As the little tiny bits begin to add up

I’m working with Peri/Overdraft today, as I have for all of March, rewriting a shift to third person from first to help simplify the plot. I’ve always said first person requires an exquisite subtlety in crafting to get the reader informed, but not the main character, and yet keep the main character from looking stupid for missing the obvious. But Overdraft’s story line needs a little de-cluttering, and so I’m working it in third person, adding a few chapters between secondary characters, and generally having a good time doing it.

But I’m almost done with it, being on the last couple of chapters and very happy with the results. The rewrite has also let me tighten up a few of the plot points that had never set well with me. (Bonus!) Changing the tension from the main character/reader finding things out, to the reader being anxious for the main character to figure it out is a big shift for me. I’m using tools I’ve ignored since the Truth books, so I have to think about what to do rather than just reaching for it.

I’m already thinking about what comes next, though. I’ve got an ambitious idea for some self promotion, but it will require a lot of my resources so I’m still mulling it around. Fortunately I’ve some time as the editorial rewrite for book 12 of the Hollows is on my desk for April. Believe it or not, my editor and I are already discussing the cover. (Dude!) At this very second, I have to work to remember what book 12 is about. (head hits desk) But that will change when I dig into the edit letter next week and I go back to Rachel refreshed and recharged. Book 12 is going to rock some socks.