Friday

24 July 2009

148000 words
148,000 words -- hence the term "Dead Tree Book"


On the first pass I trimmed it from 175,000 words to 150,000.
On the second pass, I only managed to cut another 2,000 words.

Thusly does today mark the start of



I'm going adverb hunting today...I've cut a huge chunk of unnecessary adverbs in dialog attributions--she said quietly, he said menacingly--but I'm sure there are tons within the narrative. The thing with adverbs is that they help when writing, they're not so wonderful for the reader. Being able to write concisely without overusing adverbs is one of my weaknesses, but I'm working on it.

This isn't another attempt at trimming the word count--which it will do to s point--but rather an attempt to tighten it up before handing it over to the editor, who is MEAN and likes to MAKE ME CRY. When all is said and done she'll either find 13,000 things wrong with it and tell me where I can cut 30,000 words, or it will wind up being a longer than average book.

Sometimes it takes a little longer than normal to tell a story. As long as it doesn't turn out to be a wonder cure for insomnia, long is okay.

Back to work...after lunch and perhaps a scooter ride to Walmart for cauliflower and cottage cheese. And maybe after I do the dishes. And the laundry.

But I'll get right to it ASAP!

10 comments:

kenju said...

I really like adverbs, so don't cut too many.

invisible said...

I immediately thought of "the barber of Seville" episode, with Elmer singing " Kill the adverb,kill the adverb"

Char said...

It's got a title now! I'm three quarters through the draft you sent me, and it's not too long, not at all. It might be your best one so far. Don't kill too many adverbs because there aren't too many to deal with!

The Whiskeratti said...

Good luck with the book!

Thumper said...

Char, don't be shy about making editing suggestions and telling me about inconsistencies. Not that I would EVER screw something up...

Brendan Carroll said...

Hey, Thumper, great blog site. I love the Cake Wreck pictures!! But I like adverbs and make great use of them without any regard for readers preferences, I guess. I never thought about. Now I will and I do so hate thinking!! LOL. Brendan

The Furry Bambinos said...

Wabbit Season!

Duck Season!

Mongoose Season! I watched waaaay too much Bugs Bunny as a kid.

Good luck with the adverbs!

Mom Sue to the Furry Bambinos

Anonymous said...

Loooove the name of the book! Good luck with the adverbs but I wish you even more luck with the editor! Can't wait to read it. Hope the spouse is feeling better.
Scooby & Spikey's mom

Twisted Cinderella said...

Good Luck with the book!

yellojkt said...

Congrats on finishing the draft. And really go after all those adverbs.