Work on my 2nd novel has gone into the rewrite phase. I was not happy with the direction of the storyline. No, not a total rewrite, I can still use a majority of the pages already written, but there are holes in the plot and overlapping character arcs that need resolution to my satisfaction. The entire process of writing a novel is still very gratifying and fun. These road bumps help to keep the process interesting.
I have great respect for those authors of the past that could sit at a typewriter and write straight through, from beginning to end. My scatterbrained mind just can’t do it. The best way I can describe my method of madness, is that it’s similar to making a quilt. The many different patches come from different places but when strategically sewn together can make something lovely and magical.
That’s how I write my novels. Starting with an overall plot outline I skip around from chapter to chapter. Sometimes in the middle, or even write the ending before I flush out the beginning chapters. Another fun aspect of writing historical fiction requires presenting facts that cannot be altered, but used only to enhance the story.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Wish me luck!