Discovering what I don't know

Hello world!

So what is a rewrite? An opportunity in humility, exploring my enormous mountain of ignorance.

My last entry makes me laugh. How certain I sound -- as if I was a writing professor rather than an ordinary jane, musing about my not-so-unique life experiences!! Each day of my rewrite, I've needed to learn something new. During the writing phase, I also experienced epiphanies, but they were "A-ha!" leaps forward in existing skills rather than slap-in-the face dumbfounding doubletakes. "Duh -- huh?"

As Thos commented, my biggest bombshell was discovering that I had written an entire novel featuring the wrong protagonist. During a rewriting exercise designed to fully flesh out my characters I recognized the issue. With each main character, and I have (too?) many, I struggled to meaningfully describe their weaknesses, needs, fears, etc. After pushing through the exercise on three or four characters, including my presumed female protagonist (P1), I suddenly found a character where I zipped through the answers without hesitation. I was sure of this guy.

I took a look at my answers closely. This male character (P2) certainly had more to gain or lose than P1. And I was clearer about what drove P2 than P1. P2 was a foreigner, which guaranteed gaps in knowledge and experience where conflict could sprout, and pique the reader's interest. I had wanted a strong female lead, but P2 was clearly stronger as a protagonist.

Strangely, P2 had not existed in the concept or outline of my novel. He wasn't in chapter one, where I thoughtfully introduced P1. In fact, I created P2 on the fly, as a foil to a fellow that attracted P1 -- just a dot of salsa to spice up the meal. Once born, though, P2 took on a life of his own, becoming ever more dominant, until I realized, partway through writing, that he had joined my palette of major characters. The fact that P2 had no outline to follow gave him the freedom to embody the opposite of all that was weak about P1. And I wrote on, as oblivious as a keyboard.

So rewrites. If not for the rewrite, I would have stuck with my initial concept -- my outline -- P1 as protagonist. I have to admit, she helped make my first draft somewhat insipid. It probably would have failed as a novel.

I'm still in the shallows of my rewrite. I tremble to think what tsunami may sweep over my story next.

Rewrites

Hello World!

I come in contact with diverse people from different walks of life -- students, trade folks, techies, professionals, parents, retirees, creators, doers, talkers, thinkers and even a few other writers. Yet, overwhelmingly, people look at me with surprise, curiosity or a supportive sadness, when I say that I am starting a rewrite of my book. The misconception appears strong that completing a book's rough draft means that one is virtually finished. I experience sparse understanding about the role of rewrites in authoring a novel.

Here are several things rewrites are not (primarily):

• copy editing -- checking for spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity, word use, etc.
• an indication of flawed writing, or the need to "fix" a problem
• quick and simple
• rare or few in number
• the "polish" on a mostly finished product
• optional (especially for those of us who plan to publish)

So what is a rewrite? I'll share what I have discovered in my next post.

Beginnings

Welcome, world. I am Sharman -- a writer.

I always thought I would write a book. My first serious attempt was in elementary school. That story developed, over several months, to about 10 pages -- a great length, it seemed -- before I set it aside, overwhelmed at the amount remaining to be told.

The last week of May, 2009, I decided my goal would become reality. With the gift of a netbook, that I carried everywhere, I spent June through early October writing a first draft. Rough though it was, I shared it with three members of my family this winter. My infant novel exists!

This month, March of 2010, I've started my (first) rewrite. I'm excited, pleased that I have written over 550 pages for the first time in my life, and open to whatever improves the story.

My reasons for this blog are (in no particular order) to. . .

1. document my journey,
2. inspire others,
3. learn from creative people,
4. keep myself accountable, and . . .
5. find an audience for when I finally publish my novel. (I will not say "if!")

I hope you'll join me on this exciting journey. Welcome, world!