Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nelle Douville on April 13, 2012 at 5:55pm

After the rough draft entry on my first, I set it aside and let it ferment some, and redirected my energy to entry of the second, swapping back once I hit the 40% mark of the second novel.

We all are different in how we work. For newer writers, I do see the merit in such a pause, especially if we busy ourselves with learning more about creative writing. IMO, the editing process is as important as the original story idea, and in fact, I put far more time into editing than the original writing (I'm just finishing the third hard edit now.)

My guess is you will know when it is time to return... the writing that burns in us knows both fatigue and the will to jump in anew.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Lane on April 13, 2012 at 6:04pm

That is an awesome response!  Thank you so much.  I'll let it marinate while I work on book two and come back to hit when the time is right.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Lane on June 5, 2012 at 1:06am

I wonder about waiting six months as well.  Right now I love the story but who knows how I'll feel in six months.  However, I have found a new way of editing that works well for me.  I save the document as a PDF and click on the read aloud tab.  The computer reads the story to me which makes it easier to hear all of the mistakes I missed.

Permalink Reply by Patricia Gligor on June 12, 2012 at 7:38am

With my first mystery novel, Mixed Messages, I wrote the first draft, the second draft . . . and, when I thought it was as good as I could make it, I put it away for awhile and started writing my second novel, the sequel in my Malone mystery series. After  several months, I re-read Mixed Messages and did the final edit. I found a lot of things I'd previously missed. That's why writers are encouraged to let some time go by before their final edit. I hope this helps you.

Permalink Reply by Daphne Q on June 16, 2012 at 4:05pm

I don't think I could do that... I would miss it! Maybe a couple days....

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Lane on June 16, 2012 at 8:26pm

I feel the exact same way.  I don't know that I'll ever be a serious writer.  I write because it makes me feel good...