For me, I believe the problem is I got distracted halfway through with another project and when I went back to it, I lost my Superhero-Writing-Mojo. But, I think I've found a solution.
I'm starting over. I'm not going to scrap what I have so far, I'm just going to re-write it from the beginning--re-type every word. However, this time I'm going to keep better notes (a better timeline), and I'm going to use Scrivener.
Have you ever faced this problem? What did you do? Have you ever started a manuscript over?
Picture source: here
Clarissa - I admire you for being willing to start over. That's happened to me, too, and it can be so discouraging when you realise you have to do that. In fact, I had the start the manuscript I just finished all over again. It was hard but in retrospect I'm very, very glad I did.
ReplyDeleteWith my so-called novel (sometimes in progress) I have started over three times from the beginning, but keeping some of the intermediate stuff that I like, in particular dialogue. Getting a good beginning is the most difficult, I think >:)
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
Yay! You found the starting over mojo - that takes tremendous confidence and courage. You have the heart of a warrior writer!
ReplyDeleteI have heard other writers say this really does work. And I can understand how it does because you really reconnect and re-immerse yourself. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI started over twice with one of my older novels. It was worth it in the end but it was hard work. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteI use Scrivener too and I love it. Would be lost without it now. :)
I so hope that works! I haven't YET done it, but the 2nd and 3rd books in a trilogy I have NEED to have this happen... changes to the first when I cleaned it up and a grand plan I decided to overlay make it just too big to call it editing--I have PoV changes and plot changes and a new starting place...
ReplyDeleteJust think how much better it will be the second time around!
ReplyDeleteNow hurry and write - I want to read it as well.
Good luck starting over!! I think your ms will be better and stronger for it too!! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteI think I must have re-written from scratch many times!! LOL!! Most don't ever see the light! Take care
x
I've started a manuscript over, but not for the same reason. That's definitely brave of you. Good luck with your rewrites!
ReplyDeleteI had a completed MS that needed a makeover.
ReplyDeleteI changed the third person into first POV. Sheesh, what a mess and it took forever. but came out looking great.
Mucho Lucko to you and the coming battle :)
I have started over. It was totally necessary, and I don't regret it one bit. You do what you have to do to make it work!
ReplyDeleteI have started over many times! Also, I will take a typed ms and rewrite longhand, to get a different view of it. That will often do the trick for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your wonderful comments and support. I'm actually excited to get started even though I'm still working hard on edits as well.
ReplyDeleteThats such a brave thing to do, well done you:) And its probably the right thing, it'll get you right back in there.
ReplyDeleteClarissa, That's exactly what you need to do. Rewriting will instill the voices again in your head...if you want that...voices in your head. :)
ReplyDeleteI've had to rewrite a chapter before, but never started from the very beginning. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteClarissa, this is inspiring. I have thought about doing just this with three separate novels. I would be very interested to read of your progress.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that this is for your son.
Wow. I'm in awe. I've never started re-writing a novel from scratch. Let us know how it goes. I'm cheering for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process right now of rewriting. It's my first novel and after putting it aside for six months I can see what I need to do to 'fix' it. A total rewrite!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying the process. I hope it goes well for you too - good luck!
ah, that mojo ... always the naughty one :)
ReplyDeleteI've had to scrape an entire manuscript late last June. I'm not finished with the first draft yet, but I definitely think that starting over was the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI had this problem when I wasn't outlining my stories before I threw myself into writing. My solution was to restart and outline.
ReplyDeleteI went back to the place I lost my mojo and screamed, "Allie, allie, in come free." :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Hi Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteI've started over before- even completely rewritten whole novels- sparing only the parts I thought worked. In a way it's freeing, don't you think? Best of luck with your mojo.
Cheers~
I had a story that I just couldn't let go, but it wasn't working. I ignored it for a couple months, then rewrote the first three chapters from scratch using scrivener--which is awesome btw). It was so much better and
ReplyDeleteI was able to take some of the old stuff and work it in. Don't be afraid to kill that manuscript!
EEEK.... I know how you feel. I am toying with the idea of re-writing my first novel, Mostly just the first few chapters. The rest still works.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it Clarissa.
I can only answer this from writing multi-part blog posts, but strating from scratch after a long break has helped me. If I would simply take better notes, I would be so much more productive.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy, Clarissa. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.
ReplyDeleteAlways remember:
Some succeed because they are destined to;
but most succeed because they are determined to.
I have scrapped various stories..not written a novel yet, but I do believe I'll do i if that is what is called for! All the best for the re-write...it will not be easy, but you're going to get it done :)
ReplyDeleteSure have! I lost an entire printed MS with notes and crossings out etc for revision. It was when we were moving and I was distraught. I had to start over with the reading and revisions but luckily I could still re-print the original unaltered copy so I just started again.
ReplyDeleteTotally have! String Bridge went through a total of SEVEN complete re-writes. Can you imagine?
ReplyDeleteYou can say I started over with my current project as I wrote a good story with a weak middle in Danish a couple of years ago. Now I´m trying to improve the middle part - AND translate it into English in one process. Not quite easy, but some of my trusted little helpers think it is my best novel so I really want to get there this time. My, it takes a lot of determination, though, because there are so many things to keep in mind (show, don´t tell, POV etc), but I don´t just want to translate scenes that are rubbish.
ReplyDeleteI've abandoned books a few chapters in - just temporarily though. Someday I'll get back to them.
ReplyDeleteGotta admire you though. I'm too lazy to start over. :)
Starting over is probably a very good idea. I can't face some of the paper piles I have, so I think I'll try it...
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any that I've started completely over, but definitely have had some that I've "drawered."
ReplyDeleteHave you used Scrivener before? I tried it once and found it very confusing. Maybe I need to dust it off...