Support for Indie Authors discussion

Feel free to use this to vent frustrations about whatever you're currently working on.

I'll start. I'm currently editing my full length version of Hollow Towns and I just realized that my first section (about 100 pages) is all wrong. I have to completely revise the tone. I'm so frustrated that I've been ignoring it for a week now and have, instead, been working on Dakota's story for Rehab for Superheroes.

Any suggestions??

Ann,

Is it first person POV or third?

Matt

It's third.

Sometimes you can straighten a story out with just a few changes (add a new scene, tweak some descriptions and conversations, and so on), and sometimes you need to completely rewrite scene by scene. I've had both.

I would first do what you have done, put it on the back burner for a week or two, just letting it percolate, make a few notes of things that you think will improve it. Then schedule a time for it, and bite the bullet. If it needs a full rewrite, then it needs a full rewrite. I kind of had an epiphany when I realized that if I can write a novel in a month, I can certainly rewrite a novel in a month. Usually it is closer to two weeks, maybe even one if it doesn't need a total revision. That puts it into perspective for me.

You might want to run through the first few steps of the Snowflake Method http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com... to help you to refocus and flesh out any issues before you start the revision. I have found this very helpful for some of my rewrites. I never used to write with much of a plan, so some of the stuff I have written in the past meanders quite a lot, or changes course abruptly mid-book.

Thanks so much!! This is really helpful! I will check out the Snowflake Method.

P.D. wrote: "Sometimes you can straighten a story out with just a few changes (add a new scene, tweak some descriptions and conversations, and so on), and sometimes you need to completely rewrite scene by scene..."

The snowflake method is good.

Also, when working on tone, in addition to the narrative voice, I would pay close attention to the setting and how that can condition tone.

Best,
Matt

My tone is definitely off. My issue, I think, is that I've switched my layout around. I felt that I gave away too much too soon. But I wrote what is now the first section, with the readers already knowing the "big secret" so to speak. I think that is my main problem. Now that I've switched it around, the reader is completely in the dark until section two.

Matthew wrote: "The snowflake method is good.

Also, when working on tone, in addition to the narrative voice, I would pay close attention to the setting and how that can condition tone.

Best,
Matt"

I understand. From what you describe, I think the change is in a good direction, saving the reveal for later on.

Make sure that you give it a couple of 'rests'. Make your changes, then let it sit for a month or more before going back to re-read it. Then you will be able to read it with fresher eyes, and catch any inconsistencies in your revised revelations. Be sure to give it to someone else to read as well. Sometimes we just can't see the difference between the story on the page and the story in our heads.

Oh, I hear that! I have a system in place with two proof readers. One who looks for errors and one who reads for inconsistencies and overall flow. :) I always miss something.

P.D. wrote: "Make sure that you give it a couple of 'rests'. Make your changes, then let it sit for a month or more before going back to re-read it. Then you will be able to read it with fresher eyes, and catch..."

NEWBIE to group - I just published my first book on Createspace/Amazon.com Problem I have is I am in CANADA and my friends find the shipping prices on .com very high. Any way to have books for sale in Canada?? Better places to promote one's book for Indie authors?

I stock copies at my house for local orders.

I am absolutely confused about what name I will give to a very important book of mine! I have finalized the content after reading and editing it for the umpteenth time but cant get a name that will satisfy me. :(

Sharmishtha wrote: "I am absolutely confused about what name I will give to a very important book of mine! I have finalized the content after reading and editing it for the umpteenth time but cant get a name that will..."

Finding the perfect name can be a headache (not to say the pain in the A word) but don't give up. It will come to you when least expected. Maybe if you'd give us a short blurb, we could help?

The opening to a scene that leads to the start of a journey.....I have everything mapped out but the actual start...and no matter how hard I try it's not coming to me....so frickin' annoying!

I'd say take a shot of vodka and then see what you come up with, but that wouldn't be a very responsible suggestion, would it?

Riley wrote: "The opening to a scene that leads to the start of a journey.....I have everything mapped out but the actual start...and no matter how hard I try it's not coming to me....so frickin' annoying!"

Here's my current dilemma: the next segment of Rehab for Superheroes takes us back to early 1900 London. How realistic do I need to be? I'm looking up when the lightbulb was invented, what types of "methods" were used in psychiatric hospitals at that time. . .etc. How far down that rabbit hole do I go?

.....well....that depends. You're speaking to a man who worked in mental hospitals, and part of the training was learning the old methods.
Ice baths, electroshock, straight jackets, lobotomies, it can go pretty dark and twisted. So it depends on your audience for the book....or maybe it doesn't. I know ten year olds that read George R.R. Martin, now that I think about it....

I don't drink, I'm all but a teetotaler! I do however smoke pot...so now might be a good time to spark up a joint. Good suggestion Ann.
Ann wrote: "I'd say take a shot of vodka and then see what you come up with, but that wouldn't be a very responsible suggestion, would it?

Riley wrote: "The opening to a scene that leads to the start of a jo..."

Oh no!! And I thought we were going to be good friends!!

Just kidding. Six of one, half a dozen of the other in my opinion.

Good luck with the beginning of your journey!

Riley wrote: "I don't drink, I'm all but a teetotaler! I do however smoke pot...so now might be a good time to spark up a joint. Good suggestion Ann.
Ann wrote: "I'd say take a shot of vodka and then see what yo..."

Interesting. . .this is for Dakota's story. It's even darker than Em's, which I feel is fairly dark. Maybe not.

Riley wrote: ".....well....that depends. You're speaking to a man who worked in mental hospitals, and part of the training was learning the old methods.
Ice baths, electroshock, straight jackets, lobotomies, it ..."

People who read and love historical stories will demand you write true facts. People who read your book might not be as hard, yet, anything that rings false will be noticed. What I mean is if electricity existed in some cities yet not in others, the first batch of people will check the facts, the second might just accept that there was electricity in your town without doing research to confirm it.

The right facts are important. So the advice I'll give you is to go as far in the rabbit hole as you can, without going crazy. Stay vague about things you're not sure about. Keep on the safe side.

Don't mention 'historical' in your blurb unless you're absolutely certain about your facts.

Thanks G.G.! Good advice!

G.G. wrote: "People who read and love historical stories will demand you write true facts. People who read your book might not be as hard, yet, anything that rings false will be noticed. What I mean is if elect..."

Any suggestions??

V.M. wrote: "Oh turn of the last century mental hospital behavioural conditioning techniques. You've got this former psych major all a'quiver:)"

Yeah, isn't it wonderful the things we used to do to our mentally ill people?

Ann wrote: "Interesting. . .this is for Dakota's story. It's even darker than Em's, which I feel is fairly dark. Maybe not."

I read it (Em's story) yesterday and liked it - the best of the series so far - but didn't find it all that dark. Interesting, yes. Best of the series so far, yes. But not all that dark. Huh.

Dilemmas - same ol' same ol' with me. Lots and lots to write, little time to do it. Even with days off I have to be running around taking dogs to the vet, doing housework, catching up on paperwork for the job, etc. I seldom have trouble knowing what to write or how to write it - it's all WHEN to write. And I could write most every day, but I like big, long segments of time to write in, not just a few minutes here and there.

For me the religious implications make it dark. I was very worried about how my family would react to it. I thought they might think I was trying to make a statement about my childhood :)

I'm glad you enjoyed them!

Dwayne wrote: "Ann wrote: "Interesting. . .this is for Dakota's story. It's even darker than Em's, which I feel is fairly dark. Maybe not."

I read it (Em's story) yesterday and liked it - the best of the series ..."

Ann wrote: "Feel free to use this to vent frustrations about whatever you're currently working on.

I'll start. I'm currently editing my full length version of Hollow Towns and I just realized that my first s..."

Ann, I did the same thing with one of my recent novels. In the past, I would have dreaded going back and straightening it all out. But, I laughed it off, took the time to get the story the way I wanted it and then let a trusted person read it. I was satisfied with the story when I sent it to the publisher, I know you also will.

Riley's right, it depends on your audience. If it's an adult audience, I would say they expect you should know whether they used electroshock, lobotomies, hydrotherapy, etc.

Ann wrote: "For me the religious implications make it dark. I was very worried about how my family would react to it..."

Em's religion wasn't specified (or I somehow missed it), so it just read to me like a vague and undisclosed cult. I am religious myself and wasn't bothered in the least by the religious side of it. If anything, it made it more interesting.

But, I hear where you're coming from. My approach to religion is very different from most of my family. I don't ever ask any of them to read my stories. I'm sure they won't approve.

Lol BB, not since I worked nights and did nothing but read every night.