Monday, April 8, 2013

Coming Up for Air

After much polishing, perfecting, and tweaking, my long-labored-over WIP is awaiting the scrutiny of beta readers. I was not completely prepared for the "lost" feeling that followed. The first day was the worst. What? I can't sit down at my computer and manipulate these characters I've grown so fond of? What else is there to do? Yes, I have another story idea in the wings, but it seems a bit soon to jump into the depths again. So after a day of aimless internet wandering and sitting down at my computer only to be reassured that, yes, the story is finished (at least for now), I have begun making a dent in my to-be-read pile. First off, I read Lindsey Leavitt's Going Vintage, a fabulously fun read!



Then, Ally Carter's Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover. This series is addicting. In a good way.



And as of this afternoon, when I brought my mother to the salon and happily sat in the sun reading while she got her hair done, I'm halfway through Ann Stampler's Where it Began. Just as the cover boasts, it is indeed unputdownable. I only put it aside tonight to write this blog post and I will, assuredly be picking it back up as soon as this post is, well, posted.



 And when I finish the book at hand, this is what the stack that awaits me looks like:



Ahhhhh, heaven! And no more aimless drifting.

While we're talking about bookish things, I've been meaning to show you the gorgeous journal and pen that my daughter brought back from London for me. Love, love, love them!


Do you usually take some time between projects or do you dive right into the next story?




76 comments:

  1. I usually take a couple days off to catch up on blogging, things around the house and to savor the feeling of accomplishment, even though it is paired with a feeling of loss. Then I try to dive into a new idea or two.

    Love the journal. Very gorgeous. And I've enjoyed the Gallagher girl series. And I really enjoyed Shatter Me. The first half was brilliant.

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    1. I am enjoying the reading and the blogging, but it feels strange not to be writing. I am starting to hear the new project calling to me. Perhaps this break won't be too long after all.

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  2. I think digging into a stack of good books sounds like the perfect way to recharge after finishing a big project. Congrats and enjoy!

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    1. And it's nice to make a dent in the stack of books that have been waiting so patiently ;)

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  3. Since my WIP is the first story in a proposed series, I feel like I need to keep my momentum going; I'm researching and outlining for the second story while I wait to hear from the editor.

    Holy Moley, that journal and pen are awesome, Ruth! ^_^

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    1. Wishing you the best with keeping that momentum going, Victoria.

      The story I just finished was a humorous romance and the idea that is waiting in the wings is a suspense story, so I'm thinking a break during which I can shift gears will probably be beneficial.

      I know - that journal - I stare at it every day. (I've yet to write in it yet.)

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  4. Oh, I *have* to take time between projects. And I usually spend it reading! And I too feel at a loss when a project is complete and I'm waiting on betas to give me feedback. Thank goodness for good books! :-)

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    1. Yes, books that sweep you up and make you forget you're waiting for critiques are the best!

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  5. Oh, I love your journal:) Reading is a great way to put your mind at ease while waiting for feedback... I tend to have several projects running at once, so I'd work on something new:)

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    1. For a long time I had two projects to bounce between. Maybe that's why this lull feels so foreign to me.

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  6. I always need some mind-wandering room between projects. Don't you LOVE the voice in Where it Began? I just organized a whole TBR shelf in my office. Formidable.

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    1. Yes, Leslie, the voice is awesome!! That shelf of yours sounds pretty amazing, too!

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  7. Gorgeous journal! What does the writing on the pen say?

    Thanks for the reminder about GOING VINTAGE. I'm a fan of Lindsey Leavitt's work.

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    1. I'm pretty the script on the pen says, "Keep Calm and Carry On" NOT easy words to live up to.

      I do have to break between projects, not always because I WANT to, but because it's just hard shift gears from one project to another, especially when it's a project I couldn't place.

      I hope Ruth has less struggle in this area than I do right now.

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    2. Hi Barb, the pen says "Keep Calm and Carry on Writing." And I think I'll be back to it sooner than I thought. I already pulled up my notes and have them minimized on my desktop. It can't be long now. . .

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  8. How delightful to be relaxing and reading for pleasure! I'm glad you can do it. I find it hard to read now because I've gotten too critical. A few authors I liked years ago I can't even read now. :(
    So stay relaxed and enjoy every moment!

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    1. Oh, too critical sounds like a bummer. I have the opposite problem. I start off reading with an analytic mindset but I'm soon swept up in the story and forget to be critical at all.

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  9. Between projects is reading time - enjoy it!

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  10. Wow - that is a super swank journal. And thanks for all the book suggestions. It's always good to know what other people enjoy when I'm looking for my next read.

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    1. You're welcome, Julie. Thanks for stopping by. =)

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  11. Ah, I envy you. The place you're in tight now is one of the sweetest for me. I'm in first-draft-mode and this is when I will not read any other fiction... by the time I'm through this first round I will be starving for that pile you have there, the version that is awaiting on my shelf.

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    1. Ooooo, I wouldn't be able to do it, Mirka. I am a slow writer. My first drafts take ages. I don't know what I'd do without reading to fill the gaps. But it's good that you know what works for you. And I imagine once you allow yourself, you must devour that pile of waiting books!

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  12. Finishing a ms is a bit like completing an exam and having no more revision to do,isn't it. Love the notebook but I wouldn't dare write in it!

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  13. I love the luxury of reading when I'm done with a writing project. Good for you, Ruth.

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    1. Yes, Lee, it is a luxury. It feels decadent. As I move books out of my TBR list I almost feel guilty for indulging so.

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  14. Congrats on getting to the finish line, Ruth. What a great pile of books. Happy Reading!

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  15. I see Destiny Rewritten is on the top of your pile; it's on mine, too! It's hard for me to move onto something else. I need to let it play about in my head for awhile before I write anything substantial down. Sometimes I'll write down a conversation or a scene or character description but nothing lengthy.
    I LOVE that journal - beautiful!

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    1. The new project is starting to call to me, Dawn, but I think I'll ignore it at least long enough to finish another book or two ;)

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  16. At least you've got a couple of books to keep you occupied. I work on short stories between longer projects - either from scratch or picking up an older one to polish and submit. The journal is gorgeous!

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    1. Oh, I did do a bit of that on day two. Not writing short projects but marketing a few of them.

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  17. Your TBR pile looks like mine. Big and growing bigger by the day. At least I always have something to pick up and read. That's the best things about book. They travel and travel well.

    ctny

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    1. Yes, it's good to always have choices. I'm making headway on the stack but I keep forgetting about all the titles waiting on the kindle as well.

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  18. Yay for some reading time! But...if you're missing writing, delve into the new idea. When you get your beta readers feedback, you can always set aside the new project and revise the other. And I bet you'll have new and refreshed ideas for both!

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    1. You're right, Barbara, it's funny how after a little time away new ideas come knocking.

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  19. Yay for reading time. You've got some titles that look new to me. Must go check them out!! :) Happy reading.

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    1. Oooo, I hope you find some there that interest you!

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  20. Oh Ruth, I'm so glad you're liking Where It Began! I'm off to find Going Vintage on your recommendation. (And congrats on the WIP!!!)

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    1. Thanks Ann! I finished Where It Began and LOVED it!!
      Hope you enjoy Going Vintage as much as I did.

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  21. Your TBR pile looks fabulous and I love your new journal. Gorgeous!!! It sounds like the perfect way to spend some time in-between projects. That's usually my way as well. Fill the well!

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    1. You're right, fill the well. I often let it run dry before I realize I need to do this!

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  22. Ohh, that IS a gorgeous journal.

    And yes, I'm EXACTLY the same way when I finish a project. Hope you find a way to move on eventually!

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  23. Oh, Where It Began sounds like a good read. But alas, my TBR pile is already out of control.

    Good luck with the beta reads. I'm waiting for my final one, but I'm working on my next novel while I wait.

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    1. Surviving the waiting is all about finding the most effective distraction, I think ;)

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  24. Ruth! For some reason, your blog updates don't appear in my feeds, so I'm so thankful you commented on my blog today.
    Yay for having your WIP complete! I think that "lost" feeling you mentioned is normal. You've been nurturing this thing for such a long time, and now that it's about to leave your hands, there can be some subtle feelings of "Would my baby be okay?"

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    1. My dashboard hasn't worked in months, so I've lost touch with a lot of blogs, I'm sure. =(
      Glad to get re-connected!

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  25. Congrats on being done! I know that feeling of loss. Since I juggle projects, I always have a manuscript to rebound with. ; )

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    1. I usually have a rebound manuscript too, maybe why this transition feels so different.

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  26. Congrats on getting to The End, Ruth! So awesome! And what a gorgeous journal! And how lucky to have some time to read... I've read less in the last 4 months than practically ever in my life and I miss it!

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    1. Hope you find the time to get back to reading, soon, Susanna!

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  27. Just love that journal, Ruth! Glad you were able to get some reading done...

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    1. Yes, so far I'm just happy to leave it on my desk and look at it. Eventually I will crack open the pages and dare to write in it ;)

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  28. You're doing exactly what you deserve, breathing (and reading!). Take some time. Relax. Treat yourself. Your TBR stack looks great and love, love the journal. :)

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  29. I jump right into something new.

    I love the notebook and thanks for sharing these books.

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    1. No down time, Medeia? I know, there's that part of me that tells me I always have to be productive. But the part of me that knows better realizes I'll benefit from a little break sometimes too.

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  30. WOw, that's a gorgeous notebook and pen! Great job on finishing your WIP, Ruth. Taking the time to read after sending a story out (whether to a publisher/critique partners) is one of the best things I enjoy!

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    1. I'm still reading, Claudine, but the new story is calling to me as well. I have begun to take notes. I guess I will know when it's time.

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  31. I usually dive head first into something new, but I think it's wise to take a little break, especially if that break includes reading. I must say, though, that if I had that very cool new journal, I'd be anxious to use it with a new project. ; )

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    1. Oooo, really, Cynthia? You'd dive right in and write in it? I am still savoring the fresh, blank pages. But I guess once I start to store ideas there it will be treasured in a whole new way.

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  32. I take off time and spend time reading. So happy you are getting to catch up on your reading! Some of the books in your pile are on my list! I LOVE that journal. What a nice gift.

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    1. I know, it was a very thoughtful gift. I'm so blessed with great daughters =)

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  33. Oh, I can relate to that loose-ends feeling. I usually take a little break, but not much of one. I don't start writing right away, but I work on the new idea.

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    1. Yes, that's where I'm at, Marcia. Doing a little more research and writing each day.

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  34. You picked a brilliant way to fill in the empty aching chasm inside you :P And I love that journal!!

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  35. Sometimes I take a break before diving back into writing. I like to drown out the world for a bit in my TBR pile. Nothing like getting fresh ideas or perspective with a bit of down time.

    ctny

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    1. Making good progress on the pile, Courtney, but why, oh why do I go to the library and come home with an armful of books when these ones have been patiently waiting on my shelf for so long???

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  36. Loved prophecy. But then I'm completely bias! And that journal is lovely. I want to steal it!

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    1. I am part way into Prophecy already, but I have been doing something that is so unlike me: reading three or four books at a time, and so it's taking me a while to finish it =(

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  37. I can't wait to try Going Vintage.

    I love that journal!

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