Meet the Voices introduces Cathy Bryant.
Cathy Bryant has written for years, but seriously began to pursue her dream of writing a book in June of 2008. She joined ACFW, studied writing how-to books, and in November of 2008, participated in NaNoWriMo and produced her first completed novel. She is a finalist in the contemporary romance category of the 2009 ACFW Genesis competition. She lives in East Texas with her husband of 28 years, and is a private music instructor and church organist.
What is the biggest writing challenge you’ve encountered this past year – craft, career, writing life, etc.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced this past year is the monumental task of learning to self-edit. When I first started my writing journey, I truly believed the hardest part would be getting that lousy first draft down on paper. And while that was difficult (Yay, NaNoWriMo!), NOTHING could have prepared me for how tough it has been to edit my manuscript. I had no idea it would take me ten times longer to edit my story than it did to write the thing.
How did you solve it?
First, I read books on the craft of writing. I’ve read several how-to books, but the ones that helped me the most with self-editing were Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King, and The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman.
Second, I found a critique partner and a critique group. It’s AMAZING how much you can learn from critiquing others’ work and having them critique your manuscript. My critique partner, Ralene Burke, writes in different genres than I do, but that hasn’t mattered. I also joined the ACFW Scribes group. The whole purpose of the large group is to find a small group, but for now, I’ve elected to stay in the big group because it’s more manageable for me time wise.
Third, I learned sooooooo much from Susan and Rachel by reading their work and editing suggestions on the Blog-A-Book posts from My Book Therapy. I can’t say enough about how helpful this was to me as a writer. Thanks, ladies!!!
Fourth, I’ve kept at it, sometimes putting in 14- and 15-hour days. I’ve had lots of difficult jobs (including teaching music to sixty Kindergarten students at a whack, and burning off baby turkey toes—ewwww), but writing is by far the most challenging work I’ve ever done. Who knew that something so physically passive could be so mind-numbingly exhausting?
What is the one thing you learned that you can share with other writers?
Only one? Well, if I can only choose one, I guess it would be to find another writer as a crit partner. Finding readers isn’t enough. Sure they can help you with grammar, punctuation and spelling. They can tell you if they like the story, or if you’re characters are believable. But they can’t show you craft of writing issues, because most likely, they haven’t studied the craft. And, I can’t help myself. I have to sneak another one in here: READ CURRENT FICTION RELEASES!
Tell us about your current WIP :
Steve Miller, mayor of Miller’s Creek, Texas, knows his home town is dying. He’s determined to do all he can to rebuild the town. When city girl, Dani Davis, moves to town, things get turned around in a way he never expects.
Dani is searching for a home. Alienated from her mother, and recovering from her husband’s infidelity and sudden death, she reaches out to her Aunt Beth. A visit to her aunt in Miller’s Creek is all it takes to convince her it’s the home she’s been looking for. Then Steve begins nosing around in her personal affairs, and she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake.
An anonymous donor provides funding for the renovation of the town, but will Steve’s suspicions of Dani hinder the work? Will they be able to call a truce for a higher cause, or will an age-old secret destroy them both?
Cathy, thank you for sharing. To learn more about Cathy, visit her website. Head over to the Voices Forum and chat with Cathy in the Meet the Voices thread. Voices are invited to participate in a Meet the Voices chat on Friday evening at 6 PM CST, 7 PM EST, 5 PM PST with Cathy as our featured Voice.