Holy cow, it’s been six weeks since my last newsletter! I’m sorry I’ve been out of touch, but it’s been quite a summer!
Soon after I published my last newsletter on August 18th, I flew to Norway with my daughters, son-in-law, grandson, and niece. Norway is one of three places I’ve been to that words just can’t describe (the Grand Canyon and Alaska are the other two). We went to see the beauty of the country, learn about its history and culture, and explore my grandfather’s birthplace in Rognan in the Arctic Circle.
We took train rides through the mountains, boats through the fjords, watched a bizarre rendition of Tosca at the Oslo Opera House, rode cable cars to the top of Bergen’s mountains, and saw the northern lights over the Lofoten Islands. Oh, and ate way too many pastries.
Back to editing
When we got home late on September 3rd, I rested on the 4th (and bought groceries and did the laundry) then went right to work editing The Renegade — book four in The Devil Particle Series. I’d planned on giving it to Tim Storm, my editor, for a full developmental edit by September 12th, but he kindly extended the deadline to September 18th. At 11:20 p.m. on the 18th, I sent a pretty decent draft and chapter breakdown to him. The next evening, I sent him the structural arcs for both The Renegade and the whole Devil Particle Series. Phew!
Great feedback
Since then, I’ve received feedback on The Runner — book three in the series — from my five critical readers. They love the changes I’ve made! Mary said, “OMG, this is SO GOOD.” And Silvia said, “. . . This is a MUCH stronger story than the previous version I read. Gaige’s transformation is more agonizingly visceral. His escape is a great journey . . ..”
I’m looking forward to receiving Tim’s comments on The Renegade next month and tackling the changes. There are some tweaks I need to make to book three as well, but I’m hopeful Gaige and Jaelyn’s stories will make it out into the world next year.
In two weeks, I promise to send you the latest edition of my Writer’s Book Club. In the meantime, I’d love to see you in person! Here’s where I’ll be:
Where you can find me!
Wisconsin Writers Association’s Fall Conference, October 3-4, Stevens Point – Next weekend, I’m presenting “Creating Your Own Marketing Adventure” with Maggie Smith at this wonderful conference. Our session is Friday afternoon, followed by a cocktail hour later that night to share our marketing adventures.
West Allis Public Library, October 6th, 6:30 p.m. – I’m teaching a new workshop, “Crafting a Well-plotted Novel.”
Fort Atkinson Farmers’ Market, October 11th – I’m selling my novels and talking to book lovers from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
I agree with you on all three–Norway, Alaska, and the Gand Canyon are three of the best places in the world to go
So glad you got to see Norway. And it sounds like you’re getting great feedback from others. Well done! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Lisa!
Your session, with Maggie Smith, at the Wisconsin Writers Association conference was wonderful! I learned so much and look forward to following your newsletter. Thanks!
Thank you, Jan!