In the process of writing a novel, there's a lot of excitement (and dread) around getting to the editing stage, but not every writer realizes there's potentially another stage along the way: rewriting.
While not every novel needs a full rewrite, many do, especially earlier on in a writer's career or when they're venturing down a new creative path.
So what exactly does this process involve, and how do you know whether to embark on rewriting a story?
Another year, another NaNoWriMo! If you're one of the hundred thousand-plus writers who participate, you’re likely familiar with the duelling qualities of chaos and accomplishment that accompany you through the month ... and equally familiar with the post-NaNoWriMo slump.
You may feel exhausted, out of touch with how it feels not to be galloping towards a daily word goal with a global community cheering you on.
What's a writer to do?
With NaNoWriMo underway, and perhaps the early excitement and momentum beginning to fade, now is the perfect time to ponder how to approach such a massive writing challenge.
“I know how to do that, silly muffin,” you might say. “Sit your butt down every day for 30 days in a row and write exactly 1,666.6 words per day, even as your life crumbles around you and the story you’re writing goes in five billion different directions and you never want to see it again once you’re finished. Voila! NaNoWriMo!”
While you're absolutely welcome to approach it this way, I think there might just be a better path, don't you?
Have you found yourself dreading your writing time of late? Maybe sitting down diligently but watching the clock and feeling secretly relieved when it's over? Lying awake at night, doubting your abilities as a writer and wondering if this is a sign you should just give up on your creative dreams?
Not so fast, creative soul. Before you take one step further in that direction, I need to tell you a story.