27 September 2012
My Novel, thus far
Glass Houses by Maria Vavala
This year I've taken to adapting every writing exercise we've done in class for my novel. Albeit to say, I've made a substantial dent in my novel—great, yes?
No!
Rereading, isn't my greatest strength. I know the first draft is important to get the story out, the second, third, fourth and subsequent drafts are to peel back the layers and discover the real story you are trying to tell, a sure fire method to writing a best seller.
My problem, how do you persevere with a story that is—boring! Yes, you've read correct and rediscover the faith you had when you initially started out writing your story?
Not so easy let me tell you. I've had to rethink my characters, create a subplot that I believe in and be ruthless with my characters.
Who says every person you meet or know in life is a pleasure? Well, for me, the hardest thing I found was making one of my characters not so nice. Of course through no fault of her own—life has thrown her a curve ball and well, she has every right to be selfish and nasty, at least I think so and seeing as she's in my story, I guess that makes it more than okay.
The result—I have a new subplot that I think works well. Real life doesn't always mean a happy ending, so why should my story have one too!
Will it work, well, who knows, but I'm making sure that everything I write is worth the read, at least, I hope so!
I'll let you know when I'm done!
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Sounds great, have stuff blow up, that always makes things interesting :D. Keep us posted about your progress
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maria. Yes, you're right: boring is never a good thing, because if it's boring you as the writer it's going to bore the reader too. So, you're on the right track when you're looking for ways to reignite your interest in it, and the best way to do this is to do exactly what you're doing: making changes. I've done multiple drafts of my novel, and it's those little changes you make to characters or plot or whatever that ripple right through the novel that keep it fresh and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThree dimensional characters are a key too -- all of your main characters should have both likeable and unlikeable traits. None of us are perfect, and neither should your characters be, so hopefully that work you've done will give your novel that zing that you've felt it's been lacking.
Are you enjoying writing the novel more now?
Tracey
I have some similar problems to you Maria. At least you are getting somewhere and the exercises we have been doing in class a great. Such a big help. Can't wait to finish reading your novel, it's really enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteRebecca Z