This past month, my insecurities have involved the re-writes to my first novella, and feedback from beta readers.
Fortunately, my beta readers came back with positive feedback, although it can get confusing sometimes when opinions vary. What one thinks needs some work, others might think it’s fine the way it is. It can take a little while to digest it all, but at the end of the day, it’s our stories and we take the suggestions on-board that resonate with us.
The re-writing itself though is a different matter.
Faced with doing re-writes for the novella, and incorporating the feedback, I felt overwhelmed by the challenge. It can be quite daunting, and I began to doubt if I could do it. I was beginning to feel like a rabbit caught in the headlights. This is pretty much the same reaction I used to have before writing an essay assignment for University. I know now, this is just part of my process.
I broke the re-writes down into smaller parts, working on one scene a day, which was much more manageable. I will probably use the same technique when I write my first novel.
I currently have two more novellas to re-write, as well as a couple of short stories I plan to self-publish in time for Christmas, but at least I know how to tackle it.
By the end of this year, I should be very experienced with the re-writing stage! 😉
How do you tackle the re-writing process? Have you found the feedback from beta readers beneficial to your writing? What have you been insecure about this month?
The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
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Good luck with your re-writes!
To answer your question, I’ve been insecure about my prose. I don’t want it to be bland, but I don’t want it to be purple, either. Argh.:-)
Thanks, Priscilla! I know what you mean about prose. My beta readers have been very helpful with that too. 😉
With differing opinions, see what the majority says about the same issue. If only one person says something negative, go with your gut.
Thanks for the advice, Chrys. 🙂
Feedback is super beneficial, even if I don’t always follow it. You can’t please everyone, but it’s great to get into the heads of your readers to see what they see.They will often catch something I didn’t even consider.
Best wishes for your rewrites.
The feedback I’ve received has been very helpful, and as you say, I’ve been given ideas I hadn’t considered. Thanks, Lynda!
Short scenes sound like the way to go.
I usually have three critique partners and when they all agree on a point, I change something. When only two, I consider what I can do. Just one, I’ll usually discard it. But ultimately I go with my gut feeling.
Thanks, Alex! Sounds like good advice. I appreciate your help and for stopping by. 🙂
Sorry to hear you’re having a tough time with rewrites. Honestly they’re the bane of my existence too, so I totally get where you’re coming from.
I tend to first approach what the majority of my beta re as ders agree has to change. Once I make a decision and rewrite those bits I tackle the varying opinions. In the end, ots your decision and it can be daunting, but I’m glad you’re figuring it out. It just takes time, and I believe in you!
Thank you, Jonny! Re-writes are a slow, agonising process, but I’m getting there. 😉 Two beta readers have said something (for two different projects), that has given me pause for thought. Trouble is I tend to overthink things, slowing my progress! I’m learning to take their advice on board and going with my gut. 😉
Very welcome! Yeah, revisions are what take me the longest, but it’s a necessary evil.
Yeah I can overthink sometimes too, but every once in a while you have to step away for a sec and let the answers come to you.
I was doing revisions yesterday to my short story and bam! I got a new better ending. Now I just have to write it lol.