Wednesday 30 December 2009

White Crow

So I wrote this book and it was supposed to be called The Angel and the Devil and then I changed that to The Angel or the Devil, because prepositions make all the difference, and then, well, shucks, after many 'discussions' (please imagine really exaggerated air-quotes at this point) with my publisher, it has been changed again. It's now White Crow, and actually, I'm pretty happy with that.

And also, and VERY strangely for me, I'm really enjoying working on the rewrites for it. Usually I hate this bit so much, and I figure it's the bit where I actually earn my money, because it's the only bit of writing that feels like work... Maybe this time is different because writing the first draft was harder than usual. It all comes out in the wash, swings and roundabouts, what goes around comes around, somebody up there must really hate me....*

* please supply your own cliché if these are not to your taste.

4 comments:

Thomas Taylor said...

You've got to be in it to win it, etc.

Anyway, White Crow sounds very intriguing. I always like the imagery in your books, Marcus, and a white crow is packed with symbolism. I'm looking forward to it.

I rather like the rewrite stage. I'd rather face making changes than filling a stubborn white page. But I'm still struggling to love the delete button.

Marcus Sedgwick said...

Thanks!

Yes, to delete or not to delete, that is often the question. It can be hard but I'm minded of certain pieces of music where the empty spaces do a lot of work. Anyway, that's what I tell myself as my books get shorter...

Unknown said...

Your the second author that has said today that editing is the hardest part. I guess for aspiring writers that will freak them out some what. So White Crow, do you have a release date for it or is it not that far along the tracks?

Oh, I should probably introduce myself, I'm Becky a UK School Librarian, book blogger and quite a fan of yours actually. Loved Blood Red, Snow White with a passion!

dex and bebe said...

Marcus, we are sure what ever you decide, it will be in safe hands. Love the title and your work is always stunning.