One of the problems – or, perhaps, the best things – about Gothic Horror is that it does tend to be sad. Usually, there are at least one or two characters who don’t deserve whatever is happening to them, or who have done something which is being punished in a way which does not in any way fit the crime. M.R. James’s writing is perhaps a constant reiteration of the old proverb, “curiosity killed the cat”, but curiosity in itself isn’t a bad thing; while Jonathan Harker in Bram Stoker’s Dracula finds himself in the initial dangerous situation through no fault of his own. Perhaps the saddest story in this anthology is The Lady Who Dances in the Ashes , which was first published by Sley House in Tales of Sley House 2022 . Here is the story of a man who is facing professional and financial ruin as a result of suggesting that mental health patients can be treated in the community rather than institutionalised. He is one of the most sympathetic narrators you will find in the book, but he bad...
Saturday 30th November - What Next?
Wow! We've made it to the end of NaNoWriMo. If you managed your 50,000 words: Congratulations! If you managed to get off the starting block: Congratulations! Whatever anyone tells you, there is nothing easy about writing a book. Even when you enjoy it, it's still hard work.
So, what happens next? Here's what Crowvus suggests:
Wow! We've made it to the end of NaNoWriMo. If you managed your 50,000 words: Congratulations! If you managed to get off the starting block: Congratulations! Whatever anyone tells you, there is nothing easy about writing a book. Even when you enjoy it, it's still hard work.
So, what happens next? Here's what Crowvus suggests:
- Have a party - you've deserved it! And, by the way, a party only needs to have as few or as many people as you want. My favourite parties have been family affairs. It's important to be proud of yourself, and to celebrate your success.
- Revisit your novel - I suggest you re-read the whole thing. Pick up and iron out any continuity issues and correct any typos you spot, but don't go through looking for them. Proofreading comes later.
- Find your First Reader - for advice on this you can read our Day 15 blog.
- Rerevisit your novel - decide which of the First Reader's comments you want to build on and make these changes.
- Proofreading - you can choose whether to employ someone or find a friend, but proofreading should not be done by yourself or your First Reader. You need someone who is not familiar with your writing and story.
- Rererevisit your novel - no need to add or change anything other than any issues your proofreader highlighted. Some proofreaders will make these changes for you.
- Editing - for advice on this you can read our Day 10 blog. This stage takes time, and will probably take a lot of to-ing and fro-ing for your manuscript.
- Rerererevisit your novel - this is your novel's final visit before handing it over.
- Decide your publishing route - whether through a publisher or self-publishing, your book is now ready to go "Out There".
On behalf of Crowvus, Congratulations!
If you're looking to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. We have a one-off offer available through our Crowdfunding rewards offering critiques, graphics, illustrations, and a complete manuscript edit (up to 100,000 words).
Thanks for sharing NaNoWriMo with us!
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