new writer, seeking guidance

[divy]

So, I'm new here. I'm also a new writer, more or less. I've been trying to write my whole life, but it wasn't until NaNo last year that I actually managed to write something complete, let alone something I felt was worth revising/editing, hell, even worth reading.

I've recently completed the second draft of my NaNo ms, and I'm feeling pretty good about it, keeping in mind that I don't have a clue what I'm doing, and that I'm stuck in a bit of a writer blind-spot- I've gotten to the point where I know that there is still a lot I need to work on, but I'm incapable of seeing it. And when I do see it, I'm totally at a loss for how to fix the problems.

The novel is more of a women's fic/chick-lit style, rather than romance. (I like reading romance, but I don't really have the knack for that kind of writing. There are a few sexy scenes in the book, and I still blush a bit when I re-read them)

It's written in first-person pov, so one of my main issues are 'I, I, I' paragraphs. I've also noticed a lot of areas where I could add more description of surroundings, and my existing descriptions read more like a laundry list than anything else. (so I guess I do have some ideas about what's wrong ;) )

Like I said in my intro post, I think what I need most of all right now is someone to basically eviscerate my ms. I have had a few friends, as well as my husband, read it, and they have all offered honest crit, but it is mostly positive, and I'm concerned that they may like me too much to be as brutal as I want them to be :D

So, hi! I'm looking for advice about what steps I should take. I also want to be a part of a community of writers (I've had a hard time finding people in real life, not to mention I have a busy summer of traveling coming up). I'm brainstorming new ideas and trying to write regularly, and any support is helpful.


Gah. I also like to ramble. Sorry about that.

[Susan Gable]

Get yourself a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. Read it - then eviserate your own manuscript. It will become a skill that serve you well as a writer.

Good luck!

Susan G.

[K. Taylor]

There's also a Beta section on the forum where you can ask someone to give your book a look. Try someone out with a chapter or three and see if things get pointed out in a way that makes you say aha!

But besides the research, like the book Susan suggested, practice, practice, practice. I started writing in 2005, started my first novel in 2007, and it's only now, just in the past couple months, that I feel like my work doesn't look like complete newbism. And that came from doing and doing and doing along with some brutal feedback.

Have fun, good luck, and welcome to the crazy.;):welcome:

[LorelieBrown]

Angela James, senior editor for Carina Press (Harlequin's digital-first endeavor) periodically runs a self-editing online workshop that I keep hearing good things about. I keep meaning to take it myself, but so far it hasn't matched up with my schedule.

Oh, look, I just googled and the next run starts May 10th: http://www.accessromance.com/classes/