Taking a break from revision update posts. But I’m almost at the finish line. I should be complete with this first round of revisions by the end of this year. Yay! One accomplishment almost done.
I’m also very excited about joining back up with my critique group. I first met these talented writers way back in the day and I think I know their work almost as good as my own. So I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in January. A few of them have publishing contracts and I’m eager to hear updates. Hopefully, they can help me figure out how to get this novel ready for the submission process in 2010.
Right now one of the craft books I’m reading, The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell, has a few gems I want to share. The premise of the book is based on the Sun Tzu’s Chinese military treatise.
Here are some Art of War tactics that Bell covers in the book:
A foundation in discipline is always the first step toward victory.
Finish your novel, because you learn more that way than any other.
A writer with a credo will not be tempted to settle for mediocrity.
Whining will not help you win the battle for publication.
Status, worry, and comparison are ways to madness, not victory.
Writing sometimes really does feel like a battle but the best warrior is always prepared. You should check out this book as well as some other craft books by James Scott Bell.
I love those quotes! I’ll definitely have to check out Bell’s book. It sounds like your revisions are going well, yay! I’ve been clawing my way through mine, but I think I might finally be getting closer to where my ms needs to be (fingers crossed). :-)
Yes, you must check out this book Anna. This is one of the first craft books where I got gems of information just by reading the table of contents.