editing

The sentences I wrote a few days ago didn't really work as an opening salvo, after all. The first couple of sentences need to state the problem, arriving quickly at that moment when the character's life changes forever. This would not be that moment. Better leave it for another point in the story. I was telling someone recently that editing my own work is difficult for me. I fall in love with this sentence or that passage, and cutting it is like turning my back on something inside myself. I've read of authors who write bare-bones the first time through, and use re-writes to layer in depth and clarity. My own process is more ...um...promiscuous. I put down all my thoughts, and then try to sort through to find the ones that belong.

Regarding music - I think I'll need to handle that as a "plus item" rather than a novelty book. I need to check the manufacturer for a music box I already have to see if they take commission work. I've also e-mailed the music director at the local high school to proof-read the lullaby for me. He's to contact me when he has time to work with me.


Regarding art - I called a niece to send a few photos that I could forward to the artist. She's a beautiful young mother, exactly the kind of young woman I had imagined for the lullaby. The girl wasn't in, so I called my sister. I also need to put "write to my niece" on my to-do list.

I stopped at Staples while the guys were at a fast food place nearby. They can do a 16 page tape bound copy with a clear cover. That would have the first and last pages as the book cover. It would be like a bound galley to see how the book actually worked. Documenting how it goes over would be "research" for the publisher.

It's late. I should get going.