This was the hardest professional decision that I’ve had to make.
The First Completed Manuscript
I’d worked on my first manuscript for years. Now, life caused me to take numerous breaks that lasted several months. I’m counting from the time that I wrote my first sentence on my first draft. In that time, I had five completed revisions of my book. With each revision, major changes were made. I cut the word count from 114,000 to 89,000 words. Characters names changed, the title changed, the ending was different each time. The only thing that stayed the same was my love for my characters and their story.
Though I didn’t want to admit it, I realized that something was wrong with my book. I realized that revising my manuscript an additional time was not the answer. I struggled with the synopsis. There were too many subplots, too many flashbacks, and the flow was just all wrong.
Book 0
So, I went through my manuscript – I call it Book 0 – and pulled out scenes that I should keep, subplots that would work in another book (not a sequel) and decided to toss the rest. I wrote a new character resume, outline and synopsis. From experience with completing Book 0, I know my finished product will be much different from the outline.
I don’t regret starting over because I clearly understand my book and my characters. I have finished the first chapter. Yay! On this new writing journey, I’m excited to see where my story will end.
Questions
For writers: Have you ever moved on from a manuscript?
For readers: What do you love to see in a first chapter?
xo
Lamesha