Three Days Into the New Year…
… and I’m still on vacation!
I’m happy to report that the hiatus was successful because I finished the first draft of Flicker! Woohoo! I really upped my daily word count the final week of the year (as those of you who are friends with me on Facebook can attest to) (although really I could totally be making all of this up…) and finished with 5000 words yesterday.
Iam really happy with how the first draft has turned out. Now I’m forcing myself to read a couple books and give myself at least two weeks before diving back in.
Even though I know things that need fixing.
And I already know how I’m going to fix them.
Really.
In other writing news, I’ve tentatively decided to stop querying After the Fall. I really feel like YA is the genre that fits me best, and it doesn’t make sense to query a different genre when I’m just starting out. That doesn’t mean I don’t still love ATF. I truly believe the story has merit and figure I’ll hook an agent with my YA trilogy (that’s right…) then spring the women’s fiction on them after that.
Yes, I probably just jinxed myself for eternity. What better way to kick off the new year?
I purchased my first home in the spring of 2012 and self-published a YA novel in November 2012.
Follow my journey as I simultaneously Pinterest-ify my home and spread FLICKER around the world.
stacey
Congratulations! *runs in small circles*
Keep away for at least a few weeks, it will save you from glossing over things in the long run.
Go Flicker GO!
Melanie Hooyenga
Thanks! I’m really tempted to fix a few things now, but I know I need a mental break.
I like that cheer!
Jennifer
Way to go, Mel! Keep up the great work and enjoy your reading hiatus!!
Melanie Hooyenga
Thanks! It’s been one day and I still haven’t started reading, but I may tonight.
Adam
YAY!!!
*Follows Stacey in circles*
You rock, lady.
Adam
Melanie Hooyenga
*gets dizzy from all the circles*
Thanks!
Robin
Now I understand the query/writing thing. That makes perfect sense! You can always hold onto ATF and have your agent shop it around once you’ve made a name in YA. I get it! I get it! *blinks as though the light hurts her eyes* (That’s the confusion lifting.)
Melanie Hooyenga
Robin, do you really? That makes me happy.
Unless you’re really just staring at the monitor too closely.
Jason
Congratulations. Finishing feels great. And I agree with the notion of sticking it somewhere out of consciousness for a time. It really allows you to view the thing in a different light.
Melanie Hooyenga
So true…
ab
Good idea to step away. A fresh eye always helps. Read something totally out if that genre. Putting a hold on ATF may be a nice break, too. I did that with Val’s books to concentrate on the women’s fiction. Dang… great minds, eh?
Melanie Hooyenga
If I’m following in your footprints, I hereby give you permission to massacre my first book cover.
Janna Qualman
Awesomeness! That’s what that is!
Melanie Hooyenga
Thanks Janna!