For weeks I have been telling you I am in the revision and editing phase of book two of The Fortune Seekers – Power and Authority.
But, what does this mean and why does it take so long?
This week my editor, Jordan, responded to my questions about a chapter he has critiqued, and following are his comments. Maybe you, my friends and followers will understand where my time is presently being spent.
Publishing date is still a big question mark.
Direct quote from Jordan:-
Regarding my suggestion of putting certain things into scenes I’d say my reasoning is the following:
– You tend to put the domestic scenes (e.g. doing the washing and moments of intimacy in their relationship) into immediate action and scenes (dialogue, movement, etc.) yet characters’ historical narration passes quickly over incidents of interest that could also supply the texture of lived life in your setting (time and place). The effect is that as a reader there are times where I feel a little stuck in a single character’s consciousness/psychology/recollection. This is fine of course as a stylistic choice, but as you say, it can make the narration become a tiny bit samey and it can drag sometimes. A little bit of movement, action, description of surrounds, etc. would definitely give the the texture of real life, the many experiences and elements that make up, say, relocating to a small mining town.
– When she describes certain instances, such as the boys’ escape, I found myself, as a reader, wanting to experience the rising and falling tension of that experience, in the moment. I think it’s a matter of balancing broad/historical narration with the minutiae of life and if I’m honest I’d say that the balance isn’t quite there yet (which is completely natural for a draft!)
Regarding length, the above doesn’t necessarily need to increase word count. When it comes to later revision, there are things that could be cut out to make the prose (and scene choice) even more deliberate and shaped around characters’ arcs. But that will come later, I’m sure.
I agree, the sorting can definitely come later! I’m proceeding for the time being by drawing attention to the elements that I think are perhaps standing between this draft and a stronger one.
Keep going and we will indeed sort it out, as always my feedback is purely suggestion with the aim of helping this be the best, most readable version of itself (I leave personal bias/preference out of my critique as much as possible for this reason).
I hope that clarifies my meaning and intent a little!
Speak soon,
Jordan
There you are. Editing
Today’s work is focused on doing just that. We are up to chapter twelve and there are another thirty to go before he helps me by cutting, shaping, deleting and refining even more.
Below are four of the real people you will meet in Power and Authority. This is their story, kind of.
Until next time,
Glennis
Danl – Charlotte and Dan’s son
Eliza, his wife
Where might they be when these photos were taken?
Echuca, NSW
Melbourne, Australia
Coalville, Victoria, Australia
Tuapeka, New Zealand
glennisbrowne.com 