postcard from the middle
Friends --
It's been some time, and there may have been some concerns that I'd gotten lost in revision, so I wanted to send up a signal flare and let you know that I'm safe. Your concern is warranted, though, because I'm deep in the middle of the novel, and this a dangerous environment. It's dark and dense with undergrowth like a jungle, roiling and everchanging like a stormy ocean, full of twisty little passages all alike like a... Well, you get the idea.
A quick review of the journey so far: The first draft was a long and winding road, with rather more stops to exchange pleasantries, discuss logistics, and rehash details than were strictly necessary, in hindsight. The several more direct routes that made up the second phase of the expedition were considerably shorter and better planned, but after considering the advice of fellow travelers, I was able to decide on a number of improvements for the trek I'm currently undertaking.
At the beginning of the voyage, revision proceeded smoothly. I embarked from a new launching point that allowed me to quickly build up momentum, and I shed a great deal of excess baggage on the way. It was when I entered the middle of the novel that obstacles arose. In addition to a number of anticipated changes in itinerary, I discovered that it would also be necessary to visit several other destinations in a different order than I'd expected. On top of that, questions arose about the purpose and motivation behind exploring some of the ports of call. I had to make considerable alterations to the travel plan to ensure that I'll still be able to resume my route when I finally emerge from the middle. However, I am pleased to report that the way appears clear, and I have every hope that my present path is leading me in the direction of the ending. Fingers crossed.
I'm sending this from a remote outpost of the Department of Stretched Metaphors. I hope the transmission comes through intact. Be well and safe in your own travels.
-- Lisa
It's been some time, and there may have been some concerns that I'd gotten lost in revision, so I wanted to send up a signal flare and let you know that I'm safe. Your concern is warranted, though, because I'm deep in the middle of the novel, and this a dangerous environment. It's dark and dense with undergrowth like a jungle, roiling and everchanging like a stormy ocean, full of twisty little passages all alike like a... Well, you get the idea.
A quick review of the journey so far: The first draft was a long and winding road, with rather more stops to exchange pleasantries, discuss logistics, and rehash details than were strictly necessary, in hindsight. The several more direct routes that made up the second phase of the expedition were considerably shorter and better planned, but after considering the advice of fellow travelers, I was able to decide on a number of improvements for the trek I'm currently undertaking.
At the beginning of the voyage, revision proceeded smoothly. I embarked from a new launching point that allowed me to quickly build up momentum, and I shed a great deal of excess baggage on the way. It was when I entered the middle of the novel that obstacles arose. In addition to a number of anticipated changes in itinerary, I discovered that it would also be necessary to visit several other destinations in a different order than I'd expected. On top of that, questions arose about the purpose and motivation behind exploring some of the ports of call. I had to make considerable alterations to the travel plan to ensure that I'll still be able to resume my route when I finally emerge from the middle. However, I am pleased to report that the way appears clear, and I have every hope that my present path is leading me in the direction of the ending. Fingers crossed.
I'm sending this from a remote outpost of the Department of Stretched Metaphors. I hope the transmission comes through intact. Be well and safe in your own travels.
-- Lisa