Everything's happening too fast...

jjdebenedictis · Apr 24, 2014

Y'know what? I totally do this too. I blitz through, riding the high of the story, and then when I re-read it, I realize the whole thing lurches around like Frankenstein on a crack bender.

So then I go back in and add scenery descriptions and depict my character's emotions, because those are the things I always forget in the first draft. And description acts like a throttle to slow down the pace of the story.

What's on the page can be fixed. Have faith in yourself; you can make it work.

hvxjim · Apr 24, 2014

OP, I don't have any other advice to add to the excellent advice that's already been given.

I just wanted to say I think you are in a better position than having too many words and having to cut a lot out.

Perhaps you're novel is short because you are so good at writing plots and focus on them predominately?

And it may be these plots that create short first drafts that are your key to being a successful writer.

Don't throw it away. Take others advice and just add to it.

BethS · Apr 24, 2014

SaveitForaRainyDay said:
I've just started editing my latest manuscript, and one thing I've noticed is that it feels rushed. Obviously when I was writing I wasn't trying to rush it. But as I read it, everything just seems to happen way too fast.

It feels rushed because you've probably left a lot out, such as sufficient conflict and deep character development. Maybe subplots. What you've written is a skeleton of a story; now you need to go back and put flesh on it.

SaveitForaRainyDay · Apr 25, 2014

rwm4768 said:
What genre and age category?

If it's adult fiction of any kind, you're usually safe as long as you stay under 100,000 (fantasy and science fiction can go a bit longer).

If it's YA, that's toward the upper end of the sweet spot.

Only in MG would I say the story is too long. Some MG fantasies run 80,000 words, but those are more the exceptions than the rule.

I wouldn't worry so much about adding a bit to it. You don't have to slow down the entire book, just the sections where it feels rushed.

It's a YA

I have added a bit to it but I'm also planning on cutting things out. So I hope it works out in the end.

CajunWriter said:
Like others have mentioned... Beta readers are the best method.

I've had 30 beta readers and it was awesome feedback. Not to mention, one requested a Manga version, which will have a slightly altered story line. So Beta readers are an awesome route to take.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to do that once I get over the embarrassment of how bad it is :')

Everything's happening too fast...

jjdebenedictis

is watching you via her avatar

hvxjim

BethS

SaveitForaRainyDay