The Result
I spent an hour on my WIP yesterday afternoon. My concern about not being able to get back in were unfounded. And I made myself sniffly reading the first couple of chapters, which made me very happy, paradoxical as that may seem.
After mulling it over for months, it turned out that the bit of distance gave me the, well, distance I needed to make some pretty drastic changes. I’d come to the conclusion some time ago that the book might be stronger if I cut whole chapters and POVs. It was a painful thought at the time, because months of work would go in the bin if I did it. But I’ve lived with the idea for a long time now, all through the break from writing, and somehow it was easier than I expected it to be when I actually started doing it.
So far, I’ve cut 3650 words, and that’s just a start. It’ll take a while to complete the process, because not only do I have to cut whole chapters and scenes, but I have to find a way to work that information into what’s left behind before I move forward. I’m not sure yet how that’s going to go, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
Off to find the machete and get back to it…
3 Comments
Way to go Kathy! We are so lucky to have you organizing the SiWC this year!!! ANd I know how much time it takes away from writing (first hand) but it’s awesome that it was beneficial to have the time away from your wip! I like that too, when I can go back and think, hey, I wrote this? It’s almost like an out of body experience LOL!
Looking forward to picking up your book in my hands one day and saying…”I knew her when…”
Thanks, Camille!
Yay, Kathy! Good for you for taking a break and coming back stronger than ever.
It feels good, doesn’t it, to ‘see’ what needs deleting/fixing? That’s when you know you’re getting better, stronger as a writer. Kudos to you. Your book will be stronger, too.
(Hugs!)
Deb