I have a habit of constantly rewriting. I probably drive my critique partners and my agent half nutty with emails that say, “Wait, don’t read that! Read this one!”

Okay, so I don’t do this that often, but every now and then…I could tweak a story or synopsis forever! And with the Genesis finals, I have the privilege of sending in my book proposal for a major publisher’s perusal – IF my story makes it that far in the next round. One can hope! :)

So I’m working hard. As some of you know, my two oldest sons write scripts and are working toward becoming film directors. They’ve been studying story and plotting and everything a writer of fiction needs to know. Since I knew they had such knowledge, and are constantly evaluating films for this very thing, I gave them my synopsis.

Did I mention I’m always rewriting?…

Yes, showing them my synopsis has caused me to hit the keyboard again, trimming sentences, upping tension, reworking and revising until even I’m wondering if the story makes sense anymore! But I honestly think it’s better for the effort. Of course, then I had to cut and cut to get the thing to fit within the suggested number of pages. I think I made it – but I’m still waiting on a few comments from my critique partners.

Then I’ve also had the privilege of working with a local detective to help me get my characters right. She has been of immense help to me, showing me how detectives think. Now if I can implement her suggestions into my chapters, I know the story will be stronger.

Did I mention I’m always rewriting?…

Hopefully, this rewriting will come to an end soon because I have a June 1st deadline. And one of these days I will have to decide that enough is enough. Let the bird free from its nest and see if she flies.

In the meantime I’ve got more rewriting to do…

Oh, and one more thing – I’ve got a new article up on Spirit Led Writer called, “Making Melodies With Ink: How to Develop Your ‘Voice’.” I hope you’ll check it out!