Starting 2012 with a good book
I’m going to sound arrogant here, trusting that you all know me better than to believe it. But here is a truism about writers. Writers write the kinds of stories they like to read.
So I started 2012 by rereading the first 125 pages of Sweet Salt Air. And it wasn’t only that I wanted a sure bet. To the contrary. I wanted to make sure it was a sure bet! One of the most embarrassing things is when you write something on, say, page 110 that contradicts what you wrote on page 50. Or when you inadvertently change a character’s name. Or when you make a big deal about revealing a “secret” after it’s already been revealed.
You’re probably wondering how this can happen. The author is the author, right? Shouldn’t she know what she’s already written?
The problem, of course, is that thanks to constant editing, by the time I reach a particular point, I’ve written the story any number of ways. Periodically, I need to reread to remind myself of my final choices.
In the case of Sweet Salt Air, I did catch a few inconsistencies. Mostly, though, I put notations on pages where I wanted to reveal a secret sooner. This is about pacing, which is (a) crucial and (b) forever, a work in progress.
Did I enjoy the read? I did. I think you’ll be pleased.
BTW, if you take a look at the side bar next to this blog, you’ll see BONUS PAGES. Click on the one for Sweet Salt Air and you’ll find a recap of my leaks on this book to date.
This month’s leak? Leo knows boats.
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this book sounds just what I am looking forward to reading. I can’t wait. As soon as it is published i will be ordering it from Amazon. thank you for being you and being one of my most favorite authors!! Love and blessings Hilary
I am looking forward to reading this book… When will it be out?
My publisher’s plan is to publish it in Summer 2013, but I’ll post exact dates when we get closer to that time.
How old are the characters? The book’s setting is intriguing.
Also glad you are taking your time in publishing your books…some writers are trying to do too many each year and they are losing their flavor. I must say that I have to rec. a book by S. King=not one of my favorites–but 11-22-63 ==was spell binding…written for the adult reader…not teeny boppers…
I’ve intentionally changed character’s names without explanation before and just left it in lol
Your intimate reveal of a writer’s common mistakes is so true. My editor called me after I’d turned a book at a stressful time. I was in a different state. She said, “Oh, by the way, her eyes were blue in one place & green in another.” I said , “Just pick one.” She said, “We did. Green.” I have to regularly dosearch for the overuse of the word “just.” Thanks for making me feel like less of a moron. Great post.