Reverse Progress

[rolanni]

Work on Crystal Dragon has for the last few days consisted of going back through what's already there, tightening, expanding, reshuffling, rendering into a language closer to standard English and All Like That. Alas, as the dust clears, it would appear that I've tightened more than I've expanded, to the tune of losing 13,473 words. Doesn't she ever learn?

In the interests of clarity, I'm calling this new iteration the second draft; the changes made were sweeping enough to warrant Whole New Draft status.

Project: Crystal Dragon, Second Draft
Total Words: 33,000
Goal: 120,000+/-
******
Speaking of reverse progress, Max! is not doing as well as I'd like. He's spending a lot of time hiding out in the linen closet and has taken to hissing at Kinzel, which is New and Worrisome behavior. Previously, he was perfectly willing to tear my face off for little or no provocation, but Kinzel was the Big Cat that Max! aspired to become. On the plus side, he's drinking water again and doesn't seem so much ill as bad-tempered and moody. Hoping the blood test on the third will tell us something more.

Comments

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

I haven't posted wordage in a while. The last trimming lost me 5 pages, which is a lot considering that 500 words is still a decent production for an evening.

But I'm closing in on 30K, which is something.

I hope Max! comes around--any idea what might be wrong?

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

But I'm closing in on 30K, which is something.

Definitely something. Go, you!

I hope Max! comes around--any idea what might be wrong?

Hyperactive thyroid, and we're trying to get the dosage right on the meds. It would be Max!, who has the cat version of Asperger Syndrome, who needs to take twice daily medication.

[trolleypup.livejournal.com]

Just a little End User comment here: I would much rather have one of my favorite authors lose words in tightening up, than skip the whole editing process and write something like the next version of Windows. Even if I have to wait longer for something shorter.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Even if I have to wait longer for something shorter.

Seems counterintuitive, but is unfortunately all too true...

[trolleypup.livejournal.com]

And makes all the difference between "enough already" and a prolonged bout of cursing when you run off the end of the last page at full tilt.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you. This makes being a messy writer seem almost rational *g*

[alienne.livejournal.com]

Max! has thyroid problems, correct?

Thyroid pills are well-known for making some kitties bad-tempered and moody. The vet can probably give you some anti-moodiness pills (so to speak) for him to take in addition -- but it is quite possibly a GOOD sign, rather than a bad one, as it means the meds are probably working.

--adrienne

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Oh-ho. I didn't know that. He is scheduled for a blood test at the beginning of next week; I'll ask after calmitives then. He's normally not good with change or being interfered with, but within his limits he's a happy fellow, and all this moping about just isn't like him.

Thanks!