Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

This year was a doozy. There were SO many amazing things that happened for my writing.

The first and most notable is that I signed with my agent, Megan Frayser at CMA. After signing with Megan, we underwent THREE major revision to my MS for DANIELLE’S NINE DATES FROM HELL. While the bones are still there, there are so many amazing changes that made the story stronger. With a final small fourth edit to clean up typos and work on line editing, this is going off on sub in early 2024.

In 2023 my family and I moved across state lines. Not only that, my day to day adjusted from having full time daycare, to hoping and praying I could get a day or two covered. My oldest is in two different schools, but I’m hop with my youngest most days.

Because of this change, I didn’t write as much as I did before. Plus, I had closed out 2022 by writing a story that still makes my heart sing and I’m concerned I’ll never write anything as good. This made me anxious. So in the fall of 2023, I made myself push through and write VERY short and VERY messy zero drafts of two stories to prove that I can still write a book. Weather they’re any good, or if I’ll go back to them will remain to be seen.

But, despite writing less words in 2023, I was able to hone my craft in by taking many classes thanks to the TSNOTYAW Deep Dive Workshop, Jane Friedman’s classes, CeCe Lyras line level and interiority classes, and the Orbit classes.

Not only did classes help my hone my craft, but writing masterful books such as, HAPPY PLACE, by Emily Henry, VAMPIRES OF EL NORTE, by Isabel Cañas, and DIVINE RIVALS, by Rebecca Ross has helped me elevate my writing.

Lastly, there is nothing better for your writing than sharing it with others. Not only will you receive common threads of criticisms so you can focus on specific places to improve, but by providing feedback, you can spot the errs in your stories as well. I have four amazing CPs I met through Bianca’s beta reader matchup along with connecting with other new writing friends on Twitter (refusing to call it anything else). 

If you’re reading this and your thoughts are “must be nice” or this triggers you— know that I have neglected many obligations to focus on my writing. Time isn’t created equal- some people have more time, other have less. I used to have much more time before we moved. Now it’s limited, especially with the addition of my agenting. You can expect my 2024 writing recap to be much different. You are doing a wonderful job at prioritizing your writing when you have the opportunity. Don’t compare your journey or progress to anyone else because everyone’s writing journey is different. Comparison is the thief of joy, and ultimately we do this for joy. 

I am sure in 2024 my time will be even more limited. But I have a pitch I’d like to get started for companion to 9 DATES, and two manuscripts I need to edit. I’m in good shape to stay busy writing in 2024.

TLDR:

Total Manuscripts Written: 2

2023 Total Words Written: [New Words] 74k. [Revised words] countless.