.png)
It's time again for that wonderful weekly meme sponsored by the two just as wonderful ladies, Jaime Morrow and Erin L. Funk. This hop allows us writerly/readerly folks the chance to keep in touch with each other (and heavens knows I need all the help I can get in this area!). So thank you, gals! And if anyone else wants to join in on the fun, just head on over to their sites and join the linky.
What I've Been Reading. . .
Not much. I started THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater but just couldn't get into those first pages. I've really been looking forward to reading this one and everyone claims it's amazing, so it might just have been my mood during those days. I'm going to have to give it another go soon.
What I've Been Writing. . .
I'm revising and revising!
What Works For Me. . .
Printing out the entire MS. Although most writing and revising work is done on my computer screen, there comes a point during revisions that I just have to print the entire thing out on paper and hit it with a red pen and pencil. The story reads differently on paper (sounds illogical, but it does). Next step will be to read the entire thing aloud and revise again. It's amazing how some phrases look okay on paper, but when spoken, sound unnatural.
What Else I've Been Up To. . .
Another cold! Seriously. What is up with these viruses? This time my hubs was the culprit (brought it home from work).
Otherwise, things have been quiet. That's two weeks in a row. Kind of makes me nervous. Do I see a hurricane brewing somewhere in the distance? Yep, I'm a true believer of stillness before storms. (And that's fine; I'll just have to dig out my raincoat and rubber boots)
Know what's great for storms? BOOKS!
The talented Michael Miller just happens to be giving away one set of his TWISTED OAKS DETECTIVE SERIES in paperback form!
I read these a while back and really enjoyed them - perfect for middle grade readers who love a great mystery.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So what about you? Read any amazing books this last week? Tons of my writing buddies have brought some out, so I know there's good ones out there! Fighting a snow storm? Know of a good printer which does need a constant refilling on the ink? And doesn't cost an ink fortune either? Do you read your MSs out loud? What's Up with you?
I don't always read my manuscripts out loud, but I should because you are so right...words sound quite different read aloud! Hope you have a storm-free week ahead :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, no snow here.
ReplyDeleteI have to print out my manuscript to edit. Usually more than once.
Those books look awesome, so thank you for sharing the rafflecopter!
ReplyDeleteI read the whole Raven Boys series (all that's been written anyway) and I'm not sure why...I never got super into it. Mostly I was reading them because everyone was so excited, and I thought I'd figure out why eventually. Book 3 was my favorite, but I'm not sure why I even picked it up because Book 2 was not my cup of tea at all.
I couldn't get into The Raven Boys either. I read a free sample on my Kindle and had no interest in reading further. Earlier this week, I read The Night Gardener, which has received massive critical and public acclaim, and I thought it was okay. Creepy in certain parts, but rather slow. I guess my tastes just don't go along with public opinion. Next up is the second book in Brandon Mull's Five Kingdoms series. I expect to like that better.
ReplyDeleteIn writing, I've been revising the same chapter for four days straight. I don't think printing it out will help. It's the content that I'm struggling with, not the fine-tuning.
Our "blizzard" was more like a dusting.
I have to print mine out, too. I catch more of the problems that way, and I can take it to work with me and edit during quieter moments.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
I'm reading a couple things at the moment. I've found I can do that as long as they're totally different genres. So one MG fantasy, and one YA contemporary right now. :)
ReplyDeleteAn MG mystery sounds like fun!
I find that reading on the computer screen, reading it printed out, and reading aloud all provide different perspectives on the MS. I catch something different with each of those methods.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better!
Mere Joyce - I find it even better to read it aloud to the kids, but that takes awhile.
ReplyDeleteAlex - I wish I could print it out half a dozen times...but oh, the ink!
Melanie - See if I get that far ;) But if you read all three, it had to be somewhat okay even if not great.
Dianne - *phew* So glad you (someone) couldn't read it past those first pages; I was beginning to think I was the only one. I'll check into that other one you mentioned. And sorry about that chapter being a pain. Throw some chocolate at it or something..
Miss Cole - Yes, the MS is more transportable that way! I take it on walks with me.
Rachel - That works! I usually read a ton in the genre before I write a MS and then read in other genres while writing.
Shelley - Even typos suddenly pop out, which I find amazing.
Good luck with the revisions! Hope that cold goes away soon.
ReplyDeleteI've never read one of my stories aloud, but I agree that MSs definitely read different on paper. That's a great strategy for editing and revising. Best of luck with it, Tonja, and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely heard about the "printing the MS" and "reading it aloud" thing. However, in my efforts to save paper and ink, I just keep it on the computer. I don't know if negatively affects my editing, but I hope not.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Sorry about your cold. I send you orange juice wishes and chicken soup dreams. Are you taking a multivitamin? I know stores also sell cold-shortening things these days . . . not sure what they're called.
GET WELL SOON, DARN YOU!!
I've printed out a full draft before for the same reason you mention. You really do read it differently on paper vs. on a computer screen. Another tip people have mentioned is changing the font when you're passing through on one of your revisions. I guess you've been over it so many times that switching something like that up can be helpful. Best of luck with your revisions, and hope you're feeling better soon! :D
ReplyDeleteI always print my drafts out, I just find it so helpful, and like you say, it reads differently in paper form. I also find it strangely therapeutic to go through it with a red pen.
ReplyDeleteI always read my stuff aloud. I hate it, but it's amazing what your eyes gloss over when you're reading! I don't know if I can stand to print it out. I did that once and was all excited, purple pen in hand, but I very soon got so overwhelmed. That story was a mess though. It might be better now.
ReplyDeleteI hope the virus doesn't linger long! Rest up!
I only tend to print my WIPs out because I don't trust computers not to eat files or when I'm having major issues with a tricky scene, but I really should follow your example and edit on paper. It's always helpful when I use that method too. Good luck with the revising and I really hope your cold goes away soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to print mine out- now I send them to my kindle. An reading aloud is always a must!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon. I nominated you for a blogging award. Please stop by dhdunne.blogspot.com to find out more. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOh, revising. I really don't like that at all. Good luck though!
ReplyDeleteMy What's Up Wednesday post.
I completely agree, it does look different on paper.
ReplyDelete