When I'm revising, I have to get the beginning to feel right before I move on. It's not just the pressure of knowing that those first few pages--probably the most edited in the entire manuscript--are important for hooking the reader. At this stage, they're important for me too. They get me fired up to keep going.
Revisions are hard. Sometimes when I get to the middle, problems in my novel seem too big to fix. But I can go back to that "pretty good" beginning, and see the spark of where I'm supposed to be going. Remind myself what I promised the reader, and what my character wants.
What inspires you stay on track when you're revising your novel?
Sheer will. I hate revisions. I am in the process of re-writing my MS for the fifth, yes, fifth time! AHAHAHAHHHHH!
ReplyDeleteI'm editing my book yet again and I can't even tell you how many times I've rewritten that first chapter. Right now I'm struggling with motivation as well, but I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf come September 1st.
ReplyDeleteTabitha, I'm not at the point with this book where I hate revisions, but I know what you mean. At some point, you end up thinking, why am I doing this? Why is it so hard to get it right? But if it was easy, would it be worth it?
ReplyDeletePatti, September is a great time for "fresh starts". Good luck with your editing!
Getting the first part right in the revision helps me a whole lot. It seems to ground me in the right feel and tone for the book.
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