I’m surviving the novel gauntlet!  Falling down every once in a while!

Patience, hard work, and a lot of humor helps me to get through the writing and editing part of my current Emily Stone novel Dark Mind.  Writing entails long days, mild setbacks, and often a little more research. There’s blood, sweat, and tears involved in every phase of a novel project. 

Even further back on the project was the original idea, extensive outline, and research.  I can honestly say that writing a novel is not for wimps.  The best way I can describe how I feel as I’m going through the process is that I’m running the gauntlet, sometimes against the clock. 

You would think that after writing one novel that it would get easier.  After writing three novels it would still be even easier.  I’m here to tell you that isn’t the case.  However, when you finish a novel you definitely feel more confident and ready to take on the next book project no matter what the situation throws at you.  Every project has its own obstacles and varied research to get through, no matter how you take the journey.  It’s not really how to get there, but that you’ve finished it with satisfaction.

A few things to have that helps:

• Vision
• Drive
• Perseverance
• Motivation
• Humor

With all that being said, I wouldn’t change a thing about the process of finally getting through the editing portion and finishing a novel, even if I have to trudge through some murky waters.  I love writing and telling a thrilling story in hopes of entertaining others.  I can’t imagine not having writing in my life. 

I wonder what Freud would have said about that? 

He would have labeled me an obsessive/compulsive or perhaps a delusional storyteller, or better yet borderline personality thriller writer.

 I’ve been asked how I edit my manuscripts and approach my rewrites.  The best advice that I can give is if you think your edits are completed, and then edit some more.  This is a true test of your patience and perseverance by working through rewrites and edits. 

 A great book to help you get your novel outlined and on schedule is First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner.

For now, my glass is held high to all you writers out there who have made it to the other side and finished your final edits.  It’s a great feeling to know that I’m not alone. 

Cheers!   On to the next project!

Check out my Emily Stone Series to find out how she hunts serial killers.

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Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting