When you’re unhappy with your first draft
The good news is that I have been writing more on my latest novel, which makes me very happy.
The bad news is that I’m dissatisfied with what I have written. Such is the lot of writers.
Why am I dissatisfied? (This should be cathartic!):
- Reveal of Leah’s talent too quick
- Not enough of the relationship between the main characters
- Overall, unremittingly dreary
The bones of the story seem sound, but some of the surrounding structures (the muscles?) aren’t holding up the promise of the story.
What to do now
Many writers at this point would tell one to keep plowing through and wait to revise until one has completed the first draft. I am ignoring this advice.
I am distracted by what is missing in my characters. I am bummed out with a story without laughter in-between the heavy stuff (and there’s plenty of heavy stuff in this one). If one’s feelings about the content impede the writing, I think rewriting those so many chapters is not only wise but necessary.
This means my progress will not be going forward, but rippling outward. I can accept this.
In the meantime, I’m trying to promote my work. It’s hard for me because I’m not the sort of person who feels comfortable with self-promotion. But here is my author’s website, which has a blog post about all the writing I have out there. Here’s the page.
Happy reading!
Words Like Me 