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Deborah L Williams's avatar

I love hearing about the process. And as it happens, the novel I've been querying has been coming back from agents who requested the entire MS that "they just didn't love it, couldn't quite connect," etc etc. But I can tell I'm getting close to getting it right--and these questions are *perfect* for tackling a revision-but-I-thought-it-was-maybe-finished. PERFECT. Like, I'm off to write to myself right now. Thank you

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Gwen Pauloski's avatar

Thank you so much, Jami, for revealing your process. I’m heartened. I’ve picked up a novel that I had shelved 10 years ago. I wasn’t sober when I was writing it, and my memory was shit. The more chapters I wrote, the harder time I had keeping track of my own details. I was also new to all of this. My protagonist was sanctimonious and unaware (as I was at the time).

If all first novels are in some way autobiographical, the self I am revealing has changed radically. So the through lines have evolved, the characterization is more complex. After revising, reworking plot and character, researching details of place and time for several weeks, I realized last night I have a half a fucking novel. Most of it is solid.

I’m still working out some changes in the narrative arc, feeling my way through. I don’t wait to revise until I have a giant chunk of text written. But I have to have forward momentum. I am at the point now: needing to start weaving the next part of the tale in earnest. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone, cuz sometimes sitting in that front room with the door closed most of the day, I feel very alone.

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