Need advice

[janetbellinger]

The romance interest in my novel, Rain, was centred around the relationship of Emily, a writer, and Zane, a writer and publisher. Zane ended the affair one day before Jake discovered a love letter, addressed to Emily. The marriage broke up and months later, Emily met Zane and resumed the relationship. In the first drafts of the novel, the initial affair was an internet one, and Emily didn't actually meet Zane until later on, when each does not realize who the other is. I changed the virtual affair to a real one, because what was fresh in 2001, when I first wrote the novel, is passe in 2006. Anyways, last night I was rewriting the scene that preceded Emily reconnecting with Zane, and had her meet a magician called Raol. This scene was only meant to be a rewrite involving her cousin's love interest, but it somehow evolved into Emily being the one who had the big attraction to him. My question is this: Do I stick with the original version or let the story change direction? If I let it change, I have to do a lot of research on magicians, which I don't mind doing, because it would be intriguing, but I don't know if I should. I'd appreciate any opinions.
Thanks

[James D. Macdonald]

You're a different person, and a different (and, I hope, better) writer in 2006 than you were in 2001.

If the story is telling you that it needs to change, listen to the story.

A couple of books you might enjoy: Carter Beats the Devil (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786886323/ref=nosim/madhousemanor/) by Glen David Gold, and The Prestige (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312858868/ref=nosim/madhousemanor/) by Christopher Priest.

[janetbellinger]

Thanks, James. That's what I thought, also. I'll look for these two on the bookstore shelves.

[Maryn]

I haven't read "The Prestige," but I thoroughly enjoyed "Carter Beats the Devil." You will, too, I bet.

[janetbellinger]

Thanks