Restructure of the Novel, Do I Dare?
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Writing historical fiction is a challenge of its own. I am in love with my project, but finding myself a little bored with Book 1 and seem to gravitate to book 2. I need book 1 to set the tone of the stories.
When that happens I read writing articles. I do not want to trash book 1 or go back and redo the entire project, so I have decided to restructure book 1 and maybe up the dates a little.
My book begins in 1777, a lot happened in that time period, not what I want. Politics are something I stay far away from. My series focus is the independence and strength of women. How women were always the ones in front, the root of all things that happened. Little is written of these, I touch on the personal side, the strength of family.
Since it is based on letters and journals, do I dare go into the 'flashback' scenario? I think that is a cliche' , so I have to make it work.I do not want a book of italics and dreams. I feel that would be an automatic slush pile. Any advice? I welcome all.
Oh, the struggles. Back to the grind.
Teresa
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I believe what you put out in the universe is heard. Stuck on what to do with Book one, I pick up my copy of Writer's Digest Yearbook presents Novel Writing. Just read the article 'Where to Begin'
There it was. Some great tips and advice.
Hi Cindy,
529 AD Wow! My hat's off to you. I am finding myself doing the same thing. I am so excited about book 2, that's when my characters begin to head west and the fun stuff begins. I am a travel bug at heart. I feel so strong about how the story begins I can not part with book one. It needs to be done. Determination and a few more AH HAH moments and I'll get it squared away. I know it!
Best Wishes and Happy writings. Thanks for commenting. Cindy and Gwyn
Thank you. You know I do not know why 1777 popped in there. I need the earlier time period to set the POV of the whole series. The books are very female character driven. Spreads over 150 years w/ 3 books (so far, could extend to more). Since our country was founded on Men and Politics, or so it's noted that way, my series gives a behind the scenes of the lives of Women and the incredible strength and dedication they provided. There are some political situations, since women were not 'allowed' to be a part of, voted into, considered, etc., into politics I tell the tales of - yes they were. Women were a strong force behind and a part of the founding of our country. The independence of women and the will to succeed was very strong in those days.
My joke is:Women didn't stand by their man, they were there to clean up their messes and guide them through the process, otherwise nothing would get done. (wink, wink)
My book is set in 529 AD with a lot of fictional politics built in but with some basis in actual events- as far as we know - I am struggling as well with how to show the larger context without flashbacks and I too seem to be gravitating to material that I know will end up in book 2 instead of 1. I am trying to allow the story to unfold as it enters my head, but, I also know this will probably result in a lot of editing later - facing reality in the realm of fiction - a hard thing to do, sometimes.