Day 6: A Real Eye-opener…

Gosh, I can see so clearly why my first novel wasn’t published. Experience is the key to success. I know I’m self-taught and maybe that is a disadvantage, but I’ve always been willing to learn.

Last night, I read through the report I had done on my novel in 2012. This morning while I continue to work through the first lots of edits to stripping away the dead wood I’m uncovering the heart of the novel and by end it will be half itself size. Years of writing short stories certainly have helped me to learn what is needed and what isn’t when I started work tightening up Seeking the Dark.

I’m so glad I’ve been given this opportunity to rework this novel. Like most parents you’re blinded by unconditional love for your baby, that you don’t see the flaws and where the weaknesses may be. Now I have some experience under my belt, I can step back and truly view my work with a fresh eyes and clear mind. I can see so many problems for myself. To start with, I have far too much telling going on here.

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As I’m working through I’m trying to stay focused on deleting the dead wood ready for the next round of edits. It is so easy to get distracted by other things. This can be said while we are busy writing too. Too easily, we start adding side plots, twists, new unnecessary characters and dialogue because we think it sounds good. In Debz’s report, she points out I repeat details of earlier actions from another character’s point of view in the novel, and other stuff like this that’s not needed. It’s about have faith in your reader. If the scene is written well enough they will remember it without you having to repeating it. Debz also highlighted some characters I may need to lose too. By doing so, I can keep the reader focused on the main plot line, and carry the story forward.

Right, I’m off to stay focused on the pruning out the dead wood, and uncovering the hidden gem in ‘Seeking the Dark’. Stay safe everyone. It’s a tough world outside. Stay in and keep you and your family safe. All my love and much peace

[image error]Things are never quite what they seem in ‘Seeking the Dark’