Remember the book that I wrote during November 2021? Well, I have let that book simmer for several months, and now I’m ready to begin revisions.
Current Fiction Project
Initially, I called this project Book 2, but I have no idea if it will be the second novel that I will get to release. While trying to come up with a catchy name for it, every other name that I considered for this project contained spoilers. And since the title isn’t set in stone, I don’t want to use it. So, I settled on #CurrentFictionProject until it has a clear title.
Info About Current Fiction Project
The genre is contemporary women’s fiction. The setting is Houston, TX. The book contains lots of family drama and secrets. It’s told from the perspective of a man and woman that share an interesting connection.
Projects Recap
- Book0 – the novel that I queried in 2018. I took a few scenes from it and shelved this novel.
- #LameshaJuniorDebutNovel – I started this novel in 2019 and finished its first draft in 2020. After several rounds of revisions, I decided to start querying it to literary agents this year (2022). I’ve decided to not write about my experience querying this book until much later. But I can share that I have received some full requests! YAY!! I believe in this book and am hoping for the best.
- Current Fiction Project – my current work in progress
Revision Plan
- Write the first draft
- Don’t work on the book for several months
- Start Revisions
Step Three
Now that I can check off the first two steps of my revision process, I can begin step three. I remember the main plot points of my novel, but enough time has passed that I don’t remember everything. So I plan to read the entire draft before making any major changes. Yes, this will be challenging for me because I sometimes want to edit while writing. Of course, if I notice a typo or change in the character’s name midways through (yikes), I will make those changes.
Everything else will have to wait. As I read, I will make notes. I’ will note scenes that need to be deleted, things that need to be added, anything that will make this book better. In this first revision, I’ll define character motivations and ensure the stakes are high.
Once I have made notes for the entire book, I will start rewriting.
Deadline
So how long should this take? I am a slow reader. A book that takes one reader a day to finish might take me a few days or longer depending on what’s going on in my life. Since I need to make notes while thoroughly reading each scene, I’m giving myself two weeks to finish reading my novel.
Updates
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Question:
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Readers: Do you enjoy reading women’s fiction?
Writers: How long do you let your drafts simmer before beginning revisions? What’s your first day of revisions like?
Thanks for reading!
~Lamesha