Another month, another chance to commisurate with other insecure writers out there. If you’re interested in seeing the wonderful blogs of some of the hundreds of other writers who participate in this monthly bloghop, please check out this link: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html
My post this month is about honoring my characters.
For those of you who’ve linked to the page about my book, you’ll see that I’m writing a novel using three distinct first-person points-of-view. It’s a challenging way of telling a story, and many of my beta readers have questioned whether it’s sustainable. And to their credit, they were right about the challenge of this particular writing choice.
Initially, I just kept plugging away at it, considering their advice, but continuing to work through it. I kept reminding myself that my first book was the place to learn, and learning from such a rigorous experience would make me better. But now I’m growing a little concerned. My concern is that although I’m growing and developing – and the story along with me – that it’s not enough to fully tell the story I want to tell. As both a storyteller and a reader, I’m dying to get it right. I want the characters and the conflict to resonate and make people think about them hours, days, or weeks later. Maybe I’m a perfectionist, maybe it’s just the time I’ve already put in, but whatever it is, I want to really convey the story, and this week … I’m just not sure.
How do other writers handle the sense that they’re not quite up to the challenge their manuscript presents?
kimlajevardi 
My most recent ms became trickier than I intended. I tried using a frame and narrating with a character other than the MC. I thought it worked out ok, but most of my betas found it confusing and jarring. Sometimes i think we just have to do what makes more sense to readers than what we want to do as writers.
I do believe we have to keep readers in mind, but we also have to follow where the muse leads. Maybe a marriage of the two? Thanks for commenting 🙂
You are right in experimenting now. My first book was INSANE … Multiple POVS, and 125,000 words. And this for an M/G fantasy. Talk about OVERKILL.
BUt with the help of many wonderful people, I sheared it down to 62,000 words. This has been an on going project for three years and yet it needs another major re-write. I wrote another novel in the meantime. If you feel this story must be told, take it a day, month, or even a year at a time. It will get there eventually if you have passion for the story.
YOU CAN DO IT…
Thank you for the words of support, Michael. It sounds like you more than understand how overwhelmed I can get. Multiple POVs and 125,000 words is a lot to bite off for your first book, but it sounds like you have a great attitude about it and some wonderful advice. Good luck with the revisions. 🙂
Like Allison I do multiple drafts, and those changes happen naturally. I’ve changed tense and POV before now. The more you write, the more you’ll know whether this style is right. Don’t be scared of making mistakes – that’s what the early drafts are for!
I know you’re right. I guess my perfectionist side takes over more when I write. I appreciate your comments. 🙂
I feel like that each time I tackle a new story since I’m always trying something new. I try not to think about the new elements, and just throw myself into it. Best of luck.
I do tend to overthink things. It’s a blessing and a curse. Thanks for commenting, T.F. 🙂
I take it one draft at a time. After each draft, let it sit for a week or two before going back to it, so you can look at it with fresh eyes. Each rewrite gets me closer to the story I want to tell! Good luck on the 3 POVs! Robert Jordan did way more than that in his books (probably 15-20), so it can be done!
Thanks for commenting, Allison. You’re absolutely right about letting the work sit sometimes, and I appreciate the support.
Yay for being brave enough to tackle 3 POVs! And if you’re only on the first draft, it’s too early to worry about telling the story the “best way.” First you have to get the story out, and then come all the revisions. Each one will make your vision clearer and more exciting to readers. Good luck! 🙂
Thanks for commeting, Lex. I agree about the revisions. My story shines more now than during my first draft. I guess I need more patience.