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December 18, 2005

89 of 280

"TIRED AT 14:30?" you ask me and I nod my head vigorously (but not too vigorously, for that's how tired I am) as if to say Hell yeah, but I hope it counts for something that I've been writing since 05:40 or so. That is over 8 hours. Eh, anyway. Nothing is more tiring than justifying oneself.

So now I'm on page 89 of 280. Did I say "two or three" edits on my own before I handed it in to my editor? Yeah....well. I'm gonna reel that decision right back in. One time through this bad boy is good enough for this go-round. Now after she gets her hands on it, I'll hit it again, I'm sure. But this is no small matter. You can work hard for hours—like eight hours with no break except what is humanly necessary—look up, and still see 200 pages in front of you. There's no breezing through that a few times in a week. Especially if you are thinking hard and working hard.

A lot getting fixed, smoothed out, connected, reinforced. I love this edit. I love the first one. So important. Hugely important. If I ever died before making my first edit on a book, I'm not sure if I would want people to even read the first draft. As I think I mentioned a post or two ago, I make that many changes one time through.

Anyway, I am pretty tired. I didn't even think I could type all this. Taking a break for now. My goal is to finish this edit by Wednesday. I really don't want to push it any longer on this time through.

I feel good about the story. I'm excited with every stage of the process. A good place to be.

joaquín ramón herrera writes for children, adults, and other humans found elsewhere in the continuum of development. He is also an illustrator, musician, and surprise protagonist. If you have found his glasses, wallet, or keys, please contact him here.

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