Hey guys - that writing things down in front of everyone REALLY works! I have only one thing left on my to-do list to complete, yay!
I feel a little more accomplished now, even though I am stuck with my current WIP. But lately I've been thinking a lot about the books I already have out in the world.
I think everyone believes their first book could be a little bit better. But lately I have been itching to re-edit Game On. I know it's not terrible. My CPs wouldn't have let me publish something terrible, but I have learned so much in the last six months, that maybe I need to apply some of that to the story. Nothing will change in terms of the plot - I'm completely happy with the way the story plays out. I just want to make it tidier. One of my missions will be to edit a couple chapters a day and re-submit it to Amazon when it's as sparkly and shiny as I want it to be.
Then there's If I Let You Go. It was only meant to be a novella - but many, many reviewers felt I missed an opportunity for brilliance by making it so short. I know it's fluff, that's what it was meant to be, and I kinda love it. In terms of writing skill, it's probably the best thing I've ever written and landed me in the Top 15 of Amazon's short stories. But over Christmas, a very nice lady emailed me and asked if I'd considered writing the whole story again from the male POV. Technically, I hadn't. I considered it when I was I was writing IILYG, but once I was done, well, I was done. And now I don't know what to do. I definitely want to explore it from the other side but I don't know if anyone else would want to read the same story again told ... backwards, as it were. So, I guess I'm seeking opinions - both from people who read IILYG and those who haven't. Would you want to read the same story from a different POV? Or should I just be happy with that I wrote the first time. (And I am, I really am!)
Another thing that has recently been mentioned is the A-Z Challenge. As someone who doesn't plan more than a few days in advance, this made me whimper. Anyone else out there decided whether to participate this year?
I feel a little more accomplished now, even though I am stuck with my current WIP. But lately I've been thinking a lot about the books I already have out in the world.
I think everyone believes their first book could be a little bit better. But lately I have been itching to re-edit Game On. I know it's not terrible. My CPs wouldn't have let me publish something terrible, but I have learned so much in the last six months, that maybe I need to apply some of that to the story. Nothing will change in terms of the plot - I'm completely happy with the way the story plays out. I just want to make it tidier. One of my missions will be to edit a couple chapters a day and re-submit it to Amazon when it's as sparkly and shiny as I want it to be.
Then there's If I Let You Go. It was only meant to be a novella - but many, many reviewers felt I missed an opportunity for brilliance by making it so short. I know it's fluff, that's what it was meant to be, and I kinda love it. In terms of writing skill, it's probably the best thing I've ever written and landed me in the Top 15 of Amazon's short stories. But over Christmas, a very nice lady emailed me and asked if I'd considered writing the whole story again from the male POV. Technically, I hadn't. I considered it when I was I was writing IILYG, but once I was done, well, I was done. And now I don't know what to do. I definitely want to explore it from the other side but I don't know if anyone else would want to read the same story again told ... backwards, as it were. So, I guess I'm seeking opinions - both from people who read IILYG and those who haven't. Would you want to read the same story from a different POV? Or should I just be happy with that I wrote the first time. (And I am, I really am!)
Another thing that has recently been mentioned is the A-Z Challenge. As someone who doesn't plan more than a few days in advance, this made me whimper. Anyone else out there decided whether to participate this year?
1) As someone who can reedit and redraft my MS constantly, publication is the point I leave it alone. You could be forever going back over the same work and never moving forward. Yes, you may see faults with it, but if you edited it this year, you'd probably see different faults next year... How many times do you want to write the same story?
ReplyDelete2) I love novellas. Nuff said :-)
3) It's probable I won't be doing A-Z this year. As much as I loved it, I just couldn't get back into any meaningful writing for about 2 months afterwards - it kinda scared me!
Good luck with your decisions. Only you know for definite what's really best for you :-)
1) I don't plan to go back over it again after this. :)
Delete2) Lol, I know! :D
3) Yeah, that's kind of my worry. It really tired me out!
The interesting thing about writing the same story from a different angle is that it's not the same story.
ReplyDeleteMake sense? (No)
If you think in terms of psychology, what one character may see as good and positive, another may see this same event as something negative. I think exploring how other characters perceive the exact same events could be really fascinating and would allow you to explore different avenues and character archetypes.
Does that make any sense?
If it doesn't, the short version is: YES! YES! YES! YES! It's a good idea. :)
Thank you, Wes! I never really thought of it that way before. You're right, but all I was thinking of was that people might get bored reading the same dialogue twice lol.
DeleteI actually love reading stories from different POV's - to me it's like reading an entirely different story, because obviously every character is different.
ReplyDeleteAs for A to Z, I enjoyed it so much last year that I am definitely participating again this year!
Also, my hat arrived a couple of days ago, and I love it! Thanks very much :)
Thanks, Laura! I agree with you, and also, it would fill in some gaps that were missing from the original story.
DeleteGood luck with A-Z, and I'm glad you like the hat lol! :D
I say don't go back into Game On. I can almost see doing it if there are horrendus grammar mistakes, but that's not your case. So leave it alone is my vote.
ReplyDeleteI also like reading stories from different POVs. But if it's the SAME exact story, just from his POV, I'm not sure I'd read it. But if you worked in enough new things while dealing with the old, I would.
My suggestion would be to start way before where IILUG started with him. Get his other problems out there and have the ending be at the same part. So the story is not just a rehash of hers, but they come together at the same point.
I'm gonna try AtoZ for the first time. Already working on it, cause I'd never be able to do it in one month.
Hmm, I guess starting the story way back could work, too. But if I did re-write, I believe there would be enough new to balance out the old. Maybe I'll just write it and see how it looks at the end. :S
DeleteI think if you're not happy with certain technical aspects of Game On, then it won't hurt to edit it chapter by chapter and resubmit it. It's certainly not terrible, but everyone grows over time, so their first book would be very different from their latest.
ReplyDeleteIILYG is an interesting one for me. I think, in terms of a nice fluffy little novella, it does it's job perfectly. It was never intended to be a long drawn out story, just a snippet into Madison and Dominic's lives at the time. HOWEVER, if you were to expand on it; either through a story from Dom's POV or a prologue/ sequel, that would work too. There is more story to tell, even if it's the same event from a different perspective (and I agree with Wes above, a single event can be told from two different perspectives and be different stories, because everyone experiences emotions differently. It would be very different for Dom than it was for Madison). The big question is if YOU want to tell more stories in their world. Ignore what reviewers, friends, etc. are saying and ask yourself what you want. If you think there's more to tell, and you'd enjoy it, go for it.
Ah the A-Z challenge ... I have mixed thoughts about this myself. It is a great experience, and a great way to connect with people, but it's a lot of work. It's too early for me to think about yet.
I never know how I feel about IILYG. Sometimes I am desperate to write more, and sometimes I think it's good as it is. :S
DeleteLol, I agree - it's too early to think about!
I think you could try the different PoV because it would result in a different story. Somehow it would be something new for your readers.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about the A-Z challenge but I'm still uncertain if I really understand it. :)
Yeah, I think so too! :D
DeleteA-Z is so much fun, but it's a LOT of work. Yiu basically post something every day corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. It's an excellent way to meet new bloggers!
Hi Kyra - So nice to meet you! I agree, if I could only edit my first book, but you've got to let go sometime, right?
ReplyDeleteWhat's the A-Z challenge? I'll have to google that one.
Have a wonderful day!
Lovely to meet you, too!
DeleteSee comment above for A-Z details ;)
I'd leave Game On alone, too. If you allow yourself to go back and edit something you've already published you may find yourself doing it again and again. I wouldn't open that door. As writers, I think we will always find some little thing, or things, that we'll say, 'oh, I should have done it differently!'
ReplyDeleteOn the other one it's hard to say. If I loved the book, I might pick it up in another POV. (I haven't read it yet, sorry. It's still in the TBR pile.) And it sounds like you definitely have interest already. If it's something you want to write, go for it. If it doesn't excite you, then don't.
I don't even know what I want to do at this point LOL! I guess I'll mull it over a bit more!
DeleteAnother writer friend asked me this question in an email the other day and I will tell you what I told her. Until I am old and retired, I never plan to go backward. I will only move forward with my writing and my hope is that each story gets a little better as I grow as a writer.
ReplyDeleteAs far as changing a story or writing a story to suit a reader, well that's always a consideration...but unless inspiration strikes, I've got nothing. I had a reader ask me if I would write a follow up to HEALING SUMMER, only this time feature the minor characters, Jack and Ron, and their HEA. It's a good idea, but as far as stories go...I'm drawing a blank. So for now, their story stays a sub plot.
I agree that unless there is a story there, there's no point trying to force one. But I do have a story - I think. :D
DeleteThat's terrific that you only have one remaining thing on your to-do list. I wish I could say I was doing as well.
ReplyDeleteAs far as writing a story from another POV, if it's something that interests you then I think it's worth considering. Readers often love that opportunity, especially with a love story. But if you want to do it, then it's worth doing. If that makes sense.
I have not yet decided on A to Z this year. I'd love to do it but my word, it's exhausting and I don't know where I'll be with my whole publishing endeavor so I remain undecided.
Hee hee, I'm sure you'll catch up with your to-do list! :D
DeleteA-Z is an awkward one for me, too. I hate planning ahead so I'll leave this decision for a bit longer lol!
Thinking about doing the A-Z challenge makes me want to pee my pants. Seriously so scary! I can't do it *bites nails*
ReplyDeleteLOL! It's great to do, but the amount of work is sort of exhausting!
DeleteI'm definitely in for the A-Z challenge but I'm waiting until February before I start planning anything. I'd usually be more last minute but I don't want to mess anything up. Also I think you've done a really good job writing and doing If I let you go in Male POV doesn't sound like a bad idea. But only do it if it feels right for you.
ReplyDeleteI get more tempted by A-Z the more I think about it, but I remember just feeling so tired when it was all over. I don't know if I can do it again!
DeleteMy thoughts are in a similar vein to most commenters. I don't think you should go back and edit things - let them stand! It's a snapshot of where you were at as a writer, and Game On is a fine piece of work on a technical and a story level. I also feel it may present a dilemma to a reader who already bought it, thinking they may be missing out if they only have the old version. Kinda like a band who releases a "deluxe" edition of an album with a couple of new tracks, for an extortionate price. Not that I'm saying you're trying to exploit anyone, of course!!
ReplyDeleteThe different POV version of If I Let You Go would be a different matter. Like others mentioned, it would present the events very differently, coloured by his emotions and responses. You could do a sequel, from his POV, but making reference to how he felt at the time of the first book, because I'd still prefer it was a totally new book! But ultimately you should do what YOU feel you need to.
Amazingly I actually have a plan for A-Z. I was interviewed by Alex on the A-Z blog, and I came up with the idea so I would have something to say in the interview! Whoops, sorry about the epic comment! :)
I'm not intending to change Game On, I just want to fix the mistakes and tighten it up. The story won't change. :)
DeleteHaha, I like that you got the idea because of the interview - brilliant!
I think all writers look back at their early stuff and think I could have done things differently. I think if it is something that really bothers you then go back and change it, if not look forward not back. But that's only my personal point of view. I guess you know in your heart whether you can do that.
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing A-Z just don't think I have the time!
Thanks, Suzanne. I think I'll be happier if I go over Game On again, but actually after reading the first couple of chapters yesterday, I realised it wasn't as bad as I thought!
DeleteI personally wouldn't rewrite something I'd already published. All writers grow and change over their careers, but that doesn't mean they should rewrite and republish their earliest books after they become stronger at their craft. My second-favorite writer, Hermann Hesse, definitely grew a lot over his career, but his early books have a sweetness and simplicity that might've been lost if he'd rewritten them.
ReplyDeleteI always write third-person omniscient, so my books always have many POVs running through the entire story. I personally wouldn't rewrite the story from another POV unless the character in question had only been a minor character, or the story focused primarily on someone else.
I'm doing A-Z, and have a double theme in mind for my posts this year.
I'm not planning a re-write, just to fix up the errors and tighten it up. :)
DeleteOoh congrats on being organised for A-Z already!
I'm so impressed that you almost finished your entire to-do list!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI go by the motto: A plan to fail is a fail to plan. So keep planning!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about A to Z. I don't think it's for me.
Good motto!
DeleteUrgh, it really is a challenge lol. But also a great way to meet people. :D
Wow! Maybe I should put my to do list out there.
ReplyDeleteI did the A to Z challenge last year, it moved my blogging forward by leaps and bounds. I'm thinking about doing it this year. It all depends on where I'm at with my current ms.
I agree with others that you should let it stand. That being said, there's nothing that would keep you from publishing supporting pieces that meet those reader desires. I've seen lots of great short story spin-offs from different character viewpoints than the original series, for example.
ReplyDeleteI have an idea for A-Z, but we'll see if I actually have time to pull it off. :)
Same story from a different point of view? Sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteAnd that is why I will never re-read my own books. I know I'm better and it would depress me to see bad writing mistakes.
I think you've had lots of good thoughts here. For what it's worth, I say move forward and apply that learning to new things ;) I think an alt POV esp when it's providing new exciting content can be great fun!
ReplyDeleteI might do A-Z depending how my schedule is...
These days books from the opposite pov are really in demand. After all, who doesn't want to get into the head of all the main characters and know what motivates them?
ReplyDeleteIf you want to go back and edit some of that first book, do it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I will be participating in the A to Z. Third year now.
Heck yes, I'd read it again! I thoroughly enjoy it as a novella. I've gotten the same complaint for Fearless. Some people really thought it should've been a novel, but I'm fine with it being short. That's what you must ask yourself: are YOU happy with it?
ReplyDeleteI'll be doing the A to Z Challenge. Maybe I'll get to plan a little ahead, but there's just too much to do!
Short and sweet...don't re-edit...and I personally would not be interested in reading the same story from a different POV. Just my own inclination. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a teenager I read a couple of book where you read the story from one point of view then flipped the book over and read the same story from the other point of view. I loved them (and have kept them to pass onto my daughters). Unfortunately there were only two books out at the time otherwise I would have bought more. So yes, I wouldn't mind reading the same stoty again from a different POV.
ReplyDeleteDominic's POV? Yes, please! I love him so reading his POV would be amazing!
ReplyDeleteMmm... I think it could be fun to explore the other POV. Of course, only if you try it and find yourself passionate about the project. If not, it'll be a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I'll enter at least two of my blogs for A-Z. Just not sure about what I want to write about. :-/
I know what you mean about the A-Z. I was nervous last year but had a really fun time doing it. And I didn't plan ahead or do a theme, but it still worked. :) I would like to do it this year, but I'm not sure if I can work it into the schedule. Trying to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteAnd... I love your books! Congrats on getting so much accomplished.
I don't know if I'll do the April A to Z or not. I have done it before. I think if I wrote everything ahead of time I'll do it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing A to Z again. Yes, I'm a planner and have already started writing posts for it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad to hear someone consider redoing their story a bit to make it better. I've been thinking about doing that a lot with my Gravity trilogy. I love the stories, but I could do them better ... market them better. I'm still considering it.
And I would totally read IILYG again from the male POV. I loved that story.
I am definitely in for the A-to-Z. It is a big challenge but so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI'd read IILYG from the guy POV too. :)
and I will wait to buy GAME ON (in PAPERBACK, thanks v. much) till you've done those edits, then :)
I think that ALWAYS the number ONE thing people say about novellas or short stories is "I wish this had been developed more, or we'd learned more about that" at which point I sort of want to yell at them and say - IT'S A NOVELLA!! JUST ENJOY THE SHORT, SWEETNESS OF IT!!
ReplyDeleteI loved it. I thought it was brilliant.
And I WISH, oh, how I wish I could shine The Next Door Boys up and re-pulish... sigh...