Re-Writes...

[Sara]

What would you suggest to a person who is reading their story for the first time and preparing for re-write?

Or, better yet, what would you say to me to keep me from being a jerk to myself about the story I wrote as I start to read it for the first time since finishing it in November. ;)

[S.G.]

Well, as someone who is not speaking with his current WIP at the moment, I can say that there has been at least one moment, if not two or three, during my re-write process of every book I've written where I've hated what I've written. It's something I think every writer experiences. At least most of the writers I've spoken with about this.

With Breathers, there was a point early on in the re-writes where I realized it had a number of problems that needed to be fixed and I wasn't sure how to fix them. But then I realized, I'm the creator of the universe of this novel and therefore I have the power to recreate it however I want. I can bend it and manipulate it and figure out how to fix it. And I did.

When the same doubts came up with Fated and Lucky Bastard, I used the same logic and managed to find a way to make the story work.

The other thing is, no matter how many re-writes you do, you can always find something that needs to be fixed or that can make the story better. Eventually, you just have to say: "I'm done" and walk away because the truth is, if you allowed yourself, you would never be done.

Hope that helps. And good luck!

[Sara]

Definitely helpful. I think I have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that, unlike with my kids, I gave my story life, AND can take it away. Well, the bits and pieces that need to be taken away (or re-worked). Thank you!

[Susan]

What do you mean you can't do that with your kids? Really? I've been trying to chip away at them for years. My son has a few months before he turns 18, then he'll either be ready to leave, or I can sweep him under the rug. Don't underestimate your power, Sara.