Soooo … I haven’t been blogging for a while now because my brain has ‘left the building’ and gone to that place where brains go when difficult decisions have to be made.
It just came back and the result is: I’ve decided to shelve my first novel and start from scratch. Yep, 68 000 words are going in the drawer and may never see the light of day.
It feels as if I’m sawing off my arm.
The fact is that the story is just not strong enough. I don’t think my writing sucks (at least not all of it), but there comes a point where something can’t be fixed and any attempt at fixing it will leave it looking like a woman who has had too much plastic surgery. Fake.
I will always love my first novel; it is like that first kiss that you will never forget, no matter how sloppily bad and all over the place it was. But, just like kissing, practice makes perfect and, 3000 words into my second novel, I am already much more excited about the whole process.
I couldn’t, however, bring myself to say goodbye to all the characters. After all, I’ve spent the last two years with them and have gotten to know them really well. Which is why some of them are being reincarnated into the new story, albeit in new roles.
Wish me luck, for I am getting back on the horse and trying again. Hey ho Silver awaaaayyyy!
Africa to Asia 
#1 by Just do it! on June 20, 2011 - 10:37 pm
I can understand how difficult it must have been to step away from your very first novel. All the hard work, sweat and heart-blood that has gone into. I presume the statement: that the story is just not strong enough, is based on your own point of view?
Well, just let me tell you: there are a whole lot of people out there, who might think differently.
On the other hand – it is of course also ‘cool’ if – after you have written your second novel – you can actually publish them both …more or less at the same time. Cos your reader will come back, graving for more!
Keep up the great work – if you need a coaching hand…I know a few…
Otherwise, best of luck with this one! We all know you can do it!
P.s. Love the plastic surgery comparison 😀
#2 by Celia on June 20, 2011 - 10:49 pm
😉 Thanks Anja! It was a hard decision but now I am actually relieved and can focus on the second project. Who knows, I might still come back to the first one in a few months, dust it off and shine it up a bit. Good luck with the coaching!
#3 by authoramberlynn on June 21, 2011 - 7:13 am
I totally understand and did the same thing last March. Since, I have returned to the first novel. It might not be dead. Just taking a nap. Either way, good luck!
#4 by Celia on June 21, 2011 - 12:43 pm
Thanks 🙂 Happy writing!
#5 by totsymae1011 on June 29, 2011 - 5:13 am
Interestingly enough, I was thinking that I may need to give my novel rest and focus on short stories until I was ready to tackle it again. Though, I haven’t written that in stone but I like that I’m able to at least finish a short story and make it tighter over a few days. At least, I hope that’s what’s happening.
Anyway, recycle those characters and scenes and something even better will evolve.
#6 by Celia on June 30, 2011 - 10:31 am
Thanks, I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye to the characters so they are ‘reincarnated’ into the second novel. Which is appropriate, because the new novel is about reincarnation! Happy writing. 🙂