Monday, December 15, 2008

Taking the Plunge

Well, I'm officially editing the book formerly known as Prairie Apocalypse and currently between titles.

I've already cut the first two sections ( I fully expected that, but it was still painful! ) I'm just reading passively, taking notes on what characters and scenes actually made it in there ( nano is already just a blur!), and making side notes whenever I have a thought about improving it.

I intend to start the rewrite in January, moving chapter by chapter through a new and improved outline. Not everything will be redone, but probably most of it. I'm already merging two main characters into one, more fully developed character.

So, that's the story. I'm moving ahead with the re-read, making editing notes...

Oh, and I'm reading James Scott Bell's Revision & Self-Editing. It gets five stars on Amazon, with loads of reviews. Hopefully it can give me a little direction regarding the revision process. I actually have a lot of confidence that I can find and enhance the heart of this story based on instinct alone, but I always like to back up my instinct/muse with a little sage advice from writers who have been there.

Off I go. Lots to do!

2 comments:

jchart said...

Very exciting! Well done for getting back into it :-)
I rewrote a novel earlier this year and found it heaps more fun than I ever imagined! I hope your experience of it turns out similar as well :-)

Anna said...

JC speaks the truth... it's not as bad as you might think...

and as these things go, it does get easier. enjoy it, for you'll never rewrite/edit another first novel again!

and yes, I did have some fun yesterday, even though my team lost... sigh...

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