Friday, October 15, 2010

Book 47 - Absolution

I'll state the obvious right off the bat - this is a total cheat.

When I started the 100 Books in 2010 challenge last January, I had many rules. A couple of them I've broken - like counting unpublished novels.

As a very willing beta reader for several of my friends, I found myself swimming in WIPs I hadn't just read but also wanted to brag about. Manuscripts I'm quite certain will be on the shelf for your enjoyment very soon. (I've only blogged about the ones the author has given me permission for...)

But at the start of this challenge, it's unlikely I would have counted my own thriller.

Maybe it's desperation for not even crossing the half way mark three quarters of the way into the year, but I think it has more to do with pride. For the first time since I started this novel, I read it - in almost one sitting - from start to finish.

Through each revision, I've read parts of it, fixing the pieces flagged by critique partners and beta readers. I've dialed up the violence, and then toned down the gore. I've added the detail to make the story breathe - and finally, it feels like a real novel. One I admit, I'd be pretty satisfied reading if it was written by someone other than myself.

I'm resisting the urge to tweak it one more time before sending it off Monday morning, but it's already months past deadline and I've pushed my excuses far enough. There are minor changes to make, sentences that didn't flow quite right, and a couple of logic gaps that needed filling...but that's as far as I'll take it.

Of course, I can't "review" it here (though the urge to provide a detailed back cover blurb is overwhelming) but I will let it stand as book 47 in my 100 Books in 2010 challenge. It might be bending the rules a little - but I won't lose any sleep over it.

It's Monday night the insomnia will kick in.

The Book In My Bag Today: Another One Bites the Dust, Jennifer Rardin

10 comments:

  1. Woohoo!!! Nice!!! Hey, come on you've been busting your ass on your book for quite some time. I'll let this one go! You so deserve it!

    Now forward it to me so I can enjoy your work of art to! LOL! <3 Love ya! and so PROUD of you!

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  2. I'm so glad you finally feel this way. It's an awesome book! It WILL be a bestseller! And it has been my honor and priviledge to be there with you as you finally send it in <3<3 Love you AND Absolution.

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  3. I cannot wait to read it! And get two signed copies, one to keep forever, and one to sell on Ebay when you are hugely famous (which I figure will be in about hmmmmmm 1 year!)... Love you!

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  4. From conception to maturity ...
    My breath is hitching.
    Friggen emotional
    <3 <3
    xxoo

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  5. It does make a difference to read the whole manuscript through in one setting. Then you can see how the story hangs together as a whole. Can't wait until it's between covers and in my hands!

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  6. Good luck! I hope it gets published.

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  7. Hi Dawn,

    What you are doing sounds great, it seems like you are taking a very good approach to your novel. Your determination is very motivating, I wish you all the best!

    Hope you are well

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  8. Thanks, KAREN. Should be in your inbox by the end of the weekend <3

    DEAR DONNA, awesome crit partner, amazing friend. I am so thankful for your constant support. Love you <3

    JESS - You're super sweet. Love you.

    JAMIE - Ah, IR, it's come a LONG way. Thanks for hanging out for the long haul. xoxo

    JAN - I'd love to hear your process some day, actually. Something we've never talked about...

    Thanks, CA88ANDRA. And thanks for stopping by.

    CSR - thanks, hon. Your last post was great - as always.

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  9. WOW! Congratulations. You are living my dream and I can not even imagine the journey. All the BEST!

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  10. Thanks, ALEX. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Heading over to check out your journey...

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