Trunk novel, nth revisit

LloydBrown · Dec 8, 2009

A few years ago I pounded out my first novel. Leaving aside the details, it was bad. It didn't work.

Now, on rereading it yesterday, it has a lot of potential. My chapter hooks are hard to resist. It has definite character growth and it foreshadows everything it should--no unfair surprises. You don't realize that it doesn't work until the very end.

I have some things to do with it before I do anything with it. I was in the middle of chaning POV from 3rd to 1st when I put it down. I was changing one character's name and hadn't finished that yet. I have some world-building consistencies to check on (it's fantasy).

Now I find myself wondering if it's worth the effort to fix it.

Talking out loud here. Any suggestions or even good cheer would be appreciated.

Namatu · Dec 8, 2009

If you think it can be improved and you want to see it completed as you're envisioning it, why not? It could be a good exercise. If the thought of doing all the work that's needed has you dragging your feet, then move on. Sometimes a story has it's day and then it's done.

lucidzfl · Dec 8, 2009

I would only work on something I was inspired to work on. If you're inspired to fix it, and want to have that closure go for it. If you envision it being a slog, write something new.

Writing is supposed to be (at least somewhat) fun.

ORION · Dec 8, 2009

to be honest none of my first drafts were very good. The real writing has been in the revisions. That's when you can really get down to fixing structure and pacing and characterization. It's always easier to think another novel will be better- The "ideas" are always perfect when they are at the conceptual stage- it's the revision that makes them work.
My vote is to do another revision and then let it sit again...

ORION · Dec 8, 2009

And um...no...revision is not fun for me. It's really hard work. First drafts are fun... and wasting time on AW is REALLY fun...

mookwac · Dec 8, 2009

I found myself in a similar position a few days ago, re-reading the first book I wrote and getting nostalgic, then excited about the potential it had. My problem is the reason the book didn't work in the first place was because the writing sucked, not anything specific. Though thinking about the hours on end that will end up going into it just to make it ok makes me feel sickly, it'll probably be worth it in the end whether or not I get it published, just because it'll be good practice for rewriting things in the future. Rewrite the thing, and do it with gusto.

Madison · Dec 8, 2009

Go for it. I think revising is fun -- you have the clay to work with and all you have to do is shape it. Sounds easier than it is, haha, but if you think it has potential, give it a try.

theantisplice · Dec 8, 2009

If you see that kind of potential in it, then I'd revisit it and do the edit. You never know. Make a list of stuff you want to fix and run down it, from the biggest details to the smallest. Pinpoint why it doesn't work, and remedy whatever it is.

I wish you luck and enjoyment in the process. Early novels can be fun to go back to, especially when you start remembering why you loved them so much in the first place.

Chasing the Horizon · Dec 8, 2009

I can't put a project aside until I've written and edited it to the best of my abilities. I just finished some revisions on my first novel, even though I don't intend to query it, because after all the work I've put into it I want the finished project to be the best it can be. And who knows, if none of my current projects get me an agent, maybe I will query that first novel.

Danthia · Dec 9, 2009

What do you want to do? If you love this story and want to see it finished, work on it. If you're considering working on it just because you already put work into it, and think something almost done might be easier to sell than writing another book, I'd work on something new.

Work on stories you're passionate about. Life's too short to waste on bad books.

TereLiz · Dec 9, 2009

LOL, rewrite it from memory. I'm thinking of doing that to my 2nd trunked novel.

Good luck!

LloydBrown · Dec 11, 2009

I think I'm going to revise it. The entire ending needs to be redone. The POV change is fairly major, but it's mostly a matter of making sure it's thorough.

Trunk novel, nth revisit

LloydBrown

Namatu

Lost in mental space.

lucidzfl

Back from the dead

ORION

Sailed away years ago

ORION

Sailed away years ago

mookwac

A swell guy

Madison

summertime...

theantisplice

Punctual

Chasing the Horizon

Blowing in the Wind

Danthia

TereLiz

Necromancer to the stars

LloydBrown