Share it Please
So remember when I wrote that post about a month ago on revising? Well I'm still doing the first read through. >:(
But, the good news is, because I'm stuck on the first read through, it's made me realize a few things.
1. My book is boring
This isn't to say all of it is, but, most of it happens to be very dull. I think I was just trying to fill up space. Getting in 1,666 words a day every day for a month is hard work. Towards the end, I just kept plugging away not really comprehending what I was writing. Now, looking back, I want to bang my head against a wall. But I don't. Because I really don't want a concussion. ;) So, once the first read through is over, it'll be time to churn out non-boring scenes!
2. The characters are lifeless
Even my main character has, like, no emotion! I know I've stressed this before, but it is my major weakness when writing. Basically all my other characters are just "there". Originally, I wanted all of them to be fully involved. I wanted each character to have a purpose. But right now, I might as well make the MC the only character on the planet. No, I might as well make there be no characters! *sigh* Building characters will be super hard. Much harder than making exciting scenes.
3. The setting isn't very strong
I feel like that my setting is like a very thin frame. In some places it stands pretty straight, but in others it's crumbling. To fix this, I've decided to write a few pages solely based on the history of the world I've created and what it's like "now". Like my characters, the setting isn't fully developed. It's just sort of hanging there, half made. The frame needs to be covered and embellished. Obviously, the setting isn't going to be perfect after the first draft, so I should've expected this.
I also set my expectations too high. I wasn't really concerned with revising. I thought maybe one or two rounds and I'd be good to go. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I'll probably be doing at least four. Sometimes I feel really overwhelmed and like I'll never finish. But then I remember that each day I revise the closer I get to perfecting it. And then I start on the sequel. ;)
Those are the major problems I've noticed. The others aren't big enough to mention here. They're just small things like re-wording sentences and character's mysteriously losing possessions. No big deal. ;)
But, the good news is, because I'm stuck on the first read through, it's made me realize a few things.
1. My book is boring
This isn't to say all of it is, but, most of it happens to be very dull. I think I was just trying to fill up space. Getting in 1,666 words a day every day for a month is hard work. Towards the end, I just kept plugging away not really comprehending what I was writing. Now, looking back, I want to bang my head against a wall. But I don't. Because I really don't want a concussion. ;) So, once the first read through is over, it'll be time to churn out non-boring scenes!
2. The characters are lifeless
Even my main character has, like, no emotion! I know I've stressed this before, but it is my major weakness when writing. Basically all my other characters are just "there". Originally, I wanted all of them to be fully involved. I wanted each character to have a purpose. But right now, I might as well make the MC the only character on the planet. No, I might as well make there be no characters! *sigh* Building characters will be super hard. Much harder than making exciting scenes.
3. The setting isn't very strong
I feel like that my setting is like a very thin frame. In some places it stands pretty straight, but in others it's crumbling. To fix this, I've decided to write a few pages solely based on the history of the world I've created and what it's like "now". Like my characters, the setting isn't fully developed. It's just sort of hanging there, half made. The frame needs to be covered and embellished. Obviously, the setting isn't going to be perfect after the first draft, so I should've expected this.
I also set my expectations too high. I wasn't really concerned with revising. I thought maybe one or two rounds and I'd be good to go. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I'll probably be doing at least four. Sometimes I feel really overwhelmed and like I'll never finish. But then I remember that each day I revise the closer I get to perfecting it. And then I start on the sequel. ;)
Those are the major problems I've noticed. The others aren't big enough to mention here. They're just small things like re-wording sentences and character's mysteriously losing possessions. No big deal. ;)
I think it is great that you are dedicated to your novel. I wrote a short story in February, and it needs major revising, but I haven't touched it since! Keep up the good work. Also, do you have an email address I can contact you at? I wanted to invite you to a virtual whole foods potluck that I am hosting in May! Have a great day,
ReplyDeleteKate
Thank you so much! :D I don't feel comfortable sharing my email on my blog (privacy reasons) so is it okay if I facebook message you? Thanks again and have a great week!
DeleteYou can send a facebook message to my page Eat, Recycle, Repeat or just send an email to kate@eatrecyclerepeat.com!
DeleteThanks! :D
DeleteAw, I hope you're able to revise things to perfection!:)
ReplyDeleteThat some times happens with me, my story gets boring towards the end becasue I feel like I've done enough and want to give up:/ But I'm sure you'll fix it so that it's totally awesome!
I sorta lost motivation during the middle. My ending isn't as boring (I think...) Thanks for all the support! :D
Delete