Why is this so difficult?
When is all the stuff in our heads going to flow effortlessly on the pages?
Sigh.
James and I are currently working on two projects regarding our dystopian world of City-State: an anthology and a trilogy. Everything connects to one another, so the drafting process is not only imperative, it is VITAL to our literature.
The other week, James said, “Hey, we are going to rewrite the entire first book from one character’s perspective” (the previous version of the novel jumped vivaciously from character to character – and I thought it was pretty cool).
But he is right.
I responded, “Really? Rewrite the entire book?”
“Yes, we have to. The novel is a mess.”
I agreed.
And so begins the writing process from another starting point. But this starting point is the right one.
The Dystopian Nation of City-State 
So Have you Discovered the Starting point. For sooner will you begin before you feel the nudge of withdrawing from it?
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James and I have a really great outline secured for Part I of Book One, so this first section should go “smoothly”… We will see! But… We feel more confident about this new rewrite! 🙂
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I wish you success as you embark on it.
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That’s a lot of work! 🙂
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Oh yes! But it will be worth it in the end! Plus, NaNoWrMo is just around the corner! 🙂
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hope things go as planned. it’s healthy to take inventory on where you are as an artists, you always have to keep your hand on the pulse of your creation. maybe go back to the muse that first inspired you…there be something back there that might be the missing peace you’re looking for
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Love this comment! Our muse? Just watching the evening news is our muse for our dystopia! 🙂 And you are right! Drafting is part of the creative process! Thanks for visiting our blog!
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Frustrating to start over, but better to realize it and move forward than to stay stuck on something that doesn’t work. Good luck.
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Yes! You are right! As I look back at the first drafts, all of the concepts are great, but the layout is extremely weird! Lol!!! It’s all going to work out… In about 3-5 years! Ha ha ha! 🙂
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Thank you for signing up to follow Mondays Finish the Story! I sincerely hope that you get involved in the challenge by writing a piece of flash fiction to go with the photo featured and the opening line!
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Thanks! Hopefully James and I will find some time to participate! Have a great day! 🙂
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I feel your pain! I rewrote my sci-fi novel, going from 4 narrators to 2. Hopefully you’ll find that it makes the plot tighter. And also some characters can become more mysterious and interesting when there isn’t a narration attached to them. The reader has to figure out their motivations from outward actions. (I’m thinking the Great Gatsby, as an example).
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James,
That’s great that you have narrowed down your narrators. I empathize with you. Our first novel in the trilogy didn’t stay in a straight line. And your right… I can tell that the plot will tighten up with this decision – like you! 🙂 Have a great day!
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It takes time for a story to mature and grow into its gangly legs. I’m learning that the hard way!
I, too, am reworking one of my books from third person, past tense to first person, present. After two years of struggling with the character arc and voice, I gave it a shot, wrote the first line and wham – I knew I’d finally gotten it right.
Hope you find the same. The 3 or 4 years are worth it.
Sue
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Hey Susan! OMG! I feel like this book and trilogy is going to take about ten years, but I know that patience is important. As you know, It is better to take your time rather than to put out a poor product. Thank you so much for reading our blog! 🙂
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Just keep writing and doing what you’re doing. You’ll get there. We all will. And yes, it’s better to put in the time and end up with something AWESOME.
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I wish you well with that daunting task.
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Thank you for liking “Nature’s Halloween Garden.” I admire your determination to rewrite this book even if it takes you years to complete this task. Good luck! 🙂
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Thanks for the comment! Yes, James and I are looking forward to the YEARS dedicated to this book! Hopefully, it will pay off our homes! 🙂
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Thanks for the follow!
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No problem! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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Hi, thanks for liking my blog! This post is sooo relevant – I recently rewrote my entire novel from third person to first person. It’s better, but oy what a lot of work!
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Yes! James and I feel your pain. You think the book is awesome, and them you absolutely hate it! 🙂 BUT… the end game is going to be totally worth it! 🙂 Have a great day!
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This sounds really interesting, I look forward to finding out more…
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Thanks! I went to a ComicCon conference this weekend, and found some local authors. It is nice to know I am not alone in the “shitty stage” of the publication process. 🙂 Have a great day!
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A re-write will be a lot of work, but it sounds like it will be a good change. Good luck!
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Thanks! The new version is looking better everyday! 🙂
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Thanks for following my blog, your work looks really interesting (and challenging!). If you’re interested, a return “like” for my FB page would be appreciated: https://www.facebook.com/thecrazycrone – I’m hoping to get to 100 “likes” shortly. Hasta la vista!
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Done! 🙂 Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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All d best for your endeavor. Thanks for the follow.
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No problem! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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Thanks!
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Thanks for deciding to follow my blog! 🙂 I hope you enjoy reading my work.
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Thanks! We will! Have a great day!
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There used to be people called Editors. They made good writing great writing. Too bad they went extinct with the popularity of self-publishing. I’m serious! I wish I had an editor!
Artsyberger
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I am sure you can find an editor! 🙂 I am an English teacher, so I serve as half author, half editor.
But… I have been told that you don’t have to be super strict with grammar, but then again, your pieces can’t be a hot mess! That is what I am struggling with now! 🙂
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Thank you for following my blog and for your great blog. Take care.
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Awesome! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
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I actually wrote my tax self-help book pretty fast compared to the time I took proofreading and rewrites. That was in 2011 and I know I will still find things I would want to change for every time I read it.
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