I am about to start a new novel. This will be my fourth if we count my very first attempt which was written in ten days using the stream-of-consciousness technique. Whooo-eee, that was a beaut!
I have written two novels since then. The first first draft of the second one, a middle grade light fantasy, was another one of my ten-day wonders. It amazed me how fast the words sprang from my fingers. And, looking back, how random and unfocused they were. Three cheers for my writing group, Loree Burns nd Eric Luper who read both of these pitiful manuscripts and critiqued them. They even managed to encourage me, and this stuff was B-A-D!
Two pretty darn good novels later (she said modestly), I've realized my problem in revising first drafts is I've tried to keep them as is. Not a good idea for a free-range writer. If I consider the first draft to be a 300 page outline, maybe the first first draft of this next book will shine. Maybe.
Raining Cats & Dogs - Part II
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Well, it's that time of year again. Time to remind you:
1) Always spay and neuter your pets to prevent Puppy Hobo Camps and Kittens
in the Road
2) Always ...
13 years ago
2 comments:
Ernest Hemmingway called it "killing your darlings" and it could be the hardest thing a writer must do (aside from lecturring alongside James Earl Jones). But it is also essential.
What we love about our manuscript is not necessarily what makes it good.
Thank you Eric, I've got a brand new hatchet, I hope it works!
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