I'm learning that I don't like rewriting. I want the stories to be perfect the first time. Now, editing, that's a different story for me. I can do that. (As a matter of fact, that's what I used to do for a living.) I can move words around, make the story functionally better.
But to rewrite means I have to change the story. Rewriting means I can't just change a few words, I have to recreate new words, paragraphs, and scenes.
There is an upside to rewriting: The story gets better. Even though I don't like doing it, my story is improved from the rework. I had to rewrite the beginning of A Wedding for Ainsley because it just didn't flow right for me. Plus, the motivations were all wrong.
I know I'm going to have to do the same with my underwear story.
A downside to rewriting: You can lose words. I lost 4K in my rewrite. :-( But, I've gained most of it back already.
Amyone enjoy rewriting as much as I do?
Now here's the revelation: My story for Tessa Radley's eharlequin competition was Baby Boon. Thanks to everyone for the comments. Much appreciated.
Abbi :-)
Hey Abbi! I don't really mind rewriting. It is painful to lose words, but when the MS ends up so much better, it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Missed the ehar comp (I was busy rewriting my latest!)
Thanks, Aimee! I'm trying to look at it in a more positive light because the story is better after a rewrite.
ReplyDeleteNo worries about the comp.
Abbi :-)
Wouldn't it be nice if it was perfect the first time? I can't say I'm a fan of the rewrite either. It's the dark side of writing ;-)
ReplyDeleteYes, it is Lacey! Nice way to look at it too, since I'm a big Star Wars fan.
ReplyDeleteAbbi :-)
I hate rewriting too. Can't help it, but I suck it up and do it and am always grateful for the result. And I am too wordy - so rewrites help me chop the fat. I get too attached to pieces of dialogue I find brilliant but dont' move the story along!
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm wordy too and to me editing isn't just editing, it's analyzing the story. You have to think about what's in front of you and how it fits in the story.
You'll have to give me some dialogue tips at Nationals.
Abbi :-)
I like rewriting in that it usually lets me add layers to the story. The second or third time through a manuscript, it's amazing how I see the story differently, and can bring that depth to it.
ReplyDelete