The Blasphemous Comma

Editing gets a bad rap in the writing world. So many writers complain about editing. But when I finished my first draft of Running Home, I was so eager to get to editing. They say when it comes to writing, just get your words on paper. Don't worry about making it pretty or perfect in the first draft. Just get your story out. Then edit. The first draft is just the ingredients of a soon-to-be masterpiece.

But you don't really find any encouraging words about draft 742.

Okay, I'm maybe on draft 18, not 742. But it feels like draft 742.

I have been spending the week combing through the edits from my editor, and there are a few things I have learned:

1. I love commas. Probably too much.

2. I write the way I speak - which can be good and bad.

3. Commas appear to be my best friend - and my worst enemy.

4. I am great at describing scenery.

5. Commas have secret ninja powers and will hide themselves in your writing claiming you put them there. But you know there's no way you really put that many commas in there...is there?

6. I am rubbish at showing not telling.

7. Commas fall in love and make babies, multiplying across your pages on their own.

In all seriousness, I'm so grateful for all the feedback my editor has provided, including pointing out my excessive use of commas throughout my writing (independent clause, comma, independent clause - c'mon, Katie!).

I'm hoping to wrap up my edits by the end of next week!

My cover art is officially under construction - I can't wait to do a cover reveal with you all in the near future!

I've been doing continued research in all things self-publishing and feeling overwhelmed, but we'll get there! My goal is to have Margaret's story hitting book shelves by late spring/early summer.

I'm also trying to take time to work on my two other novels when I can, both of which are still in their first draft.

Keep chasing those dreams, friends.