More of my conversation with author, Erica Vetsch
CJ: You mentioned you love the invisible threads that evolve in the story. How do you keep track of all the threads and characters to maintain continuity?
Erica: I'm blessed to have a lot of help when I write stories. The fist line of defense is my daughter, Heather, who hears the plot many times as it grows and gets more layers. Then I send it to my 'first reader' who lets me know when things aren't consistent. Then I send it to my crit partners, and finally my content and copy editors. As tedious as all those layers of editing can get, I do feel reassured that not much is going to get through everyone.
Anything you would like to ask Erica? Don't forget leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Erica's book The Bartered Bride. Leave a comment each day to increase your chances of winning.
You make it all seem so easy, Erica. You just have to be the QUEEN of organization. I guess that where the plotting board comes in. :)
ReplyDeleteErica, are you sure you are going to let Heather go away to school next year?
ReplyDeleteJess, I LOVE that plotting board. It doesn't mean I don't have plenty of work to do on rewrites, but it sure means I've avoided some of the 'writing myself into a corner-this is totally implausible' problems of the past.
ReplyDeleteLinda...NO!
I can't wait to read your book, Erica! My copy seems to be coming by covered wagon over the prairie. I hope it comes soon. I miss reading your stories!
ReplyDeleteJo-Ann