Revision, Roller Coasters, and Returning Ready
Coming back ready to do the hard work
I had a vacation coming up, and before leaving, I really wanted to complete the major revision of my manuscript that I had been working on for so long. I was super proud of the progress I made and gave myself some time to think big-picture about my story. I determined that the part of my manuscript that still needed the most attention was my female main character’s voice and character arc.
I delayed fixing this part of my story because I didn’t feel ready to tackle it. After three groups confirmed this is where I need to focus, I decided it was time to listen. The message often doesn’t get clearer than that.
Disney as an Adult
I was a little worried about joining my family on their trip to Disney because Vegas is really hard on me. All the energy. All the people. All the smells. It’s sensory overload. I can handle about a day in Vegas before I’m fried. But visiting Disney and Epic Universe was a much better experience than I’d expected.
Unfortunately, the cold weather followed us to Florida. I’m glad I packed two coats because I wore them both! Eventually, the temperature rose, making standing in line much more pleasant.
I was super impressed with the Star Wars, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe theme parks. I loved that each area had its own portal to a magical world. Stardust Racer and The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind were amazing roller coasters. I forgot how much I enjoy them. All in all, I had a blast at Disney as an adult.
Listening to Feedback
On the trip, I received feedback on my query letter and synopsis. The editor noticed, as did two other readers, that my main characters’ goals aren’t clear and get lost in the story. Readers struggle to connect with them, which I don’t want. I want readers rooting for the protagonists and caring about their success.
I obviously don’t like hearing that I have more work to do. But when three different groups of people say similar things, it’s pretty clear guidance on exactly what I need to work on. A pass focused solely on my female main character was what I had already planned to do when I returned from the trip. I know the voice and character arc aren’t quite there yet. The feedback was additional confirmation on where I needed to spend my time.
Main Character Energy
I have struggled the most with my main character. Previously, I wasn’t ready to work on it, and now I am. I cleared my schedule to give myself time and space to figure out my main characters. Writing is a process of trust that I can solve any issue in my manuscript because I have the answer inside of me. I just have to give myself the time and space to do that.
Sitting in the unknown and the discomfort of not knowing the solution is really challenging. I notice myself wanting to scroll on social media, read a book, or write my article. However, being uncomfortable is a sign that I am on the right track. Pushing through the discomfort and sticking with it is when the breakthroughs happen.
Once I resolve this, I really don’t have much left to do in my manuscript. I just need to stick with it. Stick with it. Stick with it.
Conclusion
My goal is to resolve my issues with my female main character by the end of the month. The following month, I will work on my male main character. I have been making progress. It’s slow, but I have new ideas that I’m excited to add. I’m hoping to have things solidified by next week, so I can get back to revising my manuscript. Ideally, I will implement the changes before my London + Paris trip at the beginning of March.
Book Talk
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan helped me figure out my protagonist’s primary goal. In Belavere, people are either Crafters or Artisans. Nina is born a Crafter, but at the age of twelve, every child goes to the capital to test whether they have magic within them to become an Artisan. Nina wants to become an Artisan at all costs.
She meets Patrick at the Siphoning Ceremony, and they discover that there are two magical substances—one for children born to Artisans and one for Crafters. Nina never stood a chance at becoming an Artisan. They steal both serums. During her test, she takes the Artisan substance and becomes the first Earth Charmer in 100 years. Patrick leaves to tell his family what is happening, which begins the revolution.
Thirteen years later, Patrick leads the revolution, and Nina, who has been hiding to prevent her powers from being weaponized, hopes to find the last alchemist and end the war. A messy love triangle complicates matters, and the sequel comes out in July 2026.
Sending you lots of magic and pixie dust,
Liza