This past week I dove back into my novel, starting by rereading the Trash Draft start to finish. I didn’t make edits or changes but rather tried to take in the story for what it is now and get a feel for the flow and arcs already on the page.
The holes I expected to be there were still there, but I was surprised at how some scenes worked better than I had remembered. I don’t have to completely tear down the house in the rewrite. Because I had written so fast at the end of my draft, I actually didn’t remember a couple of scenes either! It felt like I really was looking at it for the first time.
Before starting the revision, I’m trying to get clear on what I’m going to change and solidify any murky character arcs. I’ve spent time the last couple days journaling out problems (long-hand style in my notebook) and writing out arcs from a different character’s perspective (other than my protagonist’s, Jack). For example, one page of my journaling starts with the headline “Nolan, what is your deal? ” and I go on to write out, and discover, what this supporting character’s deal is from his point of view. It was a helpful exercise.
As I wrap up answering some of these big questions, I’m going to outline the story again with more detail on where scenes need to be added and removed. Most existing scenes are at least going to get a light touch-up . . . some are going to get a full remodel.
My plan is to be onto the writing again over the weekend, though I am squeezing out a few sentences I’ll use as I journal and take notes.
Here are my sentences from this past week (most are from a different project that will go on hiatus for now):
- 5/28: You’re going to have a choice.
- 5/29: I don’t understand
- 5/30: She started to look frantic.
- 5/31: She takes my hand with both of her and leans down to kiss my fingers.
- 6/1: The fear was for herself.
- 6/2: I hate that she keeps calling me a child.
- 6/3: No matter the cost.
With Love,
Natalie