Kelly Gibbons, artist and writer, about me

Monday, May 01, 2006

It's all in the re-writes

I haven't talked much about writing lately, or written much here (I am the world's worst blogger!), but I've been writing. Mostly re-writing, but we all know that re-writing is the biggest part of the game. I've sent an article out to a children's magazine with art samples. So, hopefully that leads to something--an art and writing gig would be just awesome, thank you very much. And, drum roll, please...

I have finally worked my way through edits on the entire book. What book you ask? Oh, that YA novel I've been working on for the last 2 years. I have a few minor adjustments to make, but for the most part, I think it's done.

Well, I thought it was done, until I combined all the chapters and realized I'm only at 22,000 words. Most young adult novels average 25,000 to 45,000 words. So, this is my dilemma. Do I continue to rewrite and edit, or do I try to find a home for it as it stands? I'm sure I can add words to it to beef it up, but I don't think I want to. The story is there--for the most part I'm happy with it--the added words might just be fluff.

Truthfully, I am ready for it to be done. While rewriting and editing are a necessary part of writing a book, there comes a time when you have to stop and just be done. I didn't write this book to let it die in rewrites. I wrote it to be published and read, and that's what I want for it right now.

This brings me to the next problem: getting it published. This part is completely out of my control. I know a little of where to begin, but not much. I know I need to either find and agent or a publisher to get this done. I'm not sure which is the better route to go. I've heard pros and cons for both. Right now, I'm leaning toward agent, but who knows.

It feels good to be nearing this step--it means I'm inching a little closer to dream.

posted by Kelly @ 5/01/2006 06:41:00 AM

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