tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post3911109877122428286..comments2024-03-08T09:28:10.145-05:00Comments on The Faux Fountain Pen: The Second Chapter TwoSarah Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481750127533816819noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-36120220458579752382014-01-10T11:03:24.712-05:002014-01-10T11:03:24.712-05:00HI! Thanks for co-hosting!
I think, because you s...HI! Thanks for co-hosting!<br /><br />I think, because you said the scenes felt jumpy, that to make a stronger chapter with each scene, you have to expand on what's happening, make sure there is an arc in each scene strong enough to stand on its own. And what's your goal for each chapter length? Maybe 2 is the inciting incident of the surprise in 3, or something of that nature?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-43716074451373629682014-01-10T02:28:06.955-05:002014-01-10T02:28:06.955-05:00"The things that happened in the first draft ..."The things that happened in the first draft are the same things that happen in the second, just with a whole lot of new words to tell them." <br /><br />I have a weird writing process: almost all my novels start as a short story that needs some character development and world building. I feel like I write through editing. My first chapter of book 1 in a three book series needs a serious overhaul. All the sentiments and circumstances are the same, but I need to rearrange the sequences. Not an easy task, but I know it needs to be done.<br /><br />I'm just lazy, and haven't gotten to it yet. Oh look, a shiny new idea is flashing over there . . <br /><br />.......dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-47579651022127816522014-01-09T19:20:04.552-05:002014-01-09T19:20:04.552-05:00Hi Sarah,
Thanks for co-hosting and for visiting ...Hi Sarah,<br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting and for visiting me yesterday ( I am still working my way through the linky list and just now getting to your blog).<br /><br />Rewrites are so tiresome. <br /><br />I started rewriting my current story while I was halfway through the rough draft. I know that we are supposed to plow through, but I had to do something with that first chapter. It was killing me.<br /><br />I ended up moving everything out of chapter 1 and dropping it into chapters 2 and 3. I just hope I don't decide to move everything again.<br /><br />Good luck with your revisions!<br /><br />Leanne ( http://readfaced.wordpress.com/ )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-9932732823181700152014-01-09T18:26:09.191-05:002014-01-09T18:26:09.191-05:00Rewriting isn't fun. I've fallen in love w...Rewriting isn't fun. I've fallen in love with yWriter for the rearranging. Dragging and dropping scenes into new places was exactly what I needed. But I have a huge undertaking of rewriting major plot flow and mostly I've thrown out what I have and retold the story from scratch, stealing bits and pieces that I like from the old version.<br /><br />Best of luck with your revisions!Loni Townsendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05126958230703180761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-3036969269623787292014-01-09T17:00:30.943-05:002014-01-09T17:00:30.943-05:00I have this problem all the time when I write. Aft...I have this problem all the time when I write. After the first or secnd draft, I go back and look at pacing and flow. I find that I always start out with chapters that are too long and have lots of scene breaks, for all the reasons you've mentioned. <br /><br />Sometimes changing the point of view and using more or less dialog makes shortending or altering a chapter easier because it forces alterations to be made, in order to accomodate the new point of view, etc...<br /><br />That can be trick though. You don't want too many point of view changes and unless each chapter is a different point of view. <br /><br />Also, sometimes if a scene seems to be crutial to the overal story, but it's not enough to stand alone as a chapter, you could go back and reevaulate the scene to see if there are details to add. <br /><br />Sometimes I also think to myself, "How would Hollywood chop this up to make it different or shorter?"<br /><br />That's all I have for the moment. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing and for co-hosting. Great questions and great post.Toi Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07493934864387695248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-62681343350731892342014-01-09T08:56:47.989-05:002014-01-09T08:56:47.989-05:00It's a hard thing to admit your chapters are w...It's a hard thing to admit your chapters are weak. Just with the admission you're in a good place to rework them and make them stronger. I had a similar problem in a class assignment last year. I combined several chapters (or what I thought were chapters) and everything fell into place after that. Guess I just needed some condensation to my rambling thoughts!<br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting this month! Best of luck with your edits!<br />JenJenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06683486631901017529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-33738983032247905692014-01-09T00:35:14.523-05:002014-01-09T00:35:14.523-05:00I don't see any mention of critique partners. ...I don't see any mention of critique partners. I put an ad on the SCBWI website to find other children's writers to help me rewrite my middle grade SF. I loved getting their take on what to do with each chapter. And later on, past midpoint, they pointed out how to make some major improvements. If you can't find local critique partners, there are some great online groups. Just make sure they're within your genre!Sher A. Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03067955594103356768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-10575510662304626822014-01-08T23:12:11.800-05:002014-01-08T23:12:11.800-05:00I do end up rearranging quite a bit! That's wh...I do end up rearranging quite a bit! That's why a plotting chart helps . . . see where things aren't flowing or missing. I think the most important thing to remember is every scene is a "mini" book--has to have a B,M,climax, and hook. Every scene must have a purpose. I always ask myself at the end of each scene, is this working? If yes, then why? What's the motivation for my scene? If it doesn't work, it gets cut. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-13841795454274768912014-01-08T22:08:39.414-05:002014-01-08T22:08:39.414-05:00I keep rewriting the chapter a million times until...I keep rewriting the chapter a million times until I finally realize I didn't need the chapter after all. :)Stinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11415189347501942340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-71604043417599599202014-01-08T20:56:26.756-05:002014-01-08T20:56:26.756-05:00Excellent post, and I know exactly what you're...Excellent post, and I know exactly what you're going through because I am, too. I'm in the middle of, oh, probably the 5th or 6th round of revisions for this book and I'm finding all sorts of weak scenes. What helps me is opening up a fresh document and writing that scene from a different character's perspective, just for fun. That usually helps me determine what I'm trying to convey and to better understand it, and sometimes it even helps me get rid of the scene completely and realize that I don't need it! Good luck!Julie Daohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13814052162359300933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-79427762135488418852014-01-08T19:34:38.512-05:002014-01-08T19:34:38.512-05:00I realised quite a while ago that if I was bored r...I realised quite a while ago that if I was bored reading my own story, somebody else probably would be as well. :P Sometimes I have managed to whittle down a big chunk of writing into the tiny little bit that matters. Is there a way you can weave the subplot into one of the other sections, even with just a single bit of dialogue or something? I dunno, just talking outta my butt. But I do have experience with slash 'n burn revision. :)Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927558937796802496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-46773966800095316982014-01-08T18:02:42.061-05:002014-01-08T18:02:42.061-05:00Tough questions. Ones I think beta readers might b...Tough questions. Ones I think beta readers might be able to help you with. But they come later. I'd say go with your gut, then once you hand it off for critique, they will let you know if your gut was right or not. Good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-45529983085073261732014-01-08T17:40:16.276-05:002014-01-08T17:40:16.276-05:00Feel your pain, Sarah. I think the challenge is a ...Feel your pain, Sarah. I think the challenge is a good thing and when chapter 2 is up and at it, you are going to feel so good. Love the title. It's one that would draw me in. Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-9220242389716919452014-01-08T17:38:35.076-05:002014-01-08T17:38:35.076-05:00With weak chapters I usually do more deleting than...With weak chapters I usually do more deleting than re arranging as my first drafts are generally flabby.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-7411279563097394382014-01-08T17:30:59.235-05:002014-01-08T17:30:59.235-05:00I've been in a similar place as you, and I'...I've been in a similar place as you, and I've done a little of everything you've said: cut scenes, moved scenes, rearranged scenes. It's always worth it, but can be daunting. Good luck with your rewrite.Cherie Colyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205065477147957455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-62372788847636440772014-01-08T16:53:49.586-05:002014-01-08T16:53:49.586-05:00The rewrites are actually my favorite part of the ...The rewrites are actually my favorite part of the process. Good thing because my current WIP needs lots of it.Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-58411889444268586462014-01-08T16:40:22.426-05:002014-01-08T16:40:22.426-05:00I like the title of your book. Uneven Lines. Mmmm,...I like the title of your book. Uneven Lines. Mmmm, nice ring to it.<br />Good luck with the rewriting, sounds like something you don't mind doing.<br />Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG this month.<br /><a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/" rel="nofollow">Writer In Transit</a>Michelle Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-45724692209058464852014-01-08T16:14:58.757-05:002014-01-08T16:14:58.757-05:00Sometimes, the only way to solve writing problems ...Sometimes, the only way to solve writing problems that nag at you is to just keep rewriting over and over again until the solution finally presents itself. It's annoying as heck doing it that way, but as long as you know it will eventually work out (it always does) you can find the strength to keep going.<br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG!Chemist Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738272332470397248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-27476643035468334922014-01-08T16:08:41.016-05:002014-01-08T16:08:41.016-05:00Good luck with the rewriting! Go with your gut and...Good luck with the rewriting! Go with your gut and it will all work out. :)Madeline Mora-Summontehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05529397293165046430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-66962336343041092932014-01-08T15:33:02.962-05:002014-01-08T15:33:02.962-05:00I just did a scene by scene analysis for my Editpa...I just did a scene by scene analysis for my Editpalooza work shop and I think half of them are week and in the wrong order. They have not tension. Aren't rewrites fun. (sarcastic font). haha! Good luck with yours. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-15585388074669382632014-01-08T15:17:19.541-05:002014-01-08T15:17:19.541-05:00You sound like you have things pretty well under c...You sound like you have things pretty well under control. Thanks for being a co-host and good luck on all that rewriting. It's lucky you enjoy it! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-75550563454319772562014-01-08T15:02:53.464-05:002014-01-08T15:02:53.464-05:00I avoid rewriting like that plague. That said, I l...I avoid rewriting like that plague. That said, I lost count of how many times I had to rewrite chapter four of House. Hated that chapter by the time I was finished.<br /><br />I like the title. Just by the way.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-12056121536728641842014-01-08T14:48:33.585-05:002014-01-08T14:48:33.585-05:00Ugh. I feel your pain. I HATE rewriting. Seriously...Ugh. I feel your pain. I HATE rewriting. Seriously loathe it, and therefore procrastinate and it ends up dragging on for much longer than it should. As for chapter length, who's to say what is too long? Some of the books I read have chapters that go on forever, and it doesn't bother me. Do what works for you, I say! <br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting and visiting my blog this morning. Much appreciated!J.H. Moncrieffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045467689291025137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-45574121990997813982014-01-08T14:27:46.777-05:002014-01-08T14:27:46.777-05:00It sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you...It sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. I don't like rewriting at all. Rearranging my original thoughts and ideas is hard. Good luck.Nana Prahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12854685637338591856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-31855986754369572532014-01-08T12:03:50.934-05:002014-01-08T12:03:50.934-05:00Hi, Sarah,
I'm lazy, so I find rewriting anyt...Hi, Sarah, <br />I'm lazy, so I find rewriting anything a chore. However, if it has to be done, I eventually get on it. The key is to know where you're going before you start fiddling with stuff, that way it's easier to get it all done. Thanks for co-hosting.J.L. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666634455836834179noreply@blogger.com