Thursday, February 02, 2012

Share Time: What Are You Writing?

I love to read about other writers' projects. It still amazes me how different our ideas can be and the way we express them. The longer I live, the more I realize how we all approach life - and thus our writing - from varied directions. Given one scenario, five writers will undoubtedly come up with five different stories. I love that.

So it's time to share what project you're working on. You can be as detailed or as vague as you like.

I'll go first.

1) I'm working on revisions for my last completed novel. It's set in Nebraska during World War II.  I'm digging deeper into the story and through an agent's suggestion, making some big changes. I'm taking my time and really enjoying the process.

2) I have another article contracted with a major history magazine. This one is about a World War II combat artist. He is in his 90s and still going strong. I've corresponded with him a few times and he is such a humble man. I love writing his story.

3) The research I've done for the article has spawned another novel idea. I'm slowly starting to shape that story in my head.

4) The fifth novel is currently on hold while I make revisions for my fourth novel. But since the fifth is a sequel to the fourth, these changes will have a definite impact. I can't wait to get back to that novel.

Your turn! What writing project are you working on?

21 comments:

  1. You are a busy girl, Melissa! I love what you said in your first paragraph. It's so true! I keep doing the writing prompts, honing my skills and getting my feet a little wetter each time. Soon I hope to dive in to something much bigger:)

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  2. I'm just finishing up a historical mystery novella, and then I'm going to be working on revising some old short stories that I want to publish soon. This past week, though, I've been busy trying to format my already-published book for paperback.

    I've given you a blog award! Stop by and read my latest post for the rules: http://thesecondsentence.blogspot.com/2012/02/liebster-award.html

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  3. Ooo, yay on all your projects & progress!

    I'm doing too much at once, as usual, and loving it.

    Revising women's fic ms; in the planning stages for a poetry chapbook; working on a photo/journal/gift book project; and the cookbook's still simmering on the back burner. Then there's art, doodling, and photography projects aplenty. :)

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  4. I'm doing lots and lots of revising, with a few new words mixed in. Good luck with your projects.

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  5. Cool blog! I love reading a good historical fiction (one day I will attempt to write one myself but for now I'm content in finishing my fantasy novel for tweens and writing picture books).

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  6. Valerie - God has a plan for your writing. Just keep at it, my dear!

    Elisabeth - Ooh! What time period is your historical mystery set in? And thanks for the award!

    Angie - A woman after my own heart - busy with lots of varied and assorted projects!

    Patti - Good luck to you, as well!

    Hi Rena - Thanks for stopping by! I have a friend who wrote a picture book and he's trying to get motivated to draw the pictures that go with it. He's an amazing artist, so I hope he accomplishes it.

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  7. Sounds like you've got some wonderful projects going on. Being a lover of history it sounds right up my ally. I'm working on (VERY slowly) a middle-grade novel with a twist off of Rumpelstiltskin.
    Catherine Denton

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  8. I'm working on things related to my novel's release next month. It's currently being formatted for the Kindle edition, though the paperback is complete. And I'm also finalizing the dates of a blog tour with a series of book bloggers as I move through my to-do list.

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  9. And I love the idea of your article spawning a novel idea. There's nothing like real-life to inspire those stories on the page.

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  10. My mystery is set in Colorado, just after the turn of the 20th century. I've read a lot of mysteries written in the Victorian/Edwardian periods this past year, and I've sort of combined that atmosphere with a Western setting. It's supposed to be the first in a series...we'll see how that goes!

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  11. Wow! Yes! You are incredibly busy!

    I'm querying my YA Fantasy (fourth MS) and so far three agents have a full. :) So that's exciting. Hoping to find it a home.

    But...in case that doesn't happen, three different stories are forming in my brain. The real trick will be picking one. :)

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  12. Catherine - Your novel sounds intriguing! Can't wait until you finish it.

    Joanne - Oh, how exciting. So happy for you in this new chapter of your life!

    Elisabeth - I like the idea of it set in Colorado in that time period. I look forward to hearing more about it!

    Kelley - Mega congrats on the agent requests! That is terrific! Here's hoping one will offer representation soon!

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  13. You sound very organized and determined:))

    I'm trying to break awhile and read a ton of books but a story set here in Texas has been coming onto the page--about an ex-actress who discovers some secrets from her family's past.

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  14. Good for you! Multiple projects is the best way to go. And congrats on getting suggestions from an agent! Even when it comes with a pass, it means you're getting people's attention.

    I'm waiting to hear back from an agent re my 3rd novel (I parted ways w/ my old agent last year, so I'm seeking new representation). Am brainstorming revisions, in case that agent passes. Also, just 2 days ago I got an idea for a new novel which could possibly turn into a series. Current novel & new idea both YA speculative fiction, bordering on sci fi.

    It's an angsty time (as you know from my last blog post!)

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  15. Terri - I think it's great that you're taking a break and reading lots of books. That is so important. I think I actually write better when I'm actively reading.

    Christine - Oh, I didn't know you'd parted ways with your old agent - here's hoping you will catch the attention of a new one! (I wouldn't think you would have any trouble with your awesome books!). Hope the angst passes soon and you'll be back at it. :-)

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  16. I'm about three chapters into a new novel. Exciting! Plus, I'm finishing up writing a five-week class that will become an Ebook, about to start on a new class and generally write about three blog posts a week. Seems like there's more that I'm forgetting. Great topic!

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  17. In a bit of a lull; just finished revisions on two projects going to crit partners. In the middle of reading through a manuscript from last year, trying to decide if one of my next releases will have a print version; like you I appreciate holding a book. :))) You sound busy! Any cool weather there yet? We're still waiting...

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  18. Anna - We're expected to have a huge snowstorm - up to 10 inches in some places. Hurrah!

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  19. You've got a lot going on!

    I just finished revisions on a short story about a gulf war veteran trying to adjust to being back home. Now I'm back to revising my novel, in which today I went back and rewrote my first chapter that changed the entire past of my character. Next up I tackle all the changes that necessitates in the rest of the book. :)

    Have a great weekend!

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  20. Heidi - Your short story sounds fabulous! There is a really good book called SOLDIER FROM THE WAR RETURNING that speaks about what WW2 soldiers went through when they came home. It's one of the best books I've read on the subject.

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  21. Ive nearly finished editing current novel, preparing several interviews (authors and others), and researching several walks for new book. Think that's it! My brain is full of little compartments....

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