Querying a book with 100k+ words will get you auto-rejected by many agents. There’s a lot of reasons for this I won’t get into on here, but I would recommend being able to query a 5-digit word count, even if it’s very close to 100. Seeing that 100 can be a death sentence. Again, not saying for sure, just saying it will limit your opportunities.

NAMES. I feel for you, but my recommendation for next project is that you take care of all the names during the outline stage. Save yourself the multiple-draft hell of pausing the process to scrounge for and insert names. Congrats to the friend in your group who's secured a Sept. release date. 😁 Also congrats on them supporting you the way they do. A good policy is that when people know they've earned each other's trust, they should acknowledge it and practice such trust. Getting down to the word count you want, please just trust your instincts. Whichever words you feel aren't helpful, you might as well comb through where they are in context and get them over with. Good luck on Project Veil.

The “there’s still snow on the mountains” feels like a bit of a flex… The high is 98 here. 😭

Starting a new project while waiting for feedback is what I'm going to start doing. I think it's a good idea so you don't overthink and drive yourself crazy. I'm glad that you have some good beta readers. 🙂

Starting a new project is always so fun! :) Good luck with the cutting out of words as well!

What I've found works best for me is to just write Chapter and then I'll add the chapter number during my final proofread before I publish (I'm an indie author).

Good morning, Sara in your time zone and this vlog was interesting to watch based on what you've been up to. I'm surprised that you haven't named some of your characters yet, but I know you can do it just have patience. I finished the second draft of my #2 book last week before having surgery and I have started a new project myself not with writing though but drawing. Anyway, have a lovely day, happy editing and I have faith in you. Good luck! ❤

I meet with my critique group at 7 pm too! The rearranging chapters part is definitely long, but important. I did that last month. That's awesome that you guys got to chat more and celebrate each other. I'm not sure if you've shared this in a previous video, but how did you find your critique group? I'm a part of a children's book critique group, but I would like to also find a critique group that writes fiction novels. That's great that Beta Readers have made you feel excited about your book and the plot again.

Yay for beta readers! :D I'm beta reading for someone right now

Great video. Keep at it.

Love the print/tapestry hanging on the pottery studio wall! Cool space. Forgive me if you've already addressed this in a different video, but may I ask why you're trying to cut down on word count?

I'm very curious as to what "writing group" looks like in practice. Is it similar to a book club, but split into a productive/independent writing portion, and then a discussion portion?

Hi. I'd like to tell you that you are so motivating person and I love your energy which is calm but also a bit chaotic and very creative and I hope to see your book one day translated to my mother language😊 and can I ask what type of questions did you ask your beta readers or did they come up with their comments themselves? Thank you so much for the answer☺

How did you find your writing group? I need this in my life!

Being 4 minutes late because... Cookie dough. 😂😂 Yes, that's always an acceptable reason. 🍪🍪

I'd love to Beta Read for you if its possible, heck you can even Beta read mine if you'd like!

Hi Sara, I hope you're doing well. I have more and more people asking me to share my ideas on Facebook but I have a feeling that they might steal them, should I do it?

Im at draft 3 and a different book draft zero

Make it an audiobook and most people could read it in a day lol

so envious can't even get my first draft done

I just finished the full re-outline for my projects after scrapping what I had because I didn’t like how I plotted it the first time. However I’m excited to start drafting after I name a few more characters this afternoon at my writing group. Send hep with naming 🫠