I'm a flitter. I have always known this. The trouble is, I don't think being a flitter is a particularly good attribute when trying to write a novel.
I was enjoying writing my novel but then the call of the short story came again and I meandered from the path. Now, darn it, having wandered back to the novel, I want to change the character in my time-slip part to a servant instead of a lady! I guess it was distance from the project that made me think differently - and I have to agree with myself that this would make it better and introduce some other angles - but what a PAIN!
So, here I go again, revising and rewriting what I thought was just going to be a first draft.
Ah well, it keeps me busy.
How are you all getting on?
17 comments:
Oh those sudden, new ideas! But if you feel better with it, then it's worth it.
Linda--
I'm working on my first-----(I don't want to use the "n" word that rhymes with "bovel") but I'm working on shorter memoir pieces at the same time. I've found it fascinating when the novel takes on a life of its own, going off in unexpected directions. It's exhilarating UNTIL it goes off the road and gets stuck in the mud...Then, not so delightful.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Will you do the same for me? ;)
Good luck with the new piece. I'm tearing an old one apart and rebuilding.
I do that sometimes, too. Good luck with everything you're working on!
I love the title of this post. As for your dilemma, my overarching rule is this: write the novel you want to read. So, if that means changing characters, go for it. NO ONE will read your novel as many times as you will (no matter how wonderful it is!), so make sure you are totally intrigued by the plotline and characters.
Wish I were writing a novel right now... Anybody seen my muse?
I'm always starting revisions before I've finished the current draft I'm working on. Although I agree that you need to go with the character and story that you're interested in you also have to be careful not to get into the position where you are constantly revising and never finishing, which is where I feel I am at the moment.
Ho hum.
Good luck with your book.
Oh that sounds like something I'd do! It's a good thing though, because it sounds like you've got renewed enthusiasm for the story!
I do that! My husband gets so mad. I'll say, "I'm done." Then think of a change that would help, then it takes a total rewrite. I just hope those rewrites make the story better!
If it's going to make the story better - do it! Even if it is a lot of work. When I was working on the first draft of my recent project, it struck me in the middle of the night that the story had taken a wrong turn. Next morning I went back to that point in the book, and it was a hard decision, because it meant cutting over 10,000 words ... ack! But it was the right choice, and the writing flowed after I made that change.
So maybe the time away was a good thing, even if it was a pain... :)
I'm more af a tinkerer, but I think your flitting sounds like a good thing for a writer to be. Maybe not the easiest...but good none-the-less.
I am currently in the re-editing after beta stage. Fun and tedious. Like washing windows.
I'm with Rebecca - you'll be so happy you took that time away when you get that publishing deal :) Happy writing/ editing, it will be worth it.
I'm on draft one thousand, eight hundred and fifty two (roughly) if it helps...
Sounds like a plan! How bold of you! Hope it goes well for you in this other direction. Sometimes, I guess, we must take some strange twists and turns before arriving at our destination! Wishing the very best to you in your process Linda! :)
P.S. Some interesting and encouraging comments!
That's so encouraging, Margo! :) The shaping and chiselling of a diamond, ah?
Sounds like a plan! How bold of you! Hope it goes well for you in this other direction. Sometimes, I guess, we must take some strange twists and turns before arriving at our destination! Wishing the very best to you in your process Linda! :)
P.S. Some interesting and encouraging comments!
Thank you for your supportive comments, everyone!
Oh, I have a terrile case of flitter. I try to use this to my advantage. I think about things in nature that flitter and see if there are lessons to be learned. :)
New to IWSG. Hi!
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