I first had the idea for the manuscript in January of 2011. It took all I had to do some research and work the characters out in my head. I had to force myself not to sit down and write the rough draft right away. It was not ready. I was not ready. No matter how much I told myself I knew what the story was about and where it was going to end up, I never felt that it was quite there yet. So, I forced myself to be patient and wait until November. After all that was my original goal, use it as my NaNo project.
In September I had an epiphany of sorts. The story I had been planning all along was not where my characters needed to go. It was not their story. So, I sat down and worked it all out on paper. At this point I was nearing the deadline to have my notes and outline ready. I finished my outline and notes on Halloween, just in time. By the end of November I was thrilled with the outcome of my manuscript and could not wait to get back to it and edit. I had a few ideas on what to change in order to make it better. Yet, I knew I needed to put some distance and time between the rough draft and editing.
My plan was to be back to editing it this summer. Once again, I knew it was not time. When I sat down to edit, I was not ready. The story was not there in my mind like I had hoped it would be. There was something wrong with it and I had no idea where that problem was. So, I went back to a different project and worked on it all summer.
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It has been almost two years since I first had the idea and it this manuscript has driven me crazy at times. Yet, I know that by giving this project time I have had the opportunity to really delve into the world and the characters better. I have had time to mull over the world the characters live in and ask myself many questions. I have had time to research different aspects of a world I hope to share with others.
It has taken a lot of patience not to delve right in and make the changes without first knowing the world and characters inside and out. Now, nearing NaNoWriMo time again, I am finally feeling ready to work on it again and share it with my CPs in the new year as I edit it.
Do you give yourself time between edits? Do you force yourself to be patient while the story and characters evolve? Or do you delve right in?
I used to finish a round, and then loop straight back to the beginning for more editing. No more! Now I give myself at least a month between revisions. It is so much more effective, and I was able to spot inconsistencies and problems that I never would have seen without a little distance from the story. It is immeasurably helpful!
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing when I first began writing. I've learned, though, that distance is the best thing. :-)
DeleteI have the same situation. A good 3 or 4 years ago, I wrote this soft sci-fi tale for nano and I finished the rough draft in January, ending up at over 100k words. It's been sitting and sitting. Partly because I know how daunting editing it will be. My writing has really improved since I wrote it (in my opinion anyway!)and I know it's going to need a whole hell of a lot of re-writing to get it up to snuff. I did re-read it over the summer, but the spark wasn't there so I'm letting it simmer a while longer.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, if you're in the Ocean/Monmouth area, I tend to set up write-ins for Nano in the Howell area. We try to meet once or twice a week during the month to help encourage and kick each other in the ass! Heh. If you're in that area or don't mind the drive, keep an eye out on the board/calendar and come join us!
I agree, if the spark isn't there, it's not time to edit.
DeleteI might stop in to one of the meet ups. That is if I figure out what I'm going to write this year. lol Thanks for the invite!
No problem! All are welcome :D
DeleteHi MBee - I am close and wondered where I can find the dates and times you meet?
DeleteWhen Nano starts up again, in the regional forum (USA::New Jersey::Central) there will be a calender posted for events and write-ins. I'll probably post a thread in late October to ask people which days are better to meet and then I'll give the info to the MLs who will put it on the calendar.
DeleteWe tend to meet either at the Panera or the Starbucks on Route 9 in Howell (both in the same plaza by Michaels, TJ Maxx, etc)
lol I've started working on my outline since this thread started. Gearing up. I don't think I can stand to miss out on NaNo.
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