Yesterday, when I posted, I was just beat. True, the chaotic mess that I call my life won't last forever, thank goodness. But it is beating me up, physically, emotionally, mentally. I can still feel the effects from my surgery and know that I am not completely, 100% myself just yet. But I can function and now have to get used to being on my feet while working. Good thing is, there are stools to sit on when it is slow. Woot!
It also didn't stop me from going over my book and doing a little more editing. I know that 62K words is a little short for a fantasy novel, but how do I lengthen it without giving away what should go into book two?
And make sure it doesn't sound like the filler that it is.
Tough call. But I know I will figure something out. I'm also revising my query, working on the synopsis, waiting to hear back from a couple of people. I'm still excited about it, even if I am so freakin' tired I can't keep my eyes open...
Again, I'll get used to the new routine. Have a great rest of the week and see you all soon!
9 comments:
Adding word count is definitely a hard thing to do. I suppose you focus less on the actual number of words and more on what you said, "lengthen it without giving away what should go into book two." Perhaps find places to expand on the world? Added intrigue? Waylay the characters (again, I suppose, since there's that whole pyrate thing and being thrown overboard)? Maybe instead of being thrown overboard, she's captured by pyrates and is eventually rescued by "an unlikely rescuer?" Sorry, just bouncing idea. I'm sure you'll get there.
Sub-plot! Weave in something that WILL come up, but keep it small and tie it in... *nods* I hope your recovery goes quickly!
Sub-plot! Weave in something that WILL come up, but keep it small and tie it in... *nods* I hope your recovery goes quickly!
I wish I could write shorter, more succinct stories. Mine are always at least twice as long as they need to be.
Let some critique partners read it! I'm sure they will come up with some areas where more explanation or a subplot is needed.
Trust me...
You all have awesome suggestions and I do listen to a lot of you. Thanks for this! And Alex, I'm waiting on some feedback so I'm sure I will have some areas to expand on soon. This is just me complaining lol!
Don't lengthen the story. Trust me...length is not all that. I read George R.R. Martin and wished someone trimmed 5000 pages out of his epic. I prefer the content to be good rather than all stretched out with filler.
See...that's how I feel, Michael. I want a good story and not a whole heck of a lot of stuff that just pulls me through the book. Especially if that "filler" doesn't need to be there or if it is just repetitive, mundane description.
I'd suggest not to just add filler for the sake of increasing word count. If a story is good just as it is then that's what really counts. Just because most fantasy novel are tomes doesn't necessarily mean they all have to be. I'd rather read a short book that socks it to me and stays with me then a long rambling mess that muddles my mind. Good luck with it.
Lee
Tossing It Out
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