Perspective

My young adult novel came to a halt in late spring. I was stuck. 

I had actually finished an earlier version of the novel. I knew, while writing that first version, that I needed to make some big changes to the story in the next round. 

The revision began strongly. I felt I was accomplishing some of the changes. 

But something happened at around chapter 10. The changes opened up different venues and I was paralyzed by the decision. Which of these new ways should I pursue? None of them seemed to bring a clear idea of how the story would end up. Staying with the plot I had used in the first version seemed cowardly. 

S-c-r-e-e-e-e-e-e-c-h!

That's right. A screeching halt.

In the mean time, I read a ton, practiced martial arts, cooked unusual meals, and got my middle grade novel ready for a contest.

No excuses left, I decided to take a look at my YA again. Or maybe my fog-riddle brain, thanks to a cold, is making me optimistic. Or something. 

Good news and bad news.

Bad news: I still don't know how to proceed. 

Good news: There is some good writing in there. (Now I wait for the reprimand. But that's another post.)

With the perspective gained from being away from the story, I realize that despite how difficult it felt while going through the revision, I kept close to my original vision and stayed true to its emotional truth.

As I mentioned, I still have no clue where the story is going, but just knowing that what I have is a keeper is enough for now. 

Hello, old friend

I have had the most frustrating few weeks of reading. None of the books that I started compelled me to continue.

It is not unusual to read a few chapters of a book and decide not to pursue it, but 5 books in a row?  Well, actually, Book #2 held promise and I read more than half of it. But the original reason that drew me--the distinctive voice--became grating. In fact, the voice and its cleverness took front and center. I had no idea who the narrator is because his inner thoughts and actions don't fit. The worst is that for a mystery, I had no idea what the actual mystery is

Exasperating.

Then a friend mentioned a book she loved and I remember enjoying it as well. I even recall a particular description even though it had been a few years since I'd read it. Something else tugged at me at the mention of this book.

I dug out my copy of Broken For You.

Re-reading it is like meeting an old friend.


I am curious to find out if I'll lose interest or find that I'm such a different reader now than I was that I no longer like it. Or if I will discover new things to love.

Will keep you posted.