04/02/2005
Wendy's Question...
'How many words do you write each day... How long does it take you to write a book?'
Well, as you can see, I get up quite early!
I think I mentioned before that I write my first draft in a 'whirl of excitement'.
This is true... the scenes play out in my head like a film, and usually- being a hopeless typist- I can hardly get the words down fast enough- particularly the dialogue when the H and h are going at it hammer and tongues.
I sometimes have to break off to make notes as I think of something else they want to say to each other- and I have about 6 different coloured pens so these notes stand out in various levels of importance- shocking pink being my colour of main drama!
So, anything between 15-20 pages a day at first draft stage.
BUT You have no idea how much agonising, tweaking, polishing additions and deletions take place after first draft stage- that's when the real work begins.
Think, cutting room floor at a film studio... some scenes hit the floor, others are amended, changed in any number of ways.
So, how long does it take me to write a book... if we mean, finish a book, that's a very different kettle of romance.
The epilogue I wrote this week was for a book that began life as a concept discussion with the Senior Ed of my line in Dallas last year.
But since Dallas I have brought another two books up to the 3 chapter stage, and written numerous shorts.
Along with that I am bringing Miranda's story to a finish by the end of next week. I am particularly thrilled about writing Miranda's story as she is the twin sister of Emily in The Italian Prince's Proposal.
So, I'm afraid the honest answer to the question, how long does it take me to write a book is, I don't have a clue.
All I can tell you is that I love writing more than anything else in the world, family, friends and animals apart, and I'm off right now to exercise, shower, and get back to the writing cave.
Love to all, and happy reading and writing
Susan
Well, as you can see, I get up quite early!
I think I mentioned before that I write my first draft in a 'whirl of excitement'.
This is true... the scenes play out in my head like a film, and usually- being a hopeless typist- I can hardly get the words down fast enough- particularly the dialogue when the H and h are going at it hammer and tongues.
I sometimes have to break off to make notes as I think of something else they want to say to each other- and I have about 6 different coloured pens so these notes stand out in various levels of importance- shocking pink being my colour of main drama!
So, anything between 15-20 pages a day at first draft stage.
BUT You have no idea how much agonising, tweaking, polishing additions and deletions take place after first draft stage- that's when the real work begins.
Think, cutting room floor at a film studio... some scenes hit the floor, others are amended, changed in any number of ways.
So, how long does it take me to write a book... if we mean, finish a book, that's a very different kettle of romance.
The epilogue I wrote this week was for a book that began life as a concept discussion with the Senior Ed of my line in Dallas last year.
But since Dallas I have brought another two books up to the 3 chapter stage, and written numerous shorts.
Along with that I am bringing Miranda's story to a finish by the end of next week. I am particularly thrilled about writing Miranda's story as she is the twin sister of Emily in The Italian Prince's Proposal.
So, I'm afraid the honest answer to the question, how long does it take me to write a book is, I don't have a clue.
All I can tell you is that I love writing more than anything else in the world, family, friends and animals apart, and I'm off right now to exercise, shower, and get back to the writing cave.
Love to all, and happy reading and writing
Susan
