I am willing to bet that editing is what stands between most writers and their dreams. The act of writing is romanticized at length in writerly circles, while talk of editing is typically met with derision, or at best, patience. Editing is where the magic happens, people. Not all great writers follow this rule, but most … Continue reading Editing Is Writing
Author: scottdrakeford
Writing Journal – One Big Thing
A discussion with my writing group led to a conscious solidification of a writing principle I've believed in for a long time but only now fully wrapped my mind around. It's not new to the writing world, but it is new to me, so here is my take on it: One KMAlexander suggested "One Big Thing" as … Continue reading Writing Journal – One Big Thing
Short Story Piece From IRE
I wrote this piece recently for a writing group exercise, and because I've had this short story in my head for a few years. I intended for it to be part of Book 2, but since I'm still polishing Book 1, I think I might use it there as an "interlude", to steal Brandon Sanderson's … Continue reading Short Story Piece From IRE
The Second Book
I've heard people say that the "sophomore novel", particularly the second in a series, can be the most difficult book an author will ever write. Until I started writing mine, I thought that those claims were exaggerated. To some extent, I still do, but the second book does present some unique challenges. The writing itself isn't … Continue reading The Second Book
The Query That Worked
Hey. I should have done this long since, but I thought I'd post (most of) the successful query letter that I sent to Matt last year. I know that when I was putting together the query for the book that I've worked so hard on, finding query letters that were successful (especially recent ones) was … Continue reading The Query That Worked
Finishing Books and Other Stuff I Like
I just finished my book... again. There will be plenty of tweaks to make still, but I'm starting to look forward to when my agent will submit the manuscript to publishers. It may still be quite a ways out depending on how we feel about the current state, and there's no way to know how it will … Continue reading Finishing Books and Other Stuff I Like
More Editing: Cutting the Flab, etc…
I can’t believe it’s been almost five months since I last posted on the blog. Not much of consequence has happened in that time, however, so I suppose the lack of activity here is justified. I’m not going to write a blog post just to write a blog post. But now I’ve re-submitted my book … Continue reading More Editing: Cutting the Flab, etc…
Agent Success – Matt Bialer
Mr. Matt Bialer from SJGA will be representing my first novel, IRE. I am elated to be working with him, as he's the agent I've targeted from the very beginning. An awkward 2 minute conversation back in 2013 was the turning point that led me here. The story begins way back in 2012 when I got … Continue reading Agent Success – Matt Bialer
Beta Readers
This has been a very big month. Early this month, I finally sent my manuscript to a small group of beta readers who had expressed interest in reading my book and giving me feedback. I've only received detailed feedback from one beta reader, but the opinions so far from those who have finished the book … Continue reading Beta Readers
Book Progress Update 12/9/14
I’m doing my last read-through edit before sending to beta readers. I’m on page 260/684. I’m willing to bet that at least some of you reading this are thinking something like, “Scott sucks at writing books. Why does it take him so long?” Writing a book is quite interesting. And by interesting, I mean hard. … Continue reading Book Progress Update 12/9/14
Scott Drakeford 