Aug 26, 2015

Hey friends! Thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered. You're amazing. And special thanks to you who have commented on Episode I! I really appreciate all feedback. In fact, here's my free time right now:

...paper edits! I'm making myself go through this process every week:

1. Read the episode. It is terrible. Loathe self.

2. No! First draft = worst draft, always. Everyone's first draft is terrible! Eat something.

3. Edit in computer.

4. Print off episode, edit on paper while riding the bus, walking to get coffee, etc.

5. Enter edits.

6. Give to husband (the "A" in A.C. Weston). He gives merciless critique.

7. Debate merciless critique; make changes except where they completely misunderstand the entire goal of my work, sheesh!

8. One final cosmetic edit to catch glaring copy errors. 

9. Say a prayer.

10. Release episode to be battered by the cruel winds of the internet.

Episode I has been professionally copy edited by the excellent Adam Swenson, and that's why it looks so clean. I highly recommend him! You can't edit your own stuff, guys - you have to have fresh, skilled eyes look over it.

The relief is that none of our books need to be completely edited and done in order for us to participate in this contest. Rough drafts are normal and expected. WHAT a relief!

Now go look at these projects:

The Defeated by Joseph G Calcagno - A Swashbuckling Novella of Black Hearts, Black Humor, and  Floppy Black Hats. (Not usually my type of thing, but man, I read the first paragraph and I was smiling for the rest of the day. "At his most ragged he'd never been in short supply of admirers, but if you're going to kill a man, you should damn well look your best." Ha, so good.)

The Fable Hunt by Rachael Berkey - A sleepy town, a couple of readers, and a fairy on a quest to save stories from extinction. Will they find new sources of inspiration or will books die out forever? (Books better not die out forever, ok? The author's voice is solid and unique, keeping the tone very real and grounded as fantastical things happen. I like it!)

Happy Wednesday!

Cara