I have reached the point I dreaded the most. Despite my planning and all the outlining I did a year ago when I started drafting the Darkening, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to delete part of the plot. I was just about to finish editing chapter 25 (past the midpoint of the book) when I realised that a part of the plot was weak, irrelevant and as such it had to go. Now I have to go back and re-revise and re-rewrite 25 chapters (I’ve been rewriting and revising for the past 4 months, so…), and change some of the causes and their effects that make up the plot, so the project makes sense again. The funny thing is, chapter 25 was supposed to be the place where that particular plot arc would come to an end. What was that you said? Better late than sorry? Well, it couldn’t get any later than that! Actually, it could, but I’d rather not think about it. Remember last week when I said I hoped I’d have the MS ready for the betas by the end of summer or early autumn at the latest? Yeeeeaah…. no.
Anyway, it’s Easter Sunday for us Greek Orthodox, which as far as festive days go, it’s the biggest and most important. I’m off to continue with the celebration 🙂
I know how you feel. I work off of something called “Complete Working Outline.” Big words that often don’t come true!
For me, it’s a learning process. It tests my mettle and my patience. If I finish it to a standard I’m happy with (though that’s easier said than done in my case, lol), then I think I can tackle most things.
A huge part of writing is re-writing. You’re right; it is a learning process.
I’ll get the hang of it eventually. At some point down the road, I’m bound to make fewer mistakes. Anyway, the new plot seems better and tighter (also more believable), a sagging part in the middle got deleted (3 chapters that I never really got to like them or see the point in them), and I think the overall word count will go down, which is something I desperatelly needed.
Sounds as if it’s working out very well.
I think so. I’m afraid only time will tell. Time, my betas, and agents’ responses, haha 🙂