Well now that the excitement of creating a new book during November is behind me, I'm blogging today about my next challenge. I'm going back to an earlier book, which I'll call BTL for short, with new eyes, and have discovered a truth that is, to me, mind blowing.
I found writing this one rather like riding a bike, patting my head and rubbing my stomach all at the same time. Weaving all the elements of story together was a challenge, and one I felt happy about, but with the experience of Nanowrimo over, I had a revelation. This book has a cracking plot, great character conflicts both internal and external and sufficient pace to make a great read. It also ticked the boxes with some great sex scenes and some sparky dialog. Why then, had it been turned down on its second read through by a publisher?I've blogged about this book before. It was my entry for the Golden Rose Competition where it narrowly failed making it through to the second round. I was lucky enough to get critiques from 3 judges, and have had feedback from the aforementioned publisher too, but their comments, while pertinent didn't give me enough. I couldn't quite see what was lacking. Since Nano, I think I do.
Something Kate Walker wrote about in her book about writing romance was the key, and the answer is intensity. My characters fall in love, but in order to make this the great book I know it can be, it has to be more than that, they need to be completely fascinated with each other, from the moment they meet and this fascination needs to build until they can't even envision ever being in love with anyone else. Desperate, out of control love.
I eagerly printed off the last version and started to read. Yes. I was right. It's missing. There's too much following the plot and not enough following their own dawning realisation that they're obsessed with each other. They get caught up in events, and forget that they're in the grip of passion. For the first time I see it, I know why BTL hasn't caught and held the attention of the publisher, its just not DESPERATE enough.
So when December is over, and Christmas is done, I'm going back. Back to a book I thought I'd finished. And I'm writing about their love from my heart.
Wish me luck!
Tons of luck, Sally. But I don't think you'll need it - it sounds like you know exactly what you're doing.
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Gee thanks Suzanne, I hope so!! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when you suddenly see the problem with an ms? Because once you see the problem, you can fix it! Great going Sally. Good luck with building that intensity.
ReplyDeleteJackie - I can't believe I didn't see it before! Just hope theres nothing else lacking that I haven't copped on to yet!
ReplyDeleteHi Sally,
ReplyDeleteOn a slightly sideways but related topic was listening to Ryan Tubridy podcast last night on Puppy Love.Talking to people about that complete obsession that people have with their first loves. One woman from the North wrote all about the object of her love in her journal and then casually mentioned a shootout at the end of her road. That's obsession for you. It sounds as if you might have cracked it for your story. Hope it works well.
Ohhh. This book sound intriguing! Good luck with upping the intensity! Seems like you know what you need to do - which is half the battle sometimes. Take care. Caroline x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds great Sally! Don't you just love it when you can work out where you went wrong? :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the encouragement guys. I'm starting by re reading, with a block of post-its at hand to make little notes to myself on the manuscript on areas where I cam improve it, then back to writing in the new year.
ReplyDeleteAnything to stop wondering how the presents competition is getting on!
Hi Sally, I'm glad you've found a way to fix it. I admire your tenacity, I'm trying to adopt your 'just get on with it' approach. Here's hoping for full requests for both of us from the comp.
ReplyDeleteLorraine,I'm still NTAI but TAI nonetheless. Fingers crossed for both of us, I reckon we're both wonderful writers, hopefully this time they'll see it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sally. Sounds as if you've had a "By George" moment ie, you've got it! Kate does know what she's talking about!
ReplyDeleteYes Liz, she certainly does!
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