Drafting

I'm having more fun with this first draft than I usually do with such a beast. The sprint journal is helping me keep my ideas in front of me and in order. I love my characters so I'm excited to sit at the keyboard and write their story every day. Also, with everyone out of the house, I have a lot of time alone to work on my writing.

I recently read an interview with Patrick Rothfuss. You may remember I posted about one of his books during the A to Z titled The Name of the Wind. His second novel, The Wise Man's Fear was

also a great novel. That novel was published in 2011 so it's over four years I've been waiting for the next one in the series. Not as bad as George RR Martin but I'm getting a little impatient. That is until I read Patrick's interview.

Despite the amazing success of his novels, Patrick Rothfuss is a family man first. He also uses his blog for charity fundraising. He does a lot of touring and spending time with his fans. Book #3 is int he works but he seems like such a regular guy with his priorities in order. And he mentioned in the interview that he does 'hundreds' of rewrites for each book. Is that impressive or crazy? But his writing is quality so his process works for him.

Another thing Patrick mentioned in his interview is how his degree as a chemical engineer influences his writing. If you've read his books, you understand what he is saying. I find my science background creeps into my writing too. He also makes the point that writers come from very diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. Not all writers have degrees in journalism or creative writing.

Ridley Pearson mentioned at the recent conference I attended that he does a minimum of four rewrites but eight is not an unusual number. I usually do three drafts before I send anything to my publisher though some books have suffered more rewrites than that.

On a personal note, I won't be posting this Friday as my husband and I celebrate our 33rd anniversary. He'll probably buy me flowers and a gift card to a bookstore. He told me he needs some new socks. LOL. I love that man. A quiet dinner out together will be celebration enough for us. We're so content.

"In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." Robert Frost

Can you imagine doing 100 rewrites on one of your books? Does your degree or day job creep into your writing? Do you feel like your priorities are in order?

The Words

Like most readers, I read many different genres of books. Most because I simply enjoy them. But sometimes I come across a book that just dazzles me with the way the author uses words. I never want the book to end and not just because the plot is intriguing. Some writers can pull me into their world so deeply I can smell the freshly plowed field. I hear the clop of approaching hooves. I feel the icy breeze on my face. Those are the writers I want to be like.

Finding the perfect words is a challenge. I've been working on a scene in the sequel to First Dragon where a massive storm drives the decisions of every character in the story. Not all of them will live through the tempest and a few may fall from positions of power to groveling in wet sand. I searching for the right words in every sentence to make the storm come alive for my readers.

Pat Rothfuss in his two fantasy novels, The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear, keeps me clued to his prose. I want to write like that.

What writer have you read who pulls you in with their use of language? Have you ever written a scene where you knew you hit it just right? Are you ready for A to Z in April?