I finished my first draft of Sky Dancers. In celebration, I’ve posted the back cover at the end of this little discussion, but you can scroll ahead, I won’t mind… I’m thinkin’ that the back cover is just as lovely as the front.
So you, my fellow authors, how do you feel when you finish your first draft?
Relief?
Satisfaction?
Bliss?
Or do you get out the Kleenex like in Romancing the Stone? Wasn’t that a great scene????
I’ve felt all those before, even experienced that need-for-a-Kleenex.
But not this time.
This time, I felt very unsatisfied. I ain’t got that zing yet.
You know the zing, right?
That feeling when you do that final document save and think, “Damn fine book, there.” Or “Best I can do at the moment, it’s working for me, but I’m grateful for my editor.
Not happening for me. I was zinging at the beginning and zinging through the middle, but I lost the zing at the end. I think I was too focused on getting the story out of my head because of that little mishap when I lost a LONG day’s worth of writing some pivotal scenes.
Alas, Sky Dancers is not quite ready to lounge between those two beautiful covers Mr. Al created for me.
That’s okay. I’ve got until August to bring the zing.
And I’ve got my secret weapon.
Nora Roberts.
Yes, I read Nora. She is such an amazing storyteller. I have other authors who I love just as much as Nora, mind you, but Nora’s my “Go To” author when I need to get my zing on.
Why? Well, because she writes stories that I don’t write, so there’s no worry of author bleed through. AND–I’m going to repeat myself, here–she’s an amazing storyteller. I’m tellin’ ya! Have you ever read a Nora Roberts story?
Check out how she describes her characters. Flows oh so naturally. And the dialogue! And the characters! They’re great! And the relationships with other characters….I love her girl friend nights…when the girls all hang out together, drinking wine and bonding. I WANT GIRLFRIENDS LIKE THAT! Oh, and the guys talking with the guys? And don’t get me started on brothers. She does brothers really well. And let’s not forget the storytelling. Please, let’s not forget that bit. She has such a nice pace…one that allows you to wallow in the lives of her characters, but still wanting to push through to a resolution, nervous and fearful for their welfare even though you know her stories end happily for her peeps.
Nora juices me up for the zing. In fact, I’m already getting some ideas on how to zing through to the end of Sky Dancers….
I’m curious, though, do you have an author who gets you zinging, or is it just me?
This week was spectacularly beautiful. I leave you with a photo of Barefoot Weather amongst the redwoods, and …drum roll….the BACK COVER OF SKY DANCERS!!!!!!!
Mind you, I’ve not written the back cover copy. When I do, rest assured, I’ll be using English and not Latin!
Here’s to a zingy week!!!
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