surviving a meeting with my intrepid readers/critiquers

Nearly two hours of listening to what could be better with the 2nd draft. But, I did survive and thanks girls for being so passionate about this story.

Bottom line: storyline is spot on.
Fine print: need bigger battles and more of a climax.
Footnotes: dang - they easily pick up on all my clunkers.

We spent about 30 mins coming up with a fantastic storyline for the sequel - yay.

They've given me homework. I have to watch the dvd of Prince Caspian and Imogen has lent me 'Ranger's Apprentice book one by John Flanagan and 'High Rhulain' by Brian Jacques to help me with those ikky battle scenes (I'm such a wuss).

So, this is my plan for the next five days: Go through the notes from my publisher, mentor (that's you Fleur), and the girls attending to the itty bitty things.

THEN, it's off to Wellington to spend Waitangi Weekend with Fleur and my researcher to flesh out and fix up the gaps; to colour in the outlines. To check for continuity.

I can't believe I've done so much so quickly especially as my number one advice to writers is to allow time for the brewing process - I am breaking my own rules.

Finally done

I have been sitting at my desk in my writing space since 7am this morning. It is now 1:50 Pm. I have only left to get food and cups of tea - I am still in my PJs.

But, I have finished. I have emailed it off to my publisher and my 'babes' and will have a couple of days rest before I trawl through the whole manuscript again to bring it to the 3rd draft.

I have written over 85,000 words since the 1st of Dec and it is now the 29th of Jan. Two months to write an epic novel while still teaching, marking and being a mother. Wow. Just wish I could stick to my diet with as much diligence and determination.

research and finer details

I am very grateful to my dear friend Mrs Wainwright who is feeding me wonderfully useful historical information - the latest, a very fuzzy ancient drawing of the layout to Glamis castle circa 11th century. The astonishing thing is, it's EXACTLY how I imagined the rooms and the placement (just as well, eh?). So, like the character Margaret (Malcolm's wife) who turned out to be a saint in real life (which I didn't know about until after I wrote of her), these true pictures just confirm for me that I am not alone in writing this story. (cue spooky music).

I have now finished the SFD of the final ten chapters and am making my way through them again to get it to a point of being at least half way decent for my intrepid, knife weilding readers.

I drank coffee tonight at a friend's place at 9pm so, in a completely out of character moment, I am still awake and working on the book. Whether I get up at my usual 5am will depend on whether the glass of wine I'm sipping has more power over the cats!

OMG

Fleance just punched Duncan!

I think I have to go lie down. As usual, it's about the chicks!