Ahem. Yes. Well. This past week saw THE END of this rewrite. (Although I have this thing where I don't actually write the words 'THE END' until it's a final draft, but that's just me.) I told myself I was going to wait before I began editing. Yeah, right. Like that ever works. I did wait until the month had officially changed, though, so that's something.
The first thing I did was delete the prologue. Sure, I love the flashback scene where the reader finds out just how a 20-yr old flapper turns into a Djinn, but it's not really necessary to the storyline. Those parts of it that are necessary can be woven into later scenes - like the fact that her father was a cat burglar - but her mother being a dilettante? Interesting, but not crucial. For the most part, Jo ignored that part of her upbringing. Dear ol' dad Reggie, though, plays a big part in her character - even after 80 years. There are little 'Reggie-isms' sprinkled throughout the book.
Anyway, deleting that part was easier than it sounds. Now comes the hard part. Line by line editing, checking for consistency both in characterization and plot, and filling in some beginning things that need to happen in order for the end things to happen. (Oh, the woes of a plansterer.)
In other news, Daughter started her first job. She's interning (thank you, publishing industry, for giving me that idea) at a property management office. I figured it was better for her to gain experience than minimum wage, and so far, I was right. She's learning lots and her new boss says she's a joy to have around. :beam: Still no word from the apps she put in for paying jobs, but in this economy, I'm not holding my breath. Who'd hire an inexperienced kid over someone with experience? I know I wouldn't. Better luck next year - after this summer's experience, that is.
So, how's the summer treating you so far? Anything interesting to share?
Congrats on your revision! It's so hard to remove prologues but it sounds like it's going to be better embedded into your story.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July weekend!
Well done with your editing. I'm working through mine at the moment and it's going very slowly.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the cat. So sweet.
Woohoo for revision stage!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not doing much recently. Writing A LOT. That's about it =)
I like the idea of waiting to write "The End" until the final draft is complete. I hope you don't mind, but I am going to adopt it as well. Good luck on the line editing, seems like you're moving right along.
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