March 8th, 2010
A glimpse into the writing life

If you ask any author, they will tell you that some books are easier to write than others. Then there are some that I can only equate as giving birth. Its a slow, painful process.

That’s how writing SINFUL HIGHLANDER (Galen’s story), the fifth book in the Dark Sword series was. Even when I turned in the proposal to my editor I didn’t expect to keep the first three chapters. Which would have been a first for me. Yet, once she accepted the proposal, I read over the chapters again and found I liked them.

So, on I went.

Now, my hubby, saint that he is, just smiles at me when with every book I utter the words, “This book is awful. The plot is awful. The characters are awful. Everything is worthless.” He tells me to keep writing, like I always do. Usually by the time I finish the book and revise I’m happy with it.

Galen’s book is the most difficult book I’ve written in a long time. Every day when I would sit at my desk to write my pages it was a painful process. To make matters worse, the book just wouldn’t end. ::long, drawn out sigh::

Now, as I’m finishing up my first round of revisions, I’m trying to find the places that gave me such difficulty.

I can’t find them.

Ugh! I cannot for the life of me name what made this book so difficult to write. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. Well, up until the middle when I pull the “everything’s awful” thing. But that’s normal for me.

The key is to just keep writing. Get words on paper. They can always be revised.

hugs,
D

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This entry was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 3:19 pm and is filed under General. You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

7 comments to “A glimpse into the writing life”



  1. Melissa
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      · March 8th, 2010 at 5:15 pm · Link

    Every time an author tells me shes had a struggle w/ a book or a character, Donna ~~ it always winds up being one of my fav books by that author. I’d be willing to bet that’s going to be the case w/ Galen!! Hey….I know!! You send him to me, and I’ll let you know the level of suckiness or NON suckiness!! Good idea, huh???



  2. Marissa
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      · March 9th, 2010 at 2:03 pm · Link

    Galen is giving you a hard time, I am sure his story will be great, but fifth in the series?? Why do I always fall for characters who are last or almost last in the series to have their own story??? Perhaps because you like everything, the characters, the plot you feel this way… but I am sure it will be another page turner!



  3. Donna
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      · March 9th, 2010 at 2:06 pm · Link

    lol. Ah, Melissa, I hope you’re right. Every time I write a book like this, I think its positively the worst I’ve ever written.

    You want to read the fifth book before you’ve read books 2, 3, or 4? Think of all you’ll have missed.



  4. Donna
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      · March 9th, 2010 at 2:07 pm · Link

    Thank you, Marissa! Well, I can say that Galen’s book comes pretty early in the series – well, if I get to write all 15 books.

    Keep your fingers crossed I get to write all the Warriors. I’ve such plans for those Highlanders.



  5. Eva S
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      · March 9th, 2010 at 3:13 pm · Link

    15 books!! I don’t know if I should thank you for making this a long, wonderful series or ask my boss for a bigger paycheck, LOL!
    Can’t wait to read them all!



  6. Donna
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      · March 10th, 2010 at 10:25 am · Link

    lol. Ask for a bigger paycheck anyway, Eva. In this economy more money is always good.



  7. Laurie
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      · March 15th, 2010 at 12:51 pm · Link

    I love Galen and can’t wait for his story. Next time he gives you trouble, you can send him my way (wink wink)