June 2024 Writing Update

Here I am, once again, writing about how I’m editing! Let’s see...what’s to be said that I haven’t mentioned in previous installments during this stage of the process? Oh! Well, I got the whodunit itch again recently. So far, nothing’s been quite able to scratch it. Let’s hope it stays that way, since that’s been an excellent motivator in getting me to keep my attention on editing my own whodunit! Though, I must say, the more I pour over it with a fresh set of eyes, the more I’m convinced it could probably use a complete overhaul and re-write from (mostly) scratch. I can even see my prose improve in Chapter 20 compared to, let’s say, Chapter 5. And that’s great! Notable progress in oneself is awesome to see. It’s important to be able to step outside of ourselves and acknowledge this. However, I don’t think the readers who need to “put up” with Chapters 1-10 to get to the really good Chapters 11-20 will feel the same way. It should ALL be really good.

But, anyway, when I am done the re-read and edit, it won’t be a complete do-over. Recently, on my favorite podcast, the hosts had mentioned that it helps to think of Draft Two an upgrade rather than an entirely new product. You’re able to keep all that good stuff from Draft One, you know? Don’t just let it go to waste. It’s like the newer model of a car. But, like, back when that meant actual material improvements to said car, and not just additional “smart” items added in to jack up the retail price. I just want to play my music from my phone, man, I don’t need all that other stuff.

Anyway, I’m rambling. This energy could be better served editing the next chapter of the novel, where a gun has just been fired...by seemingly no one. Very Whodunit, wouldn’t you say?

Oh, and by the way, I wrote the first page of a new story. Just a little treat for myself for funsies. But, rest assured, the focus is still editing the whodunit and hashing out the dueling journal entries vigilante story I’ve been working on. Peace!