At the end of last week, I (kind of) finished my 3rd round of edits on Odd Squad. I say 'kind of', because I'm probably going to change the end slightly. I think that the arc dip when they realise that that they haven't defeated the bad guys and saved the day, needs to be extended. I've mapped the new piece out, I just need to start writing it.
The thing that's stopping me from diving in head first, is that I suddenly feel that my writing isn't strong enough. The story is at the shorter end of the acceptable length that a YA book should be, and I have a problem seeing how I can make it longer (other than putting in stuff that doesn’t drive the plot forwards). At the same time, thouh, it feels that there is something missing. Maybe I'm confusing developing the characters and their relationships with unnecessary padding.
Maybe I should just bite the bullet and give the MS to a couple of Crit partners and see if they feel the same.
The really odd thing is, that in typing this, I think I've managed to work out what is wrong, and what I need to do. Thanks for listening, and pulling the sympathetic faces at the right moments.
So glad I was here to listen to you. I take all the credit for whatever you do to lengthen your book. : )
ReplyDeleteI do think having your critters look at it is a good idea. It always helps me!
Credit where credit's due! You earnt it :o)
DeleteLOL! Okay, I only laughed at the last line. I pulled the sympathetic faces through the rest. It's a dilemma that most of us face, although others have to figure out how to cut all the unnecessary parts that you already have. Hang in there. I'm sure it's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI like your way of thinking Leigh. Thanks for the sympathetic faces :o)
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ReplyDeleteBite the bullet! Sometimes I stare at my work so long, I don't "see" it anymore. It's like a script I've already memorized and can't get away from. That's when critters and beta readers come in handy. You'll see your MS through a fresh set of eyes. :)
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