My revision journey told through Disney GIFs. ~ by Erica M. Chapman

I just had to post this on my blog because it so perfectly describes the writing and revision process that goes into each and every manuscript...enjoy! 

My revision journey told through Disney GIFs. ~ Erica M. Chapman (www.ericamchapman.com)

I start out thinking there are SO many possibilities!

 I’m so EXCITED! This is going to be the best MS I’ve revised EVER!

Then the real work begins and it seems like an endless climb…

Each step seems never-ending.

I quickly arrive at the stage where I think everything is total crap.

I start to change things I NEVER thought I would which makes me feel like I’m completely messing everything up.

Every morning I look like death.

I think I’m starting to catch a stride then something derails me.

 

I feel like nothing makes sense in the story anymore.

        

I try to add backstory and I either add too much or too little.

So I decide to start from the beginning and see what works and what doesn’t. I end up deleting some of my favorite scenes.

Then I feel like this.

I start getting pulled into different plot holes and internal monologue traps. 

After putting the pieces back together and getting everything in its spot.

 

I regroup. Because I can’t stay in Wonderland forever.

I start climbing to the top of that wall.

Work Hard.

And make my manuscript just as beautiful as the first version, but better.

I fall, but there’s always someone to catch me.

And even though I feel like this…

And I realize how hard it is to say goodbye to a different version of my story…

I believe in this book and I want it to be the best.

It WILL be the best!

Thank you Erica M. Chapman for the Disney version of writing books!

xo

Lisa

Happy 2014

Happy New Year!

With every birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, or even Ground Hog Day for that matter, I sometimes find myself wondering "Will this be my last one?"  I know that seems dramatic, and it is dramatic. But it isn't necessarily a bad thing. With those thoughts come a greater appreciation for every moment, a pause for thought before saying or doing something, and an ability to let go and to not sweat the small stuff. 

I love my family, I truly do. These past couple of holiday weeks have been filled with long standing traditions, delicious meals shared, lots of laughter and much love. They've also come with many messes made, laundry baskets full then emptied then full again, and a house which doesn't stay clean for long. With my oldest son home for the holidays, I have come to actually enjoy looking into his lived in room with clothes strewn about everywhere.  I'm amazed at how time flies - his freshman year of college is exactly half way over and he (and I) not only survived it, but thrived from it. As difficult as it has been to have him 3000 miles away, he (and I) are better for it. He is becoming a man, and I can see it happening right before me. 

Gone are the days when my little family of five stayed in together on New Year's Eve banging pots and counting down the midnight clock together. Letting go of the past and embracing a new furture is more evident than ever as my oldest son spent New Year's Eve with friends of his own. 

In 2014, will I still wonder if each day will be my last?  Absolutely. And my prayer is that you will wonder that about each day as well. 

"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier."  ~ Alfred Tennyson

Happy 2014!