February optional question - Is there a story or book you've
written you want to/wish you could go back and change?
Funny you should ask. The first book I ever tried to write
was such a disaster I put it away, took a couple of writing classes, and moved
on to other things. When I thought of that first attempt at all it was only to
consider how not being able to write it propelled me forward.
But over a year ago, I found myself at a low point. I had no
interest in starting anything new but wanted to keep writing. Rifling through a
drawer, I discovered a printout of that first muddle. Sorry to say, it was even
worse than I remembered. But the timing was good. Pulling that mess together
would certainly involve a challenge.
Today, what was once a wreck of a novel is now a solid piece of
work I like. The red-ink comments of a trusted reader are sitting beside my
computer. She suggested I rewrite one scene to make the stakes higher, but I'm
happy to say that other than that, her feedback was positive, her changes
few.
Honestly, I thought this book was a lost cause. Even now I’m
surprised I had the nerve to dive into it again. So in answer to this month's
question, I can’t say I “wished” to return to this particular story, but I’m delighted
I proved to myself that I could.
Do you have stories you wished you could go back and change?
That sounds like it was definitely a rewarding exercise. I've been too afraid to go back and revisit my earliest (very messy) attempts. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent! My first novel attempt sat in a drawer for years until I pulled it out and rewrote it. Became my first published novel.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you revised your first manuscript. Mine is in a drawer too. I'm hoping to pull it out after I finish my current manuscript.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to that experience, Lisa. I'm happy for you. Good job!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Liza ... well done on checking it out again - and good that you're back writing ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't give up on that early work.
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com
That is a great story about your story. I would probably have the same reaction to look at my first novel.
ReplyDeleteThat's excellent. Glad you reworked it to your satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I'm glad you are able to rewrite. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging story! I have come to love rewriting. It can be daunting, but so worth it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Liza! Self challenges are good for the soul. I hope that you have been enjoying IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome how you were able to salvage a story that you thought was a lost cause. I was a teenager when I wrote my first full book...not sure that'll I'll ever be able to make that one work lol
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful you brought an old, crappy story back to life.
ReplyDeleteI am assuming you are talking about one I proofed and approved. Keep going. Such a rich story with great characters. Do we need to text, email again? Anytime you need encouragement - reach out. Gotta reach the finish line, my friend. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteBravo, Liza! Good for you. Never give up on stories. All the luck with this work in progress. Have a beautiful day!
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