To Which I Celebrate

*Passes around cookies and cupcakes*

What am I celebrating exactly? FREEDOM!!!!!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Okay, sort of but not exactly.

In truth, I’m celebrating the end of EDITING. Yes, editing. I’ve mentioned my endeavor of the terrifying world of editing here for the past few months I believe. And, at last, I am DONE. Which makes me feel free.

Secrets of Camelot is the book I’ve been editing. And I say editing but, honestly, there was probably a good deal more rewriting than editing during the process. *shudders* This book is the first in a series called Legends, Thieves, and Dragons which is about, you guessed it, legends, thieves, and *le gasp* dragons! I have yet to start the second book. . .one thing at a time, yes? We’ll see what next year brings. For now I’m just beyond relieved to have Secrets of Camelot at least a little readable, enough for my beta readers anyway.

This book came into being in March of 2011 and the first draft made it to “The End” by August of that year if I remember right. I think deep down I always knew someday I’d write an Arthurian Legend story. The legend has always fascinated this medieval lover. Who isn’t in wonder at the tales of the Knights of the Round Table or the Holy Grail or the Once and Future King? I get excited just thinking about it! Being a writer, my own rendition of the stories was bound to pop up eventually. And so Secrets of Camelot was born.

After it was written I left it alone for a while, but I loved the story so much I knew I’d come back to it. When this year rolled around I decided it was time to return. The problem was. . .the story needed WORK. Lots of it. It seems I’ve advanced as a writer a good deal since the day that book was written. Oh, all the flaws! Makes me shudder just thinking about it. But I couldn’t give it up. I want this story to be told. It feels as though it’s wrapped around my heart, there to stay. So, with a deep breath, I delved into the world of editing/rewriting, something I’ve feared for a very long time.

I’d love to say it went smoothly but. . .well. . .it was a challenge. BUT being one who has cowered at even the mention of rewrites for far too many years to count, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could actually do it. Challenging though it was, it wasn’t impossible. I feel like I’ve stepped into a new phase of my writing. Because, let’s face it, if one is to be a writer one must learn to edit and rewrite. And now I’ve proven to myself I am capable of it, as much as I dislike it. Heh.

For the majority of the year I’ve steadily worked on editing Secrets of Camelot, and last Saturday night (Sep. 28th) I put the last few finishing touches on it. And then I did a little leap for joy. I was FINISHED. For a while it felt like I would never be done. But now I am and it feels liberating!

Now, honestly, I’m not sure how great the book is. I fear the pacing is off, it’s too slow, and perhaps not as exciting as it should be. It’s hard for me to judge though. I’ve just spent too much time with it. For now I’m just going to step back from it for a while. If later I feel the need to do another rewrite (meep) then so be it. But I’ve done what I can for the time being and I’m just happy with that.

So what’s next? NANOWRIMO!!!!!!! Now that I’m finally done with Secrets of Camelot, I am free to start plotting for NaNo. And boy am I excited. When fall starts rolling around it always gets me wired up for NaNo in November. October is my NaNo prepping month and I’m already swelling up with anticipation to start outlining and getting ready. Be prepared for a lot of NaNo talk for the next couple of months. Hope you guys don’t mind! *grins*

But for today before delving into new things I’m celebrating the completeness of old ones.

And for fun, here’s a little snippet from Secrets of Camelot for you since I’ve been rambling about it so much.

~~~~~~~~

With a lunge to the side, Arthur avoided his opponent's blade by inches. He swiftly turned around and thrust his own sword. His rival blocked, making their weapons strike with a clang. The blades scraped loudly together as they pulled apart. The challenger sent a slash at Arthur's abdomen, who managed to jump backwards in time before it sliced.

For a moment the contenders halted, studying one another through the slits in their helmets, weighing their options. Arthur nearly lost his footing when his opponent charged unexpectedly. He managed to regain himself though and meet him halfway; they clashed blades once more.

His rival slashed ruthlessly, keeping him on the defensive. Arthur began backing slowly, holding up his sword to block the oncoming blows. As one came striking towards his neck, he ducked and rolled on the ground. He jumped up behind the competitor and slashed. Unfortunately, the combatant turned around in time to block. He pushed Arthur back and took the offensive role once more.

Arthur breathed heavily as the adversary slashed mercilessly, pressing him farther and farther back. When he thought he finally had an opening, he slashed his blade towards his opponent's ankles. It was a mistake. The challenger leaped up, causing Arthur's blade to slide across empty air, unbalancing him. His opponent took advantage of this, giving Arthur a hefty push against the chest wish his boot. Arthur's balance failed him completely and he crumpled to the ground on his back. Before he could even move, the tip of the enemy's blade was pointed at his neck.

"Match!" Both duelers turned their heads to find a knight holding up his hands. "Lancelot is the victor," he called.

The rival pulled away his blade and instead held out a hand towards the Prince. Arthur grabbed it and let the person haul him back to his feet.

Arthur's opponent chuckled goodheartedly as he pulled off his helmet revealing a head of dark hair, short and mussed. The tall male's large blue eyes glanced over at Arthur with mischief. "I thought you almost had me for a minute there."

Arthur slipped off his own helmet, sweat dripping off the ends of his hair. He shrugged. "You're a tough opponent to beat."

"I wouldn't be so sure. Don't forget you bested me yesterday."

"Those are very rare occasions."

"You are improving, Arthur," a new voice interrupted as a strong hand clasped Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur looked up beside him to see Sir Ector, one of the greatest knights in Camelot and Arthur's trainer since he could hold up a blade. "I'm trying, sir. But I doubt I'll ever be able to match Lancelot's skill."

Sir Ector gave his shoulder a tight squeeze. "You must remember Lancelot has two years of training above yours. Your skill still surpasses any I've seen for someone of only fifteen. I daresay you'll have outdone Lancelot in only a matter of a few years."

"Always glad to see your full confidence in my potential, Sir Ector," Lancelot said dryly.

Sir Ector snatched at the young man and locked his head under his arm, mussing Lancelot's hair with his other hand. Lancelot cried out and flailed his arms in attempt to get free. Laughing heartily, Sir Ector let him loose. He smiled at both the boys as he settled. "You both have a talent I have not seen in a long time and it is my honor to be your instructor."

Arthur smiled softly while Lancelot let out a wide, gleaming grin.

"Now then," the knight clasped his hands together. "I believe that is plenty of training today, boys. We'll resume same time in the morrow. Lancelot, get those swords put away if you will. And your armor looks like it could use a good polishing."

"Yes, sir." As Sir Ector walked away, Lancelot gave Arthur an amused grin. "He always has something for me to do."

"I heard that!" the knight shouted over his shoulder.