It's interesting to see exactly how much my writing has changed in the past nine months. I'm spotting telling I missed the first time around and areas in dire need of sensory detail. I'm no longer one to use the likes of "he groaned", "she rolled her eyes", "he realized", and "she knew". They're telling and do nothing for the story. But I did have a few too many 'he turned", and "she sighed"'s. Far better to have the characters interact with their environment. This not only allows the reader to stay grounded in the scene, the small tics and character traits hint at unspoken thoughts, emotions, and possible motivations.
As it has since the first time I typed "Shannon Mitchell" on the page, the opening of Where She Belongs continues to allude me. However, I have an idea that may bring my crit partners to a meeting of the minds.
In addition to revising my own material, I'm critiquing a novel one of my crit partners recently contracted. Her first sale! I'm excited for her, especially after reading half the novel. It's cute, clever, and I can't believe it hasn't sold before now.
All in God's timing. Since I have no idea when my own novels will vacate my hard drive, I'm scribbling as fast as I can. It's best to be prepared.