Finished the Draft: Alex O'Donnell and the Forty Hackers
Just wanted to tell folks that yesterday after a mad day at the computer (working nearly 8 hours straight) I finished the first draft of what will hopefully be the next Fairy Tale Novel: Alex O'Donnell and the Forty Hackers. It's a LONG WAY from being publishable -- I couldn't even begin to tell you how much it needs to change. But the first rough draft is done, and that's the first step. We might be one-third of the way there!
What comes next? Well, in the case of this novel, lots of research. As you can guess from the title, this is my first 'tecchie' novel, and I'm no tecchie. So that means that I need to start learning. When I write before I research, I have a better idea of exactly what sort of research I'd need. I don't necessarily like to do research, but I've learned that a stronger book is worth the price.
So, lots of research to do. (And yes, I will gladly take advice from any tecchies out there who know anything about computer hackers who could help me out or help me fact-check. Email me at regina@reginadoman.com if you want to help.)
It also took an entire draft for me to figure out just what's going on in the relationship between Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach. Now that I know, I have to go back and rewrite those parts (most of the book!).
So the rewriting commences now. After I finish draft one, I start re-reading the book. Whenever I get to a boring part or a place where something is missing, I start rewriting from that point. The next day, I read it again. (I've described this process at length here.)
How long will this take? Who knows? My goal was to get my rough draft done by August, so I'm way ahead of schedule, a rare occurrence! (I was very conscious of how many of you were praying for me during this draft, and I'm sure that had something to do with it.) So it looks like we may make a 2010 publiction date for the next installment of the Fairy Tale Novels. Stay tuned, and keep praying!
Oh, and I started this post for those of you who like to pester me with--I mean, ask me questions about the book. Check this FAQ (or better yet, the Fairy Tale Novel Forum post "And Everything Else") before you ask a question, then fire away!
What comes next? Well, in the case of this novel, lots of research. As you can guess from the title, this is my first 'tecchie' novel, and I'm no tecchie. So that means that I need to start learning. When I write before I research, I have a better idea of exactly what sort of research I'd need. I don't necessarily like to do research, but I've learned that a stronger book is worth the price.
So, lots of research to do. (And yes, I will gladly take advice from any tecchies out there who know anything about computer hackers who could help me out or help me fact-check. Email me at regina@reginadoman.com if you want to help.)
It also took an entire draft for me to figure out just what's going on in the relationship between Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach. Now that I know, I have to go back and rewrite those parts (most of the book!).
So the rewriting commences now. After I finish draft one, I start re-reading the book. Whenever I get to a boring part or a place where something is missing, I start rewriting from that point. The next day, I read it again. (I've described this process at length here.)
How long will this take? Who knows? My goal was to get my rough draft done by August, so I'm way ahead of schedule, a rare occurrence! (I was very conscious of how many of you were praying for me during this draft, and I'm sure that had something to do with it.) So it looks like we may make a 2010 publiction date for the next installment of the Fairy Tale Novels. Stay tuned, and keep praying!
Oh, and I started this post for those of you who like to pester me with--I mean, ask me questions about the book. Check this FAQ (or better yet, the Fairy Tale Novel Forum post "And Everything Else") before you ask a question, then fire away!
Comments
*squeals*
(I am quite thrilled that you have finished the First Draft!)