Wednesday Writing — When Editing Becomes Writing & Cover Reveal

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Yes twice…Sorry… I didn’t know comments were turned off. That’s fixed now. Really… this time I think they’re enabled.   Did somebody change this day to Monday?

Gypsy wagon old dreamstime
Dreamstime

Happy hump day.  It’s almost April Fools’ Day, but I’m not foolin’ around.  I’m hard at work getting Dead of Winter: Journey 4, The Old Road ready to publish.  Even though I don’t commit to a specific publication date, I aim for having each Journey available by the first Wednesday of the month.  If real life will leave me a lone I will hit that target. If life keeps cutting me off at the pass… Let’s just say that I’m glad I never promised an exact date.   

You may have heard me say that converting an epic fantasy into a serial format is not a simple matter of picking a stopping point and divvying it up.  A novel of 700-900 pages needs to move along at a good pace.  Details that are useful to the plot and storytelling don’t necessarily “move the plot forward,” so they are omitted.  However, in a serial of 40-100 pages, the pace doesn’t have to be so break-neck. Development of characters other than the protagonist is not such a luxury — rather, it is welcome. 

Whiet wolf snarl SOFT BW

This weekend I found myself doing precisely that with Journey 4, The Old Road.  An “event” was originally mentioned as a tool, a reason to let Osabide share some herbal lore and remind us that she is a healer.  I saw that I needed to back up and create a chapter from the “event” that was mentioned.  Though I knew the serial installment needed the chapter, my mind saw it as not moving the plot forward. That made it difficult to visualize the scene.  However, once I got rolling, I was happy to have the chance to add that chapter.  You will see what I mean, when Dead of Winter: Journey 4, The Old Road arrives. Look for the chapter named “Dig.”

Are you wondering why I used the image of that old wagon at the top of the page.  You’ll find it in the new book cover.  I made the wolf picture for one of the interior images.  Each chapter begins with a black and white image. 

Cover Reveal

Dead of Winter: Journey 4, The Old Road
Dead of Winter: Journey 4, The Old Road

Meanwhile here are all the monthly novelettes of  Dead of Winter.  Until next time, stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!

Universal Purchase Links
Journey 3, the Fever Field

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08XTNZ9M8

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08XXY3JXF

Kobo.com: Dead of Winter: Journey 3, the Fever Field eBook by Teagan Riordain Geneviene – 1230004609599 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Journey 2, Penllyn

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08VMNSF97

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08VLMR2KDD

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dead-of-winter-journey-2-penllyn

Journey 1, Forlorn Peak

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5

Kobo:  Dead of Winter: Journey 1, Forlorn Peak eBook by Teagan Geneviene – 1230004446033 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Sorry… I didn’t know comments were turned off. I love to hear from you.  Twice… Don’t try to fix things before morning coffee…  Dare I hope comments are actually turned on now? 

  

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This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

 

44 thoughts on “Wednesday Writing — When Editing Becomes Writing & Cover Reveal”

  2. That is a beautiful cover, Teagan! I will get to this new book when it is completed, and I am looking forward to it. I love to read stories as a complete set, when possible. I am still waiting for Guitar Mancer, whenever you get back to that.

    You and Crystal have a wonderful Easter weekend! Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’m happy that you like it, Lavinia. Dead of Winter will run for at least a year. I thought I’d try publishing it that way. Besides, the novelettes give me manageable amounts to edit at one time. The prospect of editing that huge story is one reason (besides Game of Thrones saying “Winter is coming”) that it was on the shelf for a decade.
      Guitar Mancer still gets in my head. It will definitely be dedicated to you when I finish it. Hugs winging back to you from Crystal and me. ❤

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  3. Another fabulous cover, Teagan. Congrats on being so close to having #4 ready to go! It must be hard to break up a 900 page book into installments. But you’re a pro at it. I’m looking forward to reading 3&4 together. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Robbie, the journeys will always be there, whenever you are ready. I’m absolutely delighted that you are reading and enjoying them — regardless of when you get to them. You really do have a lot going on. 🙂 I’m very much behind on Journey 4. Last night I finished my first big round of edits. I always have at least three rounds. If I still find that I’m fixing things on the third round, then there is another… I’ve learned that it’s bad to rush my editing process. My unofficial goal is to publish the Journeys by the first Wednesday of the month. Thankfully the way the calendar falls in in my favor this month! I believe I can make that date (April 7).
      Take good care of you. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I put so much thought and work into each cover — that feedback means a lot to me. The background art gives me the feeling I want others to have when they are in this fantasy world. I try to add several story images without making the cover too busy. That can be a fine line to tread.
      Hugs on the wing!

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  7. Love the cover – I can certainly identify with trying to get back to writing and having real life get in the way. That’s been my life as well. Here’s to both of us escaping soon!

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  9. So happy you are getting your serial done.
    It’s a wonderful thing.
    That sprained ankle (there was more to it) left me quite behind with the housework and lots of other things. The ankle is still a tad rough, but not like before, and at least I’m not getting behind anymore…. maintaining…. the status mess quo!
    I’ve got to get a Dracula done (paying commission) & then I’ll begin catching up on reading.
    I won’t start my new Art Gown, until I’m back to the 2 books and your serial.
    Although Tim’s Cottonwoods are a wonderful inspiration for my next girl.
    Okay, Cats Pyjama’s to you my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’m so glad you are making good progress with the ankle. When I hurt mine… it was very slow getting back to normal. Please be patient with yourself.
      I realize it might not be possible since it’s a commission, but I hope we get to see your Dracula.
      Stay happy and sassy! Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. HUGS on the wing!
        You will be able to see my Dracula. I just won’t make a big deal post, but add them at the end. &/Or I might put him through a filter, so he’s not exactly the same.
        The customer is the only one who will have the original!

        Liked by 1 person

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  10. The cover is great, Teagan. Having the covers for the serials is a bonus for us, but a lot of work for you. I also didn’t realize how much work is involved in making a book from a serial or, in this case, making a serial from a book. I am enjoying this series very much. I’ll snag this Journey as soon as Amazon (or you) tell me it’s ready.

    I hope you have a wonderful second half of this week. No April Fools tricks from me.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. You are so kind, Dan — thank you. Ha! And two opposite kinds of work at that.
      Groan… I forgot about April Fools’ Day being tomorrow. More than just WordPress comments has been messing with me today. I hope the fools of April will pass me by. Hugs on the wing!

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  11. A great cover, Teagan! Thank you for giving me more time reading the others first. My vocabulary is really growing, but this always takes time, but your stories are very great for this (too). Have a great week! Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Michael. You continue to impress me. I would love to be able to speak and read more than one language. I’m always concerned that any type of fantasy story will not translate well into another language.
      The prologues (openings) from the “watcher” point of view might be useful to you. She lets me add subtle reminders (without being too obvious) and sometimes she hints at the future.
      Regardless of stories, wishing you a wonderful week as well, from Crystal and me. Hugs.

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      1. It translaes wonderful, Teagan! Honestly, by your other stories i had read, it is much more easier to understand it. Dont worry! Thank you for the tipp. Best wishes as well. A big hug to Crystal. Please stay save! Michael

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  13. The cover is very evocative, and I love the sound of the new chapter. I’m becoming a big fan of book content that doesn’t seem to directly move the story onwards but helps to give it texture, helps readers understand the characters better, and sometimes is just an enjoyable interlude/diversion. Life can be frantic enough, there’s no need for literature to be relentless.
    I am looking forward to the next journey, but I am happy to follow your lead. I’m sure you’ll work on it for as long as it is necessary to make it as fabulous as it can be.
    Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Olga, I appreciate your feed back about those types of scenes. You’re right. Reading for pleasure is such a luxury to me — so why not enjoy everything about a story.
      Thanks so much for this reassurance too. I rushed Journey 3 and I don’t want to do that again. Hugs on the wing.

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  16. Thank you, as busy as you are, for taking the time to read our feed back and also for taking the time to comment, I enjoyed your picture of the wagon at the beginning and also the “handsome” white doggie. And then, to see them again, together. Have a good week, and much success on your writing and covers. your work, well done!!

    thank you

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    1. Ms. Frances, my day is better for seeing you. Thanks for helping me take a problem day and turning it around. I’m hearing the Mary Tyler Moore theme song, “You can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worth while.”
      Haha! I think you would know exactly how to handle this particular wolf. His part in the story gradually gets more importance. He has a good sized scene in Journey 4, The Old Road. Now I just need to get it ready for publication. 🙂 Hugs on the wing!

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  17. I’ve always been a slow reader, yet I get through your monthly journeys fairly quickly. I wouldn’t mind a bit if they were a little longer. Glad you added the chapter. I like seeing the wagon with my real eyes. It’s perfect! Looking forward to reading more about Osabide!

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    1. Thank you so much Gwen. With Journey 3’s cover, I went over the top, obsessing with the details. This one actually has as many, but (thank heaven) it came together without all the drama. I did go back the other day and do clean up tweaks for about an hour. The original background had a guy and sheep in the distance. At first I felt they added to the cover… However, they weren’t part of the story, and the scale was a little off. Happily I was able to remove them without a huge amount of fuss. Have an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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