For those following along, I offer up this update.
I have begun the first major round of revisions between draft 1.1 and draft 2.0. I do want to know when using the computer programmer jargon of “version” with numbers became commonplace. Seriously who ever thought we could say that we’re working on draft version 2.3 and someone would know what we meant?
Do accomplish this I have axed the last 6,000 words and will be picking up where that leaves me off. Most of my revisions to the first portion of the book are still pretty solid, but I plan to keep revising them, providing more depth etc etc.
Check this space for more updates but my ultimate goal is to declare the work “complete” by April of 09. There is a point of diminishing returns on editing and I do want to free myself to consider a new project for Nanowrimo 09, or to just spend time with my little guy.
And for those that want it, here’s a short snippet from my 2.0 draft, chapter 2:
Allison looked confused again. “Wait,” she started, her mind guessing at Tori’s intent. “I’m not going up north with you this weekend. I have plans. Real plans. Plans with a non-refundable security deposit.” The last part was indeed quite true to the tune of two hundred dollars if she canceled her reservations now.
Tori nodded quickly. “Steve cancelled,” was all she offered as an explanation.
“I’m sorry,” Allison offered in response, her hands open. “I really am, but I can’t go with you. Can’t you call Brad?”
Tori shook her head. “He got back with his girlfriend.”
“Lemont?”
“Conflict of interest: he’s teaching that 405 seminar I’m taking this term.” Tori folded her arms.
“Jacob?”
She frowned. “Turns out he’s gay.”
Allison blinked. She hesitated and asked, “Rachel?”
Tori frowned again. “Turns out she’s straight.”
Allison stood moment pensively. “I really appreciate the invitation but I really, and I mean really, can’t come with you this weekend.”
Tori smiled her slow smile, the one that took a good three or four seconds to fully form, and one that Allison had learned to observe with a great deal of trepidation. “No, I’m coming with you.”
