The Magic of Rewriting
Rewriting is often where the real magic of storytelling comes alive. It's a phase where crucial decisions about structure, point of view, and character consistency are made. As a writer, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by these choices, but remember, this is your opportunity to refine and enhance your narrative. It's about making things all tonally consistent. In music terms, like like the mastering process.
Point of View and Character Consistency
During a rewrite, taking a closer look at your story's point of view can be transformative. It's a chance to ensure that the tone and voice of your characters are consistent and authentic. Whether you're writing from a first-person perspective, offering a subjective view into your character's world, or employing a third-person narrative to provide a broader picture, getting the point of view right is crucial for engaging your readers.
Untangling Structure Decisions
Feeling paralyzed by decisions around story structure is a common hurdle. The key is to focus on how your characters interact with the plot and navigate through the structure. Sometimes, adjusting the sequence of events, moving scenes forward or backward, can bring clarity and purpose to your story.
This process helps in aligning your character's journey with the overall narrative arc, ensuring that every scene and action moves the story towards its intended destination.
Overcoming Feeling Overwhelmed When Rewriting
If the thought of a complete rewrite seems daunting, start small. Approach it one sentence at a time. Today, read and revise one sentence, and the next day, tackle two. This gradual approach can make the task less overwhelming and more manageable.
Go Back to go Forward
My motto in rewriting is to 'go back to go forward.' It's about revisiting what you've already written to find a path forward. Often, the solution to a structural problem lies not in the payoff but in the setup.
If you're stuck, review your earlier chapters or scenes. The answers you seek might be hidden in the groundwork you've already laid.
Finding Peace on the Page
There's a certain peace that comes with getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page. Rewriting allows you to organize these thoughts, to mold them into a cohesive story that has a consistency of character, plot, and tone. It's a process of discovery, of seeing your narrative come together in a way that feels right and true. It's about bringing together all the elements that you had in the beginning in your Solid Foundation.
Embrace the Art of Rewriting
Remember, rewriting isn't just about fixing mistakes; it's about delving deeper into your story, understanding your characters better, and making your narrative more compelling. Embrace this stage of your writing journey. It's here that you'll find the heart and soul of your story.
