That whole consistency thing…
Aug 13, 2011 
So, I kinda fell off the face of the planet for a while there. I have excuses! The air conditioner broke, making it unbearable upstairs where I work, then my computer broke, then my cat broke (he got better though). Anyway, there are always going to be excuses not to blog. The point is, I fell off the wagon a bit there, but I’m back now! Yay! I did manage to cut my finger the other day enough that I can’t type very well, so it’s an odd moment to choose to return. I never claimed to make sense.
I do think my experiment of doing a weekly post had kind of mixed results. I loved hearing the other stuff people had to contribute in terms of tips and advice, but I don’t think I’m cut out for doing a regular weekly post, at least not right now. I’m too easily distracted (ooh, shiny!) and regular blogging falls lower on my list than things like writing, revising, eating, and sleeping. (In that order, apparently.) And then if I miss a week I panic and go “OH NO I HAVE FAILED.” So I think for now I’m going to go back to posting whenever I feel like it, because for me blogging is not so much about building a platform right now as it is just connecting to other writers and chatting, and that should be fun! I reserve the right to totally change my mind in the future, but for now that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉
In book-related news, I think I’m getting relatively close to finishing revisions on THE IRON WOOD. I say “I think” because I don’t actually know how much additional revising it’ll need after this pass, but I’d say I’m at least closer to being done than I am to having just started. I’m at that point where I don’t actually really remember what happens in it, though. So much has been cut, added back in, cut again, rewritten, moved around… I need to sit down and just reread it start to finish! It’s disconcerting not to know what happens in your own book, seriously.
There’s a title change in the works, also. I’ll go into more detail about that when it’s actually official, but I’m pretty excited about the new title.
At some point in the blogging hiatus (or possibly before?) my amaaaazing agent sold the audio rights for THE IRON WOOD to Recorded Books, which I’m really excited about. They do such good work, and I can’t wait to hear an actual professional reading my book, instead of me reading it aloud to myself at 3 AM to try to catch mistakes.
And most exciting of all, for me, is that I’ve started working on the sequel. It’s a trilogy, so book two is going to be a challenge, but I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to write. I don’t really outline, as much as I probably should, but I do have sort of pivotal moments and scenes that are planned out ahead of time, and I’ve been planning those. A couple of scenes in particular I’m itching to write so badly I’m tempted to break my rule about not writing out of order. (Stay strong, Meg!)
So that’s what’s been up with me lately. What about you? In my few weeks without blogging I also managed to fall behind on reading blogs, oof. Update me! 🙂
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I recently started using one of your Wisdomous Wednesday tips recently– the one about stopping in the middle of a scene. I used to dread getting started, but now I’m always excited to pick it up again the next day. I guess that ties in to the one about trying everyone once? So now I have a new “tool” 🙂 Oh, Wisdomous Wednesday, you have taught me so much. We will remember you! 😉
Congrats on the audio sales!
I think the best approach is definitely to identify what you want from blogging, and then go ahead based on that. Otherwise you’re creating guilt over a goal that wasn’t that important in the first place. You have so much going on lately, and I can’t WAIT to start reading book two for you, so anything that gets you moving faster there, I’m on board!
You know most of my lately-news. Writing like a maniac!
I’m a firm believer in doing what works for you despite what the “experts” say. I also don’t think one should ever feel guilty about not writing a blog post – especially when you’ve got so many other amazing things going on (ok, maybe not the lack of sleep thing). Can’t wait to hear more about your title change up.
I just read an excerpt from Iron Wood and I am so excited to read the book!
I’ve been adjusting (and the re-adjusting) my blogging schedule too, trying to figure out what works for me. So, I so totally understand what you mean. And I love updates like this one – about where you are in your work process. I find those encouraging. So, blog when you have time and want to. We’ll be here reading when you do. =)
Hi! I was wondering whether me might able to get a brief update on how things are going with you. You know, book news and the like. Can’t wait to read the final product.
Your wish is my command, dahling!
Though in seriousness, thanks for this. Sometimes I really need a bit of nudging to blog. <3