The Way of the Shadow Blade editing progress: Chapter 21 of 32.
House Rules
- Posted
- Nov 24th 2008
- Music
- The Christmas music at Starbucks
Well, guys...I know it's been forever and a day, but I've made a pretty important decision about
The Way of the Shadow Blade.
I will continue writing it--thank God, that much has never been in doubt even though lately the ideas flow much more easily for my off-Sheezy fanfic.
But I have just one condition.
I would like to know that people are actually reading...and actually thinking.
I know writing isn't all about the feedback--but I'll tell you something: feedback is great not only for an ego boost but for helping an author grow. That's what I've been getting on the other stuff that I really haven't been getting here. It's my hope that some of the feedback I've picked up on my other work will help with
Shadow Blade as I revise...we'll see.
Maybe the revision will help. Going back in my book, I can see I have multiple voices and writing styles in what's supposed to be a single coherent narrative--more than is excused by the existence of a first-person section. But I guess that's what happens when you've been writing for working on 4 years. I'm hoping that the new, clear voice I've found in writing Trek fanfic is going to work here.
Shadow Blade still has a different voice given that it's a Christian fantasy rather than a Star Trek fanfic...but I really think I've learned something--something I hope will help.
And why? Because people actually offered FEEDBACK. Do you realize how helpful it is to see how your editing decisions affect the reader's perceptions, to see how people interpret the situations that are so clear in your head? That's gold.
So here's the deal.
I'm going to post the revised Prologue as a teaser. The other edited chapters are probably going to appear slowly, but this is your chance to start at the beginning. And I'd like to hope some of you actually stick around to the end.
So keep your ears to the ground: either later tonight, or tomorrow morning--the revised prologue of
The Way of the Shadow Blade is coming.
If you're new to
Shadow Blade, be invited--but go ahead and read this...
Important Foreword
------------
Now Reading:
La guÃa esencial de la Biblia
Murder by Magic: An anthology of twenty short stories including magic and a murder mystery. Includes stories by Diane Duane, Debra Doyle, James MacDonald, and more! There's some good stuff in there... 
(Only one more story pending...I'll be reading it someday now that I've finished the Mageworlds series.)
Sheezy Works--Clickable links to galleries!
Arbiter K: The Stranger, An Unlikely Exorcist
CafeCliche: Catalyst, Imperial Guard
Kay san: The Dark, Middle Ground
Lilac Wood: Too many to name!
*Sorry if I've forgotten any...also, this is for works with multiple installments only; poetry is not counted.
Lilac Wood Says:
I look forward to it, although I probably won't be reading much of anything until December rolls in. I do agree that feedback is gold. I've really appreciated all that I've gotten from my recent fiction writing instructors and also from everyone at the writing center where I work.
h a g e l stram Says:
I do owe you feedback... you've been great to me and my attempts with my comics. But please know i won't give you feedback just out of being greatfull lol.
I can't lie.. i haven't read it yet, because i hate reading long things from the screen... i get headaches, but i'll make an exception, because it seems interesting!
whirlwynd Says:
=0 So wait, should I start over? I didn't get very far into the story yet -
Lindale Says:
I'm not sure how many people this applies to, but sometimes it can be difficult to know how much feedback to give without being either patronising or too harsh or the like
Perhaps it would help if you asked specific questions more often? I hope more people keep reading this time though. :)
(And on a slightly random note - the Christmas music at your Starbucks must be a fair sight better than the stuff at mine XP It puts me off from going there!)