I have two
books coming out in February 2013: UNDERCOVER WOLF, part of my Alpha Force
mini-series for Harlequin Nocturne, and OODLES OF POODLES, my fourth Pet Rescue
Mystery for Berkley Prime Crime. I knew
the copyedits were due soon for both--where I’d get to see changes, or
suggestions for modifying the manuscripts, from my editors and get to do some revisions accordingly.
I’d
intended to finish an extremely rough draft this week of the next Alpha Force
story after UNDERCOVER WOLF, tentatively titled UNTAMED WOLF. However, I received my copyedits on
UNDERCOVER WOLF--which usually wouldn’t present a problem, but my editor
requested my response by the end of this week.
I always
try to comply with that kind of request, whenever possible. First, I’m really fortunate to have wonderful
editors. Also, in the instances that
I’ve requested deadline extensions, they’ve been very accommodating to me. So... I’d better stop writing this and go
back to my copyedits!
Fortunately,
I shouldn’t receive the edits for OODLES OF POODLES for a couple of weeks. And the other thing I was writing at the same
time as UNTAMED WOLF, a potential novella, will just have to wait for now.
Do you ever start racing toward a particular goal and find yourself swerving a bit because something else has intervened?
14 comments:
I just read that it takes twenty minutes to get back on track after getting interrupted. I can vouch for that.
That sounds about right, Betty, although sometimes I know it takes longer!
The answser to your question is ALL THE TIME!
I heard a talk once where a "coach" told us that 7 seconds is all it takes to get back to focus. (This applies mostly to when someone interrupts you while you're writing, not necessarily when you've shifted to a whole other book!)
He gave us an exercise and demonstrated it. Since then, I've been able to do it -- I haven't timed myself exactly, but I know it's less than a minute. Very handy!
Wow, that's fast, Camille. I'm impressed! Now if only I could do that when working on two books. Sometimes doing a crossword puzzle in between helps.
Between books I'd like a month (!) but usually can only manage half a day (or a crossword puzzle).
But I'm sure you handle it well, Janie, and get back on track.
Half a day works better than right away, Camille--especially if you do that crossword puzzle, too!
Linda, I know exactly what you mean. And Camille, it takes me longer than 7 minutes. I find myself resenting diversions! When you are editing or writing a first draft, it's particularly challenging because the connective tissue is so fragile.
I agree that interruptions on the first draft can be worse, Joanna. On the other hand, I do tend to try just to get first drafts onto the computer, no matter what condition, and then spend a lot of time editing, so any interruption can be a pain, especially major ones.
I love that phrase concerning first drafts, Joanna -- fragile connective tissue.
I'm sure it takes me longer than 7 minutes, too. Especially in the summer when my daughters are underfoot. They go back to school next week and let me just say that it's about time!
I like that phrase, too, Joanna and Camille.
Your distractions don't take no for an answer, Mollie--probably even less than my pups do! At least you have a respite of sorts to look forward to.
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