this year, hopefully they'll have the discount!
DeleteAre you going to participate in Nano this year?
Yes, I am! After two years -- one when I didn't really try at all, and one where I fizzled out -- I'm hoping I can make my 50k words. This will be the second year in a row that I'm going to attempt a follow-up to Raceboy and Super Qwok. I've been brainstorming for the last week or so, trying to create as many ideas as I can to make sure I don't run out of steam during the month.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a completed draft by December 1st!
Last year I wrote a book with the thoughts of making it a trilogy but I feel weird writing the second book when I'm not even done with the first! I have an idea for another book but I can't choose between the two.
DeleteI looked for you on nano so I could add you as a writing buddy but I can't seem to find you.
I'm awinkel. Not sure why it doesn't show. I'll try to look into my account settings and see if there is a setting I've messed with that makes me remain hidden. And I'll try looking for you also.
DeleteCouple of thoughts: if you write sequel before finishing the first book, the advantage might me motivating you to finish the first book. Plus it might help you wrap it up more effectively because you'll be better able to see where the characters are going. If, on the other hand, you have an idea for another book, it could be advantageous to start on a fresh piece that you haven't had a lot of time to get bogged down in details and self-criticism.
I just added you as a buddy on nano's website!
DeleteIt's definitely something I'm going to have to think about. I have the entire second book planned out already so it'd be easier, seeing as I only know a general plot for my new idea. I guess I still have two weeks to think! haha