La Volpe
Sage
I am currently in the middle of the revision of a fantasy novel I wrote something like a year ago. As I mentioned elsewhere, this my the first time doing an official revision. I usually write a novel, and then promptly just throw it into my virtual backyard and never look at it again -- for two main reasons; 1) It seemed like a lot of work and I hate doing things over, and 2) by the time the novel was simmered enough for revision, it felt like I had learned so many new things that the novel couldn't be salvaged (i.e. the foundation was terribly built and a new one needed to be made to end up with a novel that's even half-okay).
Now, on to my point:
I'm at the brink of (yet again) abandoning the revision, and simply rewriting the entire (or at least most of the) thing. The worst part is that this is already the second iteration of this particular novel.
Having identified a bunch of points that were dragging the story down or stuff that didn't make sense, I sketched up some new solutions, etc. But now, most of my story doesn't fit anymore.
So, finally, my question:
Is this just me being an idiot? Or is this standard operating procedure for revision sometimes? Do you guys ever do huge rewrites where 40 - 60% of your novel will be hugely altered or simply thrown out (and the rest changed quite a bit)?
Also, if you have any general revision tips, feel free to share.
Now, on to my point:
I'm at the brink of (yet again) abandoning the revision, and simply rewriting the entire (or at least most of the) thing. The worst part is that this is already the second iteration of this particular novel.
Having identified a bunch of points that were dragging the story down or stuff that didn't make sense, I sketched up some new solutions, etc. But now, most of my story doesn't fit anymore.
So, finally, my question:
Is this just me being an idiot? Or is this standard operating procedure for revision sometimes? Do you guys ever do huge rewrites where 40 - 60% of your novel will be hugely altered or simply thrown out (and the rest changed quite a bit)?
Also, if you have any general revision tips, feel free to share.