Comments on: The Joy of Rewrites

By: Suzanne Jones

Suzanne Jones — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:22:35 +0000

I've rewritten one book nine times. It now has a different hero, a different heroine, a different storyline...so I'm left wondering, is it still the same book?

It's hard knowing when to let go once the rewriting bug strikes.

XX

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:11:46 +0000

Kristy – hey! Yes, I have document for each story where I put all the bits I’ve cut. Can be really useful. So you never actually get rid of it.

Julia – it IS liberating isn’t it? I think the best part is knowing the characters way better the second time around.

By: Julia Broadbooks

Julia Broadbooks — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:29:07 +0000

Mostly my family just nods and lets me rant or rave as needed.

In all seriousness, it really was liberating to learn how much easier it is sometimes to rewrite and start fresh.

By: Kristy Price

Kristy Price — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:36:46 +0000

Yeah, I'm a pretty awful person to be around when the writing's not going as well as it could. I sympathise. Good for you allowing yourself to rewrite the beginning - I get really possessive over what I've written sometimes and it's a real wrench to let it go. I have to remind myself that I could, maybe, use some of the usurped material in another story.

Good luck finishing the story.

x Kristy x

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:47:53 +0000

Rach – stress ye not, m’dear. See what the ed has to say eh? It’s NOT as bad as you think. 🙂

By: Rachael Johns

Rachael Johns — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:22:40 +0000

You know how I feel about rewriting today!! But you know, I’m sure you’re right. I probably should have scrapped my entire ending and rewritten, instead of just tweaking it as I’ve done today 🙁

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:43:30 +0000

Aimee – Ummm…possibly we could be twins. 🙂 Certainly my husband and your husband could have something in common – manic depressive writer wives! Lol!
BTW, when you find that mood stabilizer, can I have some??

Madeline – Oh, I avoid the internet too. The posts you see are the ones I write when I’m on my UP again. When I’m REALLY unhappy I turn off my PC and go on a major sulk somewhere else.
Yes, well, the hubby used to help with the plot problems but since I’m such a bad-tempered so and so he’s given up. Luckily I discovered Skype and can now bore Maisey to tears with it instead.
As to the story, no it’s not. It’s one I won a contest with a couple of months ago.

By: Madeline Ash

Madeline Ash — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:32:06 +0000

When I first saw this post in my blogroll, I thought your title was sarcastic, but I’m so glad it wasn’t. A good rewrite can do wonders, and it certainly can pull the characters out of the corners we write them into. I’m forever impressed at the way your share your emotional journey with the rest of us. When I have a bad day writing, I avoid the internet and sulk until my boyfriend volunteers to read what I’ve written so far (regardless of how many times he’s already read it) to help me find a solution. Usually I don’t like his suggestions and in an attempt to challenge them, I come up with a solution I’m happy with. I suspect that’s why he does it 🙂

Is the story in question the one you entered in NV?

By: Aimee Carson

Aimee Carson — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:00:44 +0000

Yes to all!!

A few days ago my husband told me that I cycle from manic to depressive and back again in 30 minute intervals. I laughed hysterically, cuz he's right.

It's good! It's bad! It might be salvageable. I'm SCREWED! Oh, now I really like it.

I think I need a mood stabilizer :)