Getting Back on Track

The writing has continued in dribs and drabs. In the fall of 2011, I received a review from a seasoned editor and accomplished writer through the Humber College, School of Writers network. I don't know who it is but I feel it may be a man who is very focused on what it takes for a novel to be considered literary fiction; and that's okay, except, that's not what I'm after. I've taken into advisement most of what 'he' has suggested and rejected other aspects only because I feel the need to stay true to myself. That is most important for me.
In the meantime, I'm at Chapter 14 in my revision and word count is hovering at just over 70,000.
It would be great to get it published this year.

Update on Humber

With only one week left, I am a bit shell-shocked that this program is over. It began in January, and I can hardly believe we're almost done. I'm been puttering away at the 25,000-word draft that came out of my participation in the 3-day novel contest in September 2009. I'm now at 48,258 words; and not just any words. I've sweat over many of them through many revisions and grown the story into something wonderful. It's a great feeling.

School of Writers

I have no idea what week I'm in. For tonight, it does not matter. I am working through Ch. 2.5, again...but with a stronger sense of what to do. However, I suspect my mentor is looking to me to write literary fiction -- a noble pursuit. I believe I am writing a more commercial kind of fiction with slightly less 'texture' or detailed description than literary fiction does provide so well. I am still working towards a literary state for my novel but perhaps with more of a 'let's-get-to-the-point' style of writing.

To be continued...

Week 7 -- bobbie writes about creative writing program

I have heard from my mentor twice now and the feedback has been terrific. He's both encouraging and constructive in giving me just enough confidence and just enough to work on for the next installment.

He's looked at my firsts 15pgs, which I submitted to Humber School of Creative Writers for my application. I revised that and added another chunk making it Chapters 1-4. Tonight, I submitted Chapters 5-9 and will hopefully go back to the first 4 to revise again while he reviews 5-9. I am encouraged that I will get a good product at the end and will learn an incredible amount about the process and my process in the meantime. If only I could shelve the self-doubt when it rains on me.

Onward...
b

Week 3 of Humber College Creative Writing Program

I thought by now I'd be nursing my bruised writer ego suffered from feedback and edits from my mentor. I'm not because I've not yet heard from him. This time of year, he's probably a busy man. This time of my life, I need to know what to fix in my writing. The sooner I hear back the better I'll feel. I knew I was meant to write when I realized I want construction criticism so I can improve.

I've stopped waiting and started revising. I submitted the first 15 pages of my 106-page manuscript (ms) from the 3-Day-Novel Contest to Humber as part of my application. Presumably, that is the work he will examine and send back to me by snail mail, sporting copious red marks. I'm ready for it. In the meantime, I will be ploughing through the subsequent pages making improvements as much as I can, making changes recommended to me by my writing critique group and a savvy book club, as well as noting elements to research -- something for which I had no time during the 3-day writing session in the fall.

I've covered Chapters 1 &2 and am crawling through Chapter 3. It's not bad but it's not great...yet. I won't give up. I want this to soar!

~ bobbie

Creative Writing Program at Humber College

I can't believe it but my wildest dream and scariest thought have come true. I've been accepted into the Creative Writing Program at Humber College. I knew in my heart I had to apply for January 2010, so I did. It's amazing. I don't know who my mentor is yet but it will be a published and established writer.