Getting back to that "different place."

readjdm · Dec 1, 2006

A couple of months ago, I finished the first draft of a novella. I'm currently in the process of revising it for about the second or third time.

I enjoyed writing the end of this story more than anything I've ever written. I think this shows when you read the final chapters. It's like I wrote them from a much different place.

The problem is, I don't know how the hell to get back there.

I've rewritten the opening chapters and shown them to people. Everybody loves them. From a technical standpoint, I agree these rewrites are fine.

But then I go back and read the ending. And this makes me feel like my opening chapters are trash.

I don't think the start of the story needs to be as good as the ending. The ending is the payoff. It's supposed to be better. But I hit my stride when I wrote the ending. And when I say I went to a "different place," I can't help but think that "place" was the subconscious source of this story.

This makes me think the entire story should ultimately take place there. Am I wrong about this?

icerose · Dec 1, 2006

This is why early novels are generally your learning ones. Because you are learning how to get to that place.

Once you reach it in one novel it's a heck of a lot easier to get there in subsequent novels.

WackAMole · Dec 1, 2006

readjdm said:
A couple of months ago, I finished the first draft of a novella. I'm currently in the process of revising it for about the second or third time.

I enjoyed writing the end of this story more than anything I've ever written. I think this shows when you read the final chapters. It's like I wrote them from a much different place.

The problem is, I don't know how the hell to get back there.

I've rewritten the opening chapters and shown them to people. Everybody loves them. From a technical standpoint, I agree these rewrites are fine.

But then I go back and read the ending. And this makes me feel like my opening chapters are trash.

I don't think the start of the story needs to be as good as the ending. The ending is the payoff. It's supposed to be better. But I hit my stride when I wrote the ending. And when I say I went to a "different place," I can't help but think that "place" was the subconscious source of this story.

This makes me think the entire story should ultimately take place there. Am I wrong about this?

Oh man! I am SOOO where you are with my current manu. *sigh*

Mr. Funktastic · Dec 1, 2006

I'm working on getting to that place as well, though I can't say I have any advice. I have a tendency to go through the work just writing, then I'm suddenly hit with this grand spree of words that feels natural.

Maybe I have to work my way into it? Like the prewriting is something a of warm up before I find this "place." It's the stretching and the slow jog before a long run, you know? Maybe for a next project, if my case is similar than yours, you could work on a side project as your warm up, then when you feel you've hit that "place," you go to your main WIP. That might not work, though... I haven't a clue.

Sorry for the babble, but that's just me, and I don't know if it helped at all. Best of luck.

aliajohnson · Dec 1, 2006

I've found reading a book that's similar to the feel I'm going for helps me find that place. I suppose it's different for everyone. Good luck, and if you find a magic bullet, let us know!

Gillhoughly · Dec 1, 2006

You're always learning and growing. Your writing will reflect that.

A novel I began 2 years ago is now ending up in a far different, deeper place than intended. It's gonna be a heck of a good read because my head is in a different place than it was when I started.

THAT is a good thing. Puters make a full rewrite very easy. I tweaked and tinkered the early chapters. They're better for it.

Fix your beginning; write a better, more mature story to lead up to your ending. You don't wanna "go back" since you're not that past person now.

I'll let you know one thing--not many writers get that.

High five!

Getting back to that "different place."

readjdm

icerose

Lost in School Work

WackAMole

WTF?!?!

Mr. Funktastic

The name says it all.

aliajohnson

Gillhoughly

Grumpy writer and editor