updates on several topics

[aamcnamara]

I have been thoroughly convinced that I ought to print my novel out before I try to rewrite it. I have not yet actually printed it out, mostly from hesitating before the sheer size of the undertaking. I have to figure out when no one is likely to be using the printer for about an hour, haul my ream of paper down there... Probably the sensible solution would be to nip down and print out a chapter at a time or so, so of course I haven't even considered that option.

In the meantime, while I fret about printing out my novel, I decided I ought to work on something else, and promptly didn't do anything on anything for a week and a half. This morning, though, I was thinking about what the sort-of novel-in-progress needs, and came to a Realization. So that was good. I may actually be able to take it somewhere now.

(If you're curious, the solution was more cute girls.)

Unrelatedly, I got to come home for Thanksgiving. I like this for many reasons, one of which is that the dining service at college, though awesome and amazing, does not do me baked goods and my parents do. The weather cooperatively become November-like just for me on Wednesday when I flew in. Today it was nice out again, though, so I walked to Uptown and purchased presents, and that is all I am going to say about that. (Also a book which I probably will just keep for myself. I clearly should have left more room in my suitcase flying out.)

Now I get a quiet evening, which I might just use to work on the novel-in-progress. Okay, okay, Thanksgiving, holidays, hanging out with my family--but on the other hand, time and a room to myself (I am not sure I am built for constantly sharing space) and all the books I didn't take to college.

(Edited to add, page/word count: currently at 25 pages, 6240 words.)

Comments

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

You don't have to print it out all at once--just a couple of chapters at a time. At least, I try to make sure that I'm encountering a story from a new perspective as I revise, which means a lengthy cooling-down period, printing it out to revise (I've heard the suggestion of even choosing a different font than it was written in), and not reading ahead of where I'm revising. And the second (light) editing pass I make, I read aloud to make sure I don't skip over bits.

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

And I collect critiques before I revise.

[aamcnamara.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the data points. I'm not sure yet how my novel revision process works, but it's good to get some idea of how other people do it.