Almost a metric

[desperance]

I have processed a neat half of this novel now - and lord, it's been slow work. A little extra foreshadowing, the odd loose end sewn in, but mostly I've just been cutting, snip-snip. On the micro level, recasting every other sentence in a shorter form. Thirteen thousand words gone thus far, out of what had been seventy-five. Those who believe that less is more will no doubt think it a better book for the lack of them. By their own criteria, of course, they will be right. Me? I can't tell any more. I am numb.

And hoping to move faster through the second half. Partly because I don't expect to find so much to cut - the second half of a book, at least a Brenchley book, is always tighter ab initio - but I will declare a deathmarch if I have to, just to get it done. I need it finished this week. I'm away on Monday next; I have a workshop to run (on flash fiction, ironically) at Middlesex University's LitFest on the Tuesday morning (to which I'm assuming all are welcome; booking details at the foot of the link), and then a couple of days in Henley. With the laptop, but not wanting to be doing this. Wanting this done, thank you, finished and away.

Comments

[cherylmmorgan.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I'm in London next Monday myself - passing through on the way to CA.

[desperance.livejournal.com]

I detrain at King's Cross at 15.51, where I will hope to encounter fjm, who threatens to install me in a coffee-shop with a book while she goes to the gym. If that comes anywhere near your timings...?

[cherylmmorgan.livejournal.com]

I suspect that it does. I haven't actually decided on a train yet, but I'm pretty sure I can arrive by then and I don't have any urgent errands to perform. I'm staying with the Clutes, so I have to pass through (under) King's Cross. I'd be happy to entertain you while fjm does the gym thing.

[desperance.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't that be nice? And you could convey my love to the Clutes, too...

[pennski.livejournal.com]

Ah! I love it when a plan comes together.