So remember that novel I started for NaNoWriMo 2010, of which I got 50K down in 30 days then went on to complete mid-December?
Well, it’s now time to revisit and rewrite.
AAAAAAAARGH!
Haven’t looked at it since I wrote the last 73,365th word and have even less of an idea what it’s about now than I did back then. If that is at all possible.
Being the start of a new decade, there is much to do and infinite excuses as to why I should not and cannot afford to spend time rewriting a novel I am certain no one will want to publish, much less read.
So I guess what I need from you, dear friends and readers, are:
- Three good reasons why I should do this rewrite – If you can come up with ten, even better – OR
- Some doable easy-to-get-my-thick-head-around suggestions as to how I should go about doing this OR
- What I should aim for with first rewrite OR
- Some clever cheat tips OR
- Just talk me out of it – I promise it won’t be hard – OR
- If you are unable to provide any of the above, then just a kick up the ass will do.
Please.
And make sure it’s a good one.
Thank You.
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Hey Karen,
I’d suggest breaking it down into manageable chunks e.g. chapters. If there’s no rush, then you could set your own realistic time-frame and not put yourself under any pressure.
If I don’t like an original concept/first draft then I tend to bury the dead in the dark (at night) and walk away – quickly.
The original drive for nano isn’t there any more i.e. the time-frame and word count so maybe that’s a limiting factor too.
In short, you know that it’s going to require major work. Is it worth it? Or do you start again on something fresh (or a variation) and bask in what you learned from writing the nano novel first time around. That’s a very personal decision. Whatever you decide, fresh eyes, as you know, will be essential at some point.
Best wishes,
Luke James
Ah, the thought of leaving the Nano novel and embarking on something new entirely never crossed my mind. Thank you Luke, for popping by and making a good point. What’s missing is that Nano drive. The perimeters are completely different. Will think. Cheers.
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MOVE IT! MOVE IT! PRIORITIZE! DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY! SIT YOUR ARSE IN THAT CHAIR AND DON’T COME OUT UNTIL YOU ASK!
Okay, prepare with goodies. Play your music. Get yourself fresh flowers. Have your FAVORITE candies near by. COFFEE.
Or, scrap that, and go for the fasting with water for enlightment.
Personally, Luke James, left a pretty savvy comment. GO with him :0
p.s. I will be watching you, always watching … MONSTERS INC. lol
Oh Carrie, you crack me up. Maybe I should call you Mike Wazowski? Thanks Chica, you’re the best! xox
Hmmm…. ok.
Three reasons: You’re 80% up Everest, might as well go for the tip top. Revisions are fun (at least to me). And three – just because.
Don’t aim for perfection on the first rewrite – come to think of it, don’t aim for perfection at any point – just do something you like.
And if you don’t – say screw it and walk away.
T
Another good point. Why of course I’m aiming for perfection. Because I’m anal. Because I’m lots of things. But thanks Tyler for reminding me about the joys of writing. And yes, I am halfway up Everest aren’t I?
You’re hesitating because you know what the next step is. Getting it out there. Sending it to agents, managers, publishers, contests. You know that means rejection. You can see them now picking it apart. Already you’re looking at it and seeing nothing but the flaws.
The good is there. If it weren’t there you wouldn’t have made it past 1000 words, let alone near 80K. And if there’s good in there you can polish it and make it stand out. Even if they don’t or can’t take it on it will at least put you on the radar as a serious writer.
Don’t expect miracles but don’t sell it short either. This could be the one. This could be it.
Wow Mike, you are so absolutely right, I can’t begin to even… *gasp*. You are right. I’m ten steps ahead, reading those rejection letters, putting myself out there, slam after slam – door in face. Yes. You’re right. And yes, I want to put self on radar as a serious writer. I am expecting a miracle so will scratch that. But it could be the one, couldn’t it? Thanks Mike – invaluable stuff.
1. grab a bottle of tequila.
2. sit in a cozy chair and just read it from start to finish. See if there are any major structural issues missing. Don’t worry about the prose details yet, worry about the foundation.
3. eat chocolate.
4. analyze your characters. Did the major ones arc? Do you feel something for them, either love or hate? Can you make them more layered?
5. take a nap.
6. Is there a hook… a sellable hook? If not, is there a way to pull one in?
7. Pat yourself on the back for having read the piece you vomited out in 30 days. Pat yourself even harder if you didn’t throw up reading it.
8. throw the empty bottle of tequila away.
Above all, Karen, be proud of yourself for having put the words down even if you bury them never to see the light of day. I know I’m in awe of nano writers.
HAHAHA. Jeanne, how did I know your first line of advice would involve tequila? That and the chocolate I’ve done. And the nap. Now for the rest of the pointers on your list. Thanks babe for putting the word out about my panic attack and as usual, having my back. You’re the best!
Chocolate and treats are the way to go:) After an hour of re-writes, treat yourself to a bar of Lindt dark chocolate, or tequila, whichever takes your fancy!
Don’t feel bad for taking breaks, you need to time to take a step back and think about your book.
If you feel like chucking the whole thing in the bin, don’t! Take a breath or a night off even, you’ll probably feel better in the morning, (or maybe if you hit the tequila you won’t)
Think back on the time you spent writing it in the first place. You have already showed perseverance, so just keep going!
Good luck! Olive
Thanks Olive. And I’m so aware I still owe you feedback on Perry – it’s coming, I promise. The problem is that I took a month off and now have completely lost momentum and feel screwed. But your advice about taking breaks is valid and will try to remember the time I spent writing it in the first place. Much appreciated, Olive.
Rewriting is the part of the process that tends to stop most people from finishing. Rewriting this novel will not only be a tremendous learning opportunity but it will also give you the confidence to know you can write a complete novel. Each time you write, rewrite and complete, you will be better than the last time and even if this novel ends up not being published, it will get you one very important step closer to writing the novel that will.
Good luck!
I hadn’t thought of it as a learning experience. This shifts the task into a more achievable light. And yes, it is a step. I must view it as a step towards the novel that will, not the be all and end all. Thanks heaps for popping in and sharing. Kindly appreciated.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG OMG OMG I CAN’T BREATHE!!!
*gasp* Oh honey, *gasp* you’re asking the wrong *gasp* person. *GASP*
hahahahaha
Ok SERIOUSLY. I’ve been fighting to stick to revising Origins for months. I’ve barely done a chapter and a half, and a chapter of that was backstory I ripped out. I’ve taken to cooking to ignore the revisions because it’s not coming to me like revising an english paper does. But this story won’t leave me alone, it’s smacking me upside the head and dragging me kicking and screaming to the keyboard. Every time I find a nugget of copper and turn into gold, I grudgingly admit to my Muse that yes, she was right.
Stick with the revisions, because the beauty is in the journey.
As for some tips:
1) Identify your avoidance techniques.
Blue) Enjoy them.
V) Write out a chapter by chapter, scene by scene outline – this’ll help guide you, trust me.
Hansel) If you can’t stand the idea of reading it through start to finish (though you should), print it all out and separate into chapters, or 50 pp like I did.
Cabbage) When reading it the first time, ignore the words. Skim, get the gist of the plot of each scene and chapter, work out the problems and figure out how manipulate the individual scenes, characters, etc to support the book’s arc. For even fresher and more objective eyes…
Llama) Enlist the help of Beta Readers, other writers you trust. Ask for general but honest overall impressions, observations of plot, pacing, character, etc. Right now all that should concern them – and you – are the pieces of the story, not the mechanics of craft.
Triangle) Make a copy of whatever scene you’re about to revise and don’t touch the original. Now, revise to your hearts content. If, in the end, you prefer the first version, you can revert to the original easily.
Hat) Get a Snuggie, put it on cow, tip cow. Add lime to tequila.
Octagon) Repeat as necessary.
Nino) I don’t worry so much about grammar and spelling unless it’s super glaring. For me, the first go is about making sure the plot can stand on it’s own two feet, and helping it stand strongly. In later passes, make sure grammar etc is correct.
Ten) This could be its own blogpost. >.<
HAHA babe. you are so gone, it’s not funny. Cabbage, llama, triangle? WTF!
SERIOUSLY. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me laugh. I like the Snuggie on cow, lime to tequila, can definitely do that. You and Jeanne and tequila – geez. The grammar & spelling I can’t ignore. Am spelling & grammar Nazi. The thought of outlines puts me off writing forever. Seriously, i HATE outlines. But the technique of reading is INVALUABLE and so SPOT-ON for me. We talk about writing when it comes to re-writes (for obvious reasons), but the reading is often ignored. Thanks babe for that helpful pointer. And yes, will enlist help of Beta Readers once I think it’s readable – will enlist YOU, haha. And as for it being its own blogpost – ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY. As soon as I tip the cow and add lime to tequila and get myself some chocolate, hee hee. xox
Karen,
I really like Jeanne’s suggestions but most of all, You are going to want/need to know you did it! You completed what you started. You do not want it sitting in a drawer (on the computer) taunting you for the next few years. Having it sit in the back of your mind as being there, unfinished, is way more stressful. So, Grab your favorite beverage, sit in your comfy chair and read through it as a reader. Not the writer. Fall in love with the idea of it again and go from there.
Read through it as a Reader – what fantastic advice. And you’re right, knowing that it’s just sitting there is more taunting than the prospect of rewriting it. Thank you Lori. I’ve been really inspired by you and your group of writer-friends at Coffee’s Hot. It’s been wonderful.
Hello Karen!
Look, you already have loads of good advice on the actual rewrite, of which I particularly recommend a re-read on Jeannes alcoholic advice, especially if you put some salt on the vodka thing. (not literally! lol)
So, I’d like to give you some input on the “why’s”, as it’d give you a different perspective on your rewriting dilemma.
Before jumping into all great advice up there, you might want to consider this: why did you ask for help? Was it because you didn’t know where to start from, or because you’re not sure you want to dive into this project in the first place?
If it’s the first situation, you’re good to go!
If not, give a thought on:
- Do you like at all what you wrote? I mean, the general concept, the story itself, the genre, the characters. I’m not talking about the quality of the writing, because we all know that this is the least of one’s concern during NaNo.
- If you don’t like it, do you think you’ll be able to improve it? Is the effort worthy? If it’s not, consider this nano as a great writing exercise and move on. If yes, jump back to the excellent advice above.
- Also, you’ll want to consider other projects you might have. Are they more compelling to you at this point? Do you think it’d be more interesting to work on something that is better developed and move forward to the submissions phase (like short stories or eventual poems you’ve been working on for a while)?
I’m talking about prioritizing. You might want to put this project on your shelve for a while, and when you feel it’s a better moment, with not so many doubts in mind, you collect the advice posted here that you filed on the same shelve as the project itself, and do it!
Ah, and do tell us about your work’s progress afterwards, ok?
All the best!
Ah, another alcoholic who agrees with Jeanne! Seriously, thanks so much for this worth-thinking-about advice. It’s a great question. Why did I ask for help? Because I am overwhelmed and don’t know where to start from. Am absolutely happy with what I wrote – or what I remember of what I wrote. In fact, I know it’s worth doing because since I put it down, things in “real life” have transpired to inform the novel and the novel to inform my “real life” and so on. And that is how I know it is a story that needs telling. When there is an element of the occult and other forces come to play. Your questions about prioritization and motives have helped me realize I do want to work on this. Just have to work it into the other stuff – namely the job that pays the bills. And will definitely inform you about the progress. Thanks Mariana, deeply appreciated!
Err, I was actually suggesting that you go slow on the tequila, vodka, whatever, lol. Maybe the “put salt” expression was a bad idea, since tequila goes so well with salt? LOL
I’m happy to know that you’re happy with what you’ve written! This is very important.
Also, good call on prioritizing the bills thing, but (there’s always a but, no? heh) don’t let it keep you from writing, ok?
Definitely start be reading what you already have, from as present of a place as possible. Meaning, have a note pad or your journal handy to capture the negative thoughts that come up, the resistance, etc. Often times just by acknowledging the resistance diminishes its power. Writing is much more than discipline and structure. You’ve got to honor and respect that vulnerable part of you that wants to give up. Don’t push her away. Invite her in.
You could also consider working with a writing coach for that accountability and guidance. I happen to be one, so let me know if you’d like to chat!
Thanks Kerri. Respecting the vulnerable part and inviting her in – absolutely. I have been pushing her away. Just recognizing that makes it better. The note pad or journal is such a simple idea, yet I did not think of it. As for a writing coach, maybe later. Will give it a shot first. Thanks again for your wonderful advice – and for popping in! Much appreciated.
I did nanowrimo too. And am revising. I’m using Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript makeover as a guideline. I really like how she approaches the revision. In style, structure and characterization. This one pass revision might be helpful too http://hollylisle.com/fm/Workshops/one-pass-revision.html
There’s a novel contest deadline…I think its writers digest…for May 21. I was trying to shoot for Amazon’s breakout novel Jan 25 but that ain’t happening!
Thanks heaps. Will check out Elizabeth Lyon and your link. Contest deadlines are always handy to kick things into gear. Best of luck and thanks for the tip!
For each chapter, choose one emotion word and type it in at the top. The word equals your emotional goal for that chapter. Then, one chapter at a time, focus on rewriting each chapter to imbue it with that emotion.
Anger? Fear? Love? Whatever…just focus.
I never thought of doing that. Like when acting a scene. One goal. I do it for screenwriting, why didn’t I think of it here? Thanks Scarlet. That is some kick-ass advice! XO
First thing I do is search for was, ly words, and, but, just, could, and ed words. Then I highlight them. I look for any repetitive words and highlight them too. Then I start at the beginning and get rid of as many as possible by rewording. After that I try and add details where it needs it and cut where it needs it
Hey Penny, thanks for popping by & thanks for the tip. Good to know what I should be looking for. Cheers!
I advocate the quick read-through as well, preferable on paper, preferably in as close to one sitting as you can. Scribble notes about general impressions: what excited you, what flowed, when did your attention flag. Some scenes will seem superfluous or otherwise require drastic rewriting; other things will need filling in, that’s why not to obsess about grammar at this point.
Hate outlining? Think of it as an index instead, or a storyboard or set list. It’s a quick way to get yourself back to spots you need to work on.
(And in case I sound overly confident, heh. My NaNo manuscript is still hidden in a file waiting for just the right moment.)
Quick read-through in one sitting is what I’m used to doing with plays and screenplays so I can see the point of that. Especially where flow and consistency is concerned. Storyboard – that I can relate to. Thanks Ann, you’ve been extremely helpful. Feel better just knowing your NaNo manuscript is doing the same as mine, nothing – ha. Much appreciated.
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I won’t! And yes, salt does go extremely well with tequila. But it also helps to kill snails. So, yep. Salt is good… Thanks again Mariana for helping me realize just how happy I am with what I have. Actually, were it written by someone else, it’s something I would read. That’s a good sign, isn’t it?