The Platinum Ticket by David Beynon

The Platinum Ticket by David Beynon
Shortlisted for The Terry Pratchett Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now First Novel Prize

Friday 25 June 2010

Stick a fork in it...it's done!

Well - it took longer than I expected, but the full edit - line by line, word by word - of Loremaster is done.  The file is saved in four different places and I am happy with the result.

A line by line edit is an arduous task.  I can only sustain that kind of editing for a few hours before my eyes cross and I really need a break.  I am glad I took the time to do it.  I found numerous opportunities for improvement, overused words, awkward structures and the odd grammatical error.  Loremaster is a much better manuscript today than it was a few weeks ago.

What now?

I have a number of projects that need attention, but where to start?

Do I jump right in to the Loremaster sequel that I started a few months back?  Might make sense - I have the first book fresh in my mind.

Do I finally finish fleshing out Patriot or Herne to novel length?

Do I revisit The Witch, a little story that grew and one I'm very fond of?

Do I start something new?

I suppose the first thing to do is take a deep breath, look at what I have on the go and decide where my energies are most profitably spent.

I'll take the weekend to figure it all out.

Monday 21 June 2010

Father's Day 2010

Yesterday began with a leisurely walk along the river with the lovely Willow.  When I got home I was told not to go near the kitchen.

Fair, enough.  I chatted with my brother-in-law and his wife until we were all called into the dining for a feast of Eggs Benedict.  Lovely.

Next the boy asked if a bike ride was in order.  It definitely was.  We have discovered a new trail near our home that takes advantage of an old railway bridge crossing over the Grand River.


This is the bridge.  As you can see, recently railings and a boardwalk have been added.  I was told that several years ago the local kids used to ride bikes across the bare ties without the benefit of any sort of railing.

Here's the view from where I left my bike.




The boy wanted to explore yesterday, so we skittered down an erosion trail to the river under the bridge.




To our delight, we discovered many trails heading off in all directions.  We followed the one that hugged the riverbank and found animal tracks, wonderful old climbing trees, fly-fishermen and spectacular views.
On our way back to the bikes I snapped this shot.




After biking it was an afternoon of family time finished with an amazing dinner prepared by my lovely wife.  Just before bedtime stories with my daughter, my son gave me this, which sums it all up, I think.