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I just read something in a blog about revisions. The discussion was aimed at how much can you revise your manuscript before you suck the life out of your story. I'm starting to feel that way. I've revised the beginning third of my book so much that every time I read it, it feels like a new story. I continue to love my story but thankfully, I'm aware that the insanity must stop. At least until an editor suggests something new....
So now that I've put the first third of my book to bed, so to speak, I'm onto the next parts.
Now I'm focusing on the middle and the ending. Oh, it's been revised before, but not the detailed revisions that include sentence structure, elimination of words and the biggest one for me, emotional consistency.
I love this part of the revision process. Love the tweaking and feel pretty good about the story. But now I need a good critique. This is the time when I start thinking about workshops. I missed Robin LaFever's Plot workshop in San Luis Obispo yesterday due to well, having three kids all in need of mom time. Working on my plot unfortunately had to take back seat to Girl Scout cookies, science projects and camp packing lists. It's hard writing while working and raising a family. Never said that before, but there it is. I find it hard to juggle sometimes. Whew. That felt good.
Anyway...back to workshops. The discussion on our local SCBWI list serve has been Chautauqua. It's a week long (and pricey) workshop that focuses on quality time with distinguished authors, editors, etc. I'd love to go. I heard they offered scholarships.
My friend, Maggie has been to a workshop in Oregon. She had pretty good things to say about it and even got a request from an agent (or an editor?) to submit work once she's ready. I think that's why we all go to these workshops. To hopefully catch someone's eye.
I went to Big Sur last November and loved it. I was lucky enough to be in one of Ellen Hopkin's group. She gave me a 5 minute critique and I swear, everything she said, I heard. Really thought about. The following week, I applied her suggestions to my novel.
Next week, I'm teaching art at my daughter and son's school. Because it's parent conference week, I don't teach at my other schools. I'm looking forward to it but requires some planning. I'll be stepping into an empty classroom with no art supplies or even drying racks. Yikes.
Then at the end of the week, I'm off to Vegas. Yup. I've been a Vegas Virgin up until this point and always thought that I'd go through life without going there. But friendship rules. One of my best gal pals is turning 40 and she's celebrating with a posh cocktail party at Bellagio for 12 of her best couple friends. We're going to have FUN! I am quite certain that'll they'll be no revision time next weekend.

Marisa was right. Big Sur was wonderful. As a last year attendee, Marisa encouraged me to take the plunge; spend the money, take off work and indulge in 3 days of writing pleasure.
Writing aside, it felt good leaving home to indulge in a little creative thought. Lately, Greenwood Girls has taken a backseat to pumpkin pies, golf tournaments and red wine, so thinking about sentence structure, POV, and realistic dialog was a welcomed change.
The weekend got off to great start with a critique session geared towards our first 5-6 pages of our manuscript. I was totally impressed with the quality of writing from my other group members. Maybe even intimidated. But I pushed on and read my pages. They were received well with lots of comments for improvements. It's quite a thrill when someone hears your story cold and can sum up what's wrong/missing/needs tweaking in just a few minutes. I listened and hoped I could remember the suggestions. Our group leader, Laura Rennert, gave us homework with the expectation to revise come Sunday.
(Photo left: Maggie franticaly helps me proofread...Lynn, Eve, Jenny and me on Sunday)
The next day was intense.
First a morning session with Author Ellen Hopkins. Again, fabo writers in my group. Wanted to read their whole manuscripts, not just a few pages. Felt quite cheated! I focused on a special section of my manuscript this time. One that included gymnastic terms and action. My goal was to see how well the reader followed the lingo. I also asked for help. I have been having problems lately with telling not showing. I know...gasp!!!
After writing for three years, I too, can't believe this pesky problem still has a way of appearing in my manuscript. But boy, I was in the right group. The Queens of Showing, Jenny and Carolyn each gave great examples to help me on my way.
Shortly after, I had a private 20 minute session with author Debra Garfinkle. We discussed the first twenty pages of my novel (she pre-read). Her insight was quite valuable. We discussed the characters age and let it be said now, that Dree is fourteen not twelve.
Later, I met with Julie Strauss-Gabel, the amazing editor from Dutton. She gave me lots to think about including the question as to why were there only three sports at Greenwood Academy. My answer because the outfits were really pretty didn't cut it, so we (the group) talked about the possibility of adding more. Juliet, ex-boarding school gal from England, had plenty of suggestions. My head was swimming with the creative possibilities. Field hockey players mingling with tiny gymnasts?? Hmmm.
That ended our Saturday critique session and not a moment too soon. My head was spinning.
Maggie and I decided to go on a walk through the beautiful redwood groves. It helped clear our minds and focus on the task at hand: rewriting for tomorrow's revision session.
On Sunday, the group that met on Friday met again to critique our revision of our first 5 pages. We all did a great job and after taking a group shot, vowed to keep in touch.
(Bottom photo: me, Julie, Juliet, Nikki and Barbara)

Author: Pooja Makhijani
Illustrator: Elena Gomez
Published: 2007 Little Brown And Company (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0316011053 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Wrapped in crimson, green and gold, this warmly worded and richly illustrated account of motherly love shares a glimpse of the caring and compromise that can make minutes meaningful.

Other books mentioned:

• Bintou’s Braids

Pooja Makhijani is well known in the kidlit world: her annotated bibliography of South Asia and the South Asian Diaspora in children's literature is second-to-none, she's a frequent commenter on listservs and blogs, a guest blogger, and the editor of Under Her Skin: How Girls Experience Race in America. Her first picture book, Mama's Saris, has been released just this month and I'm happy to report it's a beauty.

The narrator of Mama's Saris is about to turn seven years old and Mama, who wears saris only for special occasions, is choosing what she will wear to her daughter's party. The daughter helps, but, really, all she wants is to wear a sari too:

"Mama unfurls it. It shines like the afternoon sun. I watch her tuck one end into her petticoat and pull the other end over her left shoulder. Then she folds the pleats, weaving the fabric into an accordion between her slim fingers.

I look down at my Mary Janes and corduroy jumper. I feel so plain next to her."

Finally, mama relents and helps her daughter dress in one of her saris, accented with gold bangles and a bindi. When she is dressed, the narrator looks in the mirror:

"I feel like I am floating in an ocean of blue. The shiny material makes me sparkle. I think it looks beautiful."

When mama asks, "what do you think?", the little girl answers, "I think I look like you."

It's a simple story on the surface of things, but the text speaks volumes about growing up, mother-and-daughter relationships, and family traditions. Elena Gomez' s warm, lush paintings fit Makhijani's text perfectly and bring the saris and mother and daughter to life. Mama's Saris is a lovely, heartfelt debut and not to be missed.
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Other blog reviews:

Saffron Tree
Sepia Mutiny
Chicken Spaghetti
Book Moot
A Chair, a Fireplace and a Tea Cozy
A Fuse #8 Production
Uma Krishnaswami