Criticizing authors (and other creators) who are not producing a finished story "fast enough" has become popular in the last decade or so. Some fans in the SFF genre in particular, where long series tend to be common, have even adopted a practice of only starting series once they are finished. I get it! I … Continue reading In Defense of Unfinished Works
Writing
The Write Life
I'm not entirely comfortable writing about my own life, my own family, but I write this for a few reasons: The life of an author is often romanticized, and I think people should understand what it's really like (at least for me). I'm in a pretty awesome situation in life, and still the creative struggle … Continue reading The Write Life
Future Projects
I was going to log this somewhere just for myself but decided to make a blog post out of it. I'm a terrible blogger and have no idea where I should draw the line between personal and public when it comes to stuff I really care about. But you know what? We only live one … Continue reading Future Projects
Editing Is Writing
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
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
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
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
500 Pages (125,000 Words)
Well, “Life” happened, and my writing pace has slowed down considerably. Not so long ago, I had hoped to be done with not only the first draft of my manuscript by now, but with my preliminary edits as well. I had hoped to have the manuscript in the hands of a few trusted alpha readers. … Continue reading 500 Pages (125,000 Words)
Initiation
I’m Scott. I write novels. Fantasy novels. Soon, I’ll be finished with my first complete work, and I’ll put a sample up for everyone to (hopefully) enjoy. I’ll also do my best to document the ups and downs that accompany the process of writing, becoming a better writer, seeking an agent, being published, and doing … Continue reading Initiation
Scott Drakeford 