I know…great plan!
Except that the camping trip suddenly got cancelled when we found out the cement mixing truck was scheduled to come earlier than expected. (We’re doing a landscaping project in our front yard, which is another post in itself, and it will include pictures, I promise!) Anyway, that meant my two-day, interruption-free revision retreat was now cancelled, too.
I know…total bummer.
My hubby saw the disappointment on my face and told me to go to a hotel…that cement mixing is bonding for a father and son. (Who knew!?) So off I went to spend two days at The Embassy Suites.
Yes, I said suites! That means two…whole…rooms! I set up the bedroom with my computer and iPod and speakers and stocked it with Coke Zeros and peanutbutter crackers. I used the “living room” to read the drafts and take notes. It was an awesome set-up. No, it was a suite set-up!!!
The hotel also had a large pool and a 24-hour gym. I brought my bathing suit and my gym clothes, thinking I’d have plenty of time for extra-curricular activities. But, no. I worked from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and only took a lunch break, coffee break, dinner break, and then a late night run to the grocery store to get Little Debbie Nutty Bars. (Love those!)
At first I thought the revisions would go quickly. I pulled out my handy-dandy red pen and cut some lines. Like, for example, page 8. A couple of sentences deleted. No biggie.
By the time I got to page 22, it was a different story. My handy-dandy red pen was starting to see a lot of action.
And page 35? Good grief. I gave up and just turned to a blank page.
So the process is coming along slowly, but at least my husband and son have now bonded in the name of cement. What more could I ask for!?
-Robin
9 comments:
Congratulations and good luck! I too love nutty bars. And zebra cakes...
I like hearing that other mothers escape from their homes to write! And I loved seeing photos of your revision progression/digression. Looks like you made some great progress. Suite!
I'm impressed. By the time I get to the "place" in your third photo, I'm struggling not to go straight back to the computer, but its so much better to keep working through & really see the whole picture.
Was there a very small handprint in the cement when you got home? :)
Yes, Becky, there was a very small handprint. But it was right next to the six inch letters spelling his name. Luckily, that part of the patio will be covered up, but we'll all know what's REALLY under there!
;-)
Robin
Suite!
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only person who goes revision crazy. I feel like they take so much longer than I plan.
Does this mean that in order to get revisions done, you need to have a project going on at your house? 'Cuz, damn, a few published books from now and you'll have a house to rival the Hearst Castle! So "suite" that you got some productive time! Lamy
That's the plan, Lamy! My next book is going to be a YA, so the boys will probably build a pool--Olympic size...with stadium seating.
;-)
Robin
Can your husband call my husband because I seriously need a couple of days away!
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