Rewriting Rain (cringe)

[janetbellinger]

I'm just rewriting Rain, which I originally wrote in 2002. Some of it I think is very good, but I have come across some parts that just make me cringe. They are either written in the passive (I can't even stay awake reading it so how could my readers?" or too purply. I cringe to think of the number of times I've submitted it in that form to legitimate publishers. Screams and pulls hair.

[underthecity]

At least you have the benefit of having written it four years ago. This distance allows you to see the manuscript objectively as you're finding out. Get a copy of Self Editing for Fiction Writers to help with your rewrite. It'll help a lot.

allen

[janetbellinger]

Thanks, Allen.

[Birol]

The fact that you're able to recognize such things shows how much you've grown as a writer.

[KTC]

This will always happen, Janet. This is why we should put our manuscripts away for a few months at the least before looking at them for that all important final draft. The fact that you cringed so much is only a positive thing. It means that you have grown as a writer since 2002. It means you are now ready to make that manuscript the best that it can be. You should be happy for the cringing...it means your final draft is going to be so much better than what you began with. It probably also means that you can slip down to that place where final draft is a labour of love, not something you grudge. Just allow those cringes. They will tell you where there is room for improvement. Good luck with your final draft!

Kevin

[DamaNegra]

On another note (and sorry to hijack this thread) is it possible to create the emotional distance necessary for a good rewrite in only one week or less?

[KTC]

On another note (and sorry to hijack this thread) is it possible to create the emotional distance necessary for a good rewrite in only one week or less?

For a novel, I believe not. Why would you want to short change yourself? You have to let it sit to achieve the distance you need to give it what it deserves. I'm terrible for remembering what I've written...but I still like to wait a few months before giving my 'script the final rewrite. I don't want to be in a hurry for something like that. If you read it after a week or less, you're probably still going to think it's brilliant. Give it time and you will get the CRINGES necessary to make the piece better.

[maestrowork]

I still cringe when I read TPB, which is now published (yikes). I started writing the thing in 2001 and it showed at places... but I am not going to worry about it. Like Birol said, it shows you how much you've grown as a writer, and I for one am glad about that growth myself.

The good thing is, you're rewriting it now (in 2006) so you have the opportunity to make it SO MUCH better.

[DamaNegra]

Problem is, I don't have the time to do it because of a deadline. But don't worry, already I look at it and cringe.

[janetbellinger]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice, everybody. I really appreciate it.