Final tasks....

Final tasks....

Well. I have taken my final pass through the manuscript and, in doing so, I have cut out about 15,000 words.  Each time I read through it, I find something.  I guess the edit process could go forever, but I have called a halt to it at this point.  I'm now back to my search for an agent or publisher.

There were a few final clean up tasks that remained.  First, character names.  Make sure that the names of your characters are not real people - use a quick Google search to check.  Mine were, so I renamed them.  Funny how when the names changed, new prsonal quirks showed up!  Try it and see.  My female character even developed a nickname, JJ, and she changed the make and model of automobile she drove :-)   The second task was one I had never thought about.  I used the lyrics of a song in the progression of the story.  I didn't realized that you could be sued for using lyrics without consent.  So out came the song lyrics sadly.  The final task that I'm still struggling with is the title.  I started out with a very cute, sweet title which I loved, but since have changed it two or three times.  They say to wait until the manuscript is complete to title it - it would be easier.  So far this hasn't been true for me.  Should it be short?  Should it be a song title?  Should it be ???  Well, I have settled on a title... am I happy?  No sure.

Another real problem for writer's is where to start the story?  In the beginning, in the middle... I have changed the beginning more times than I can count.  And to tell you the truth, as I was writing this blog this AM, I'm wondering if I should start it at the beginning of the 2nd chapter?

"Jamie Janson chose to run the beach at dawn; it cleared her mind.  The rhythmic sound of the waves, the kaleidoscope of colors in the sky, and the lack of annoying chatter on the beach put her into the zone.  And when she was in it, she could solve any problem.  Today’s list included a schedule of things to do to clean out and sell Pita’s cottage by fall and a way to find a ghost on the Internet.  Both problems had been plaguing her for months."

More of this thought process next time.  I'll tell you my decision.  Happy writing.... 

Till......

Judi