So this is an interesting situation.
A bit back, my agent passed on some feedback from a particular editor who reviewed, but initially passed on the novel we’re shopping around. The editor liked the premise, but felt it needed to bulk up in a couple areas before she could take it on–though, should I be willing to give it some hefty revisions, she’d be happy to take a second look.
So, with the agent currently reviewing another manuscript I sent his way, I’ve been taking some time to revisit this first story and see whether these suggested revisions will improve it, or alter the story enough that I wouldn’t feel it was true to what I wanted from it.
I’m up to Chapter 5 after a week or so, and it’s been…well…rough, but good. My biggest fear, going in, was that the story was going to be divided between its original, more serious tone, and some of the humor I’m trying to weave into it. I feared going overboard, of losing focus on the original plot. I hesitated because I thought I might have to scrap big plot elements, or major characters altogether.
And there’s, of course, the big possibility the editor will look at the new version and still pass.
Yet the more I work with it, the more I feel this is actually going to help bring this story to a new level, and will help me grow as a writer. One character in particular is much more interesting and fun to work with after making a big change in her personality. I’m learning how to balance tone, discover humor in odd situations, and give characters stronger (and more believable) motivations.
If anything, the process so far has taught me this: Any story, no matter how “finished” you think it is, can always find a new depth and fuller voice.
So, on to see what I can make of the next chapter. Hopefully it’ll get easier the further along I go.
In other news, I’ve taken on a new Examiner title along with my Speculative Fiction one. I now am the Tolkien Examiner as well, covering all things Middle-earth and Tolkien-related. Any Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fans out there who want to join in the fun?
There’s also a new post up on Write-Strong.com, about juggling priorities as a writer, where I share a bit about my personal struggle with it.
So fun to find this post and know exactly what you are talking about. Having finished said revisions, how do you feel now?
Relieved to one degree, but also anxious to see if they'll produce the desired results. In the end, the story is definitely stronger for them.