This post is part of the monthly blog
hop/therapy session known as the Insecure Writers Support Group,
founded by the one and only, Alex J.
Cavanaugh. If you're a writer, insecure, or just supportive of
writers—insecure or not—please join us. It happens the first Wednesday of each
month. I encourage everyone
to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words will be
appreciated.
This month’s prompt question:Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work?
Oh boy!
I’m in that exact process now.
Rewind ten years ago...
To the first manuscript I wrote and completed.
The story came easily...
The research, though intense, was immensely enjoyable...
The genre?
Religious Horror?
Spiritual Thriller?
I Haven't a Clue, genre.
Spiritual Thriller?
I Haven't a Clue, genre.
Just couldn’t quite nail that puppy down...
But though a toughie to pitch...
Pitch it I did...
And got a few agents interested..
Using the first query letter I ever wrote.
(can’t seem to master that process now)
But low and behold...
What kept this manuscript from going any further?
All agents said it wasn’t ready...
And my ego took a nosedive.
I was a newbie to the business of publishing...
So I filed this manuscript away...
And it hasn’t seen the light of day until recently...
When a writer friend encouraged me to look at again...
"The timing is right for that genre - NA Dark Fantasy,"
So I got a beta, a critique partner hired an editor...
And have been tweaking ad nauseam.
And have been tweaking ad nauseam.
It's ready now...
And I’m going to publish this baby.
Am I insecure about doing this?
You bet!
But this forum with all the fantastic writers...
Gives me hope and courage. Love these guys!
So?
What about you?
Ever pull a dusty manuscript out and reworked it?
Always,
Em-Musing
Always,
Em-Musing
8 comments:
Yipeee! But you did it and you almost have it ready to send out into the world. All the best. I believe it is normal to be scared. If we weren't then we probably have not invested enough love in our project. You're going to be just fine because you have invested yourself in your book.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Awesome! It will be such a great story now that you have ten years experience and an editor to help you. Are you publishing yourself or sending queries to publishers?
I'm so glad you were able to rework that story. Best of luck with your publishing.
Good for you!! Some stories just need the seasoning time and timing. So great to hear that both finally matured to that polished product!
Oh, hooray! I'm happy you pulled it out and gussied it up. Wait until those agents get a load of it now!
Aging a good old story is like waiting for a fine wine to reach proper maturity. Fresh eyes and mind will put the story into a new perspective and you will undoubtedly have a masterpiece on your hands. Or at least something better than a bottle of Boone's Farm. I wish you well and a success that will appease the literary longings of your soul.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I like that genre. You should seek publication with it.
Not an easy thing - Resurection. Recently went through the same thing. Waiting to hear if the results are accepted into an Anthology.Admire your patience in waiting until the time was right. Best of luck.
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