Starting over ... sort of

@Arkine (216)
United States
May 21, 2011 4:58pm CST
Well, I've given myself one heck of a task recently. I decided that the first three novels I wrote for a series weren't working out. So instead of finishing the edit and publishing them, I've decided to use them only as history when needed. This means a complete re-write of my 4th novel in the series ... because it has now become the first book. There's no way to say if this is the craziest idea that I've had, or if it'll work out exactly how I hope it will. Anyone else ever done something like this?
1 person likes this
4 responses
• Philippines
21 May 11
I can't think if I've done anything like that. People may call you crazy for doing it but it's your decision to make. I'll call you courageous because you know it's not working so you did what others could not and that is START all over again! I wish you the best in everything that you do!
@Arkine (216)
• United States
21 May 11
Thanks, Krishna! I was debating the problem for months, but it wasn't until a week or so ago that it finally sunk in what was wrong. I was just going to go with a graphic novel, instead of doing standard prose, but after a conversation with a few friends that liked the book (even with all the problems) I decided it would be best to just rewrite the darn thing. ~L~
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 May 11
I can understand what you are going through. I always start a book, get it partially written, get another idea, and leave the previous book behind. I always think it wasn't good enough. I do sometimes use my previous versions as reference to my currents, but sometimes I think I am being too picky..lol. We are very hard on ourselves. I haven't written anything is a long time. I miss it. I might have to start something this summer when I have time. I have to be "into" it..lol Great luck with your book.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 May 11
Well, I have often felt when it comes to Writing that we are often our own worst critics but at the same time we need to be when wanting to have something published as when we are not Happy how do we expect anyone else to like it as well? I know personally this is probably one of the reasons I am not a published author but never find time to rewrite and change some things. If writing something for paid publication could only be much easier.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
23 May 11
Well, I have never written a novel so no I haven't ever had this experience. I would say that you are very hard working and dedicated if you are willing to do this. It is very brave of you to accept a whole new book after you have already written three.