Another week, another Work in Progress Wednesday. This past week has been one of those where I feel like nothing has been accomplished, but then when I look back and really reflect on it, I realize that some important steps have been taken.
The biggest of those steps is that I've gotten crits back from three of my beta readers. Their feedback has already given me a lot to think about, or as Elana would call it some "major stewage".
Now I need to switch gears and start putting those ideas to paper, because when my fingers hit the keyboard the thoughts never come out quite the same as they did in my head - so that is the true test.
As far as concrete work accomplished, one of my beta readers suggested that I start my story at a slightly earlier point in the action. My problem with beginnings is that I always want to start at the latest possible point in the story (this applies to beginnings of chapters and scenes as well), but this often puts me in a position where I need to backtrack and flashback to fill in gaps.
Of course, as all you writers out there know, beginnings are a BIG HUGE DEAL. To state the obvious it is where your readers (whether they be a potential agent, publisher, or average book buyer) will start your book. More importantly, if your beginning doesn't grab them - it is where they will stop reading your book as well.
But no pressure. Right?
Yeah, right. So, I'm working on that.
There are a few other big things that need changing on my list, but right now for the coming week my big focus is working on the beginning. I'll report back next week on how that ends up going.
Finally, my last big Work in Progress is designing and executing a Cookie Monster cake for my son's birthday tomorrow. He'll be two and he absolutely loves Cookie Monster (I have a terrible feeling this might have been influenced by some of my food choices while he was in the womb.). I will update (with pictures!) and report back on that as well.
So how is your week progressing? Any major stewage going on? Have you been stumped by your beginnings? And for any cake decorators out there - should I go to Michael's for the blue food coloring, or just go with the stuff they sell at the grocery store?
And if you want to participate in WIP Wednesday, simply post your own WIP Wednesday entry on your blog and leave a link to it in the comments below. Or if you don't have a blog, feel free to report your progress directly into the comments box.
For more detailed information concerning what all this nonsense is about please consult the original Work in Progress Wednesday posting.
Feel free to also make use of the lovely little WIP Wednesday logo as well!
