This week, I’ve been immersed in two projects (until I came down with the flu yesterday), one is the third-draft edit of my urban fantasy novel. It’s been a challenge, a genre I’ve never written before, but it’s slowly coming together. There’s been positive feedback from my writers’ group, but the novel far from reaching the beta reader stage. I’m making lots of changes, page by page, deciding what to cut, what needs fleshing out, and trying to come up with a deadline for myself, given that this project could go on for years. I’ve already been at it for quite some time, and I maybe I should decide on a timeframe to complete the book.
The second project, in its own way, is also challenging, although this one has a set deadline. In the city where I live, I’m also a volunteer with the city’s Citizens Advisory Group. Our task this month is to review twenty-four grant applications and submit our top five for consideration.
Happily, we can do this online and on our own time, so I downloaded the booklet and began reading it late last week. After making notes on all twenty-four, I found it increasingly difficult to decide which organizations most deserve grant money because they all have merit. Collectively, the applications could have an important and positive impact on communities, our environment, and the physical and emotional well-being of residents of all ages.
After a lot of pondering and determining my own criteria, I came up with five and submitted them on Monday (before the flu took hold), but I wish there was more money to spare. Our small city’s budget isn’t large and the demands far outweigh the available funds. As I’m only one of over two hundred people in the advisory group, my decisions might not have any impact on the final outcome, but at least I tried and did what I thought was best.
Wow! That’s a full plate and some meaty decisions to make. I had no idea this city had such a thing as a Citizen’s Advisory Group or grant money. That’s how civic minded I am. So kudos to you. Just take care of yourself. Urban fantasy is my genre. If you’d like me to beta-read for you at some point, let me know.
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Yes, the Citizen’s Advisory Council started about two and a half years ago, but it took many months to actually get going. We’re not asked to do that much, basically giving feedback on the annual budget in Jan. and the grant applications in Feb. I would love for you to be a beta reader, Wendy. Thank you!
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Two worthy projects!! Well done you. Hope you are feeling better soon. xo
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Thank you. I am feeling better, not a 100% but almost there.
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You are a far better flu-bearer than I… Still down for the count, myself!
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My sister got it a day before me and is still suffering quite a bit. I’m well enough to be up and around, though not a 100% percent yet. She didn’t have a flu shot this year and I did, so I’m not sure if that’s made a difference on our recovery times.
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I’m not sure you should give yourself a dead line to finish your manuscript. It’s finished when you are personally satisfied that that’s the best you can do. Then it’s time for a beta reader.
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You’re right, of course, but I worry that this will go on for years!
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