Just sit on it and let it hatch
I've set my manuscript aside for a week or two. Ideally, I wouldn't look at it again for six months, but I do want to get it off to the agent. Taking a break from it will help me look at it with a fresh eye, and be more likely to catch mistakes or find a passage that needs to be rewritten.
But it's hard. I also don't want to dive right into the research for my next novel 'cause I don't want two different stories spinning through my head, so I'm catching up on reading the TBR pile, cleaning a little around the house (my porch looks fit for humans again) and assorted other small tasks that get neglected at the end of the book.
Oh, and I printed out a copy for myself in Courier rather than Times-Roman. When I go back to the book, it will be easier to catch errors if I use a font that's different from what I've been staring at for the last 18 months.
The remodeling continues, and so far, so good. No major crises. Yet.
Do you have permission to waltz?
"Would you care to dance as well?” Light-footed Captain St. Armand was standing behind Daphne, smiling down at her, but before she could answer Alexander said, “Mrs. Murray was about to favor me with a dance, Captain St. Armand.” “I was?” “Indeed you were,” Alexander said, helping Daphne to her feet. She cocked her head to the side, listening to the music. “That music is in waltz time, Dr. Murray. Do you know the waltz? It is my favorite!” “Then it will be my favorite also.” Daphne looked up at him as he took her into his arms, a quizzical grin on her face. “What a charming thing to say, Dr. Murray! I vow, you are becoming quite the gallant.” Alexander said nothing to this, concentrating on the music. Yes, he'd waltzed when ashore. On occasion he'd been invited to balls and assemblies, even a surgeon being a useful man to have when the navy was expected to provide gentlemen at entertainments. But he'd never felt the music, the dance had never mattered so mu
Comments
Good idea. See, I learn little things peeking here every now and then. Mind if I share this tip with my workshop (and the kids in the literary club at school)?
Carol
Tell the kids I said to keep writing! The three tips to being a successful writer are read a lot, write some, then write some more.