Details

The bane of my existence.
I'm really good at coming up with a story, and really good at writing it. But then I re-read it and realize that it could be so much better if I just knew how to add detail. And it's not even the big things. It's the little things that I read in other people's books and love, but can't figure out how to utilize in mine.
Take the first few pages of Poison Study. She describes where the main character is and what she's going through so well that you feel like you're there, you feel like you, yourself, are being led to the gallows to die. It's amazing.
I've come to figure out that I'm really bad at "showing" and not "telling". And I know that it's something that comes with practice. Sometimes I feel like I do a really good job, and then I read over it and think "that's not nearly as good as I thought it was".
Does anyone else have this problem?
Does anyone have suggestions on how to fix it?

My Writing Group

   Oh the revising! I'm now working on rewriting chapter 4. Only about 18 to go! Plus however many I randomly decide that I need to add in the "rewriting my entire story" process. I kept the first chapter and half the second, although those are now the second chapter and half the third, since I added a chapter at the beginning as per the suggestion of my writing group.
   Anyone writing a story who doesn't have a writing group, I highly suggest that you get one. Mine consists of my two best friends, which normally wouldn't be a good idea, but we have one person who always keeps on track. We have set rules for ourselves that include not being on the internet if it doesn't have anything to do with the book we are currently working on, never get offended by anything that is said, and bring your own treats (although we generally share). Obviously, you can write your own rules for your group; no group is the same. I love my group because I know that they will tell me everything they think of the book, good or bad. And I know that no matter what, even if one of says this is the stupidest line that was ever written, we won't get offended. Because it is never meant as an offense. It is meant to make the book the best it can be. And no matter how awesome you are, your story will never be as amazing if you don't take anyone else's advice. That's something that I had to learn the hard way.

Rewriting

I must say, I hate revising and rewriting, even though I know I will like the results better than what's currently on the page. That's probably why I'm stalling so badly. Anyone have any ideas on how to keep yourself motivated? I've always been really bad at that, but I'm working on being better.

I have been reading a lot lately, though, which is so nice. Work has been really busy and it's always great to curl up on my bed and read a good book. Unfortunately, it's getting difficult to find one that I haven't already read that looks good. Suggestions?

I need to start writing my next book, which is currently title Dimensions, though it might not stay that way. My mom loves the story idea and has been bugging me to write it. I just have to work out the plot the rest of the way in my head.

Anyway, that is the random rantings of Jae Randall today. Pretty short, but then, my brain isn't up for much more right now.