Just for fun, I deleted 25,000 words from a novella (that would be the whole novella) and started over with a new plot. I outlined this one in advance. It wasn't good enough.
When you wonder why your favorite author isn't churning out six or seven books a year, this is why. No one wants to write just OKAY books. An author wants to write the best book possible, even if it means scrapping everything and starting with a blank page after five months of work.
- Liana
I agree completely. When I see writers say things like, "Even if it's not your best work, just publish it anyway and move on - you'll still make some money on it," I die a little inside.
ReplyDeleteIt still hurts to throw out all those words, though. I dread that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that means, "This story is deeply broken." You have my sympathy, for certain. Good luck with the new version of the book.
Best of luck. I'd never want to put out okay stuff when I know it could be better.
ReplyDelete