So relieved! I've finally sorted out the problem with book four in my Shifters' Haven series -Aaron's Awakening, and now I feel I am able to move forward with the story and hopefully get it finished in the next couple of days.
This morning I had a chat to a friend about the book and she confirmed what I had been thinking about the story myself - there was too much going on in it.
I'd introduced an unneccessary character, bent on revenge and basically boxed myself into a corner. I wanted this story to more about the developing relationship between the two main characters, one of whom was hurt terribly in the past and finds it difficult to move on with his life. I've taken the character out now and the book is much better for it.
I was starting to lose patience with this story which is a shame because the two main characters are my favourite in the series so far and I want to do them justice. Writing should be enjoyable but it was beginning to feel like a chore, something I hoped would never happen. But panic over, I'm back in love with my characters again and now I can't wait to finish their story.
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to point you in the right direction and help you see things more clearly, I guess it was because I was too close to the characters and their story. I'd never seen the need for what writers call a 'critique partner' before because the first three books in the series practically wrote themselves but I can definitely see the advantage now. Louise if you're reading this I shall be calling on your services again. lol.
I wonder what other writers out there think. Do you have a critique partner, someone you can discuss your books with as you're writing them? Do you find that this helps? How important is a fresh pair of eyes?
I have two good friends who are also writers, and we all bounce ideas and thoughts off each other all the time. One of them served as "alpha" reader for my novel--I sent it to her in big sections as I finished them, and she pointed out issues and problems so I could fix them on the fly. I've done similar things for other friends as well; one was having problems working out details in a fanfic "bigbang," and I gave her a few suggestions that got her over the hump.
ReplyDeleteIt totally depends on the story, but I think a fresh pair of eyes can be a great way to get past a roadblock. :)
Shae - Thanks for reading and for your comment. Yes I'm starting to realise that bouncing ideas off friends is a good idea. I was getting so frustrated with this book that I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish it but now it's back on track and I really do feel that I can move forward quickly with it.
ReplyDeleteThe friend I discussed it with is also a writer so it was great to get that second opinion on the characters and plot. It really helped me and it's good to know I'm not the only one out there that needs a little help or push on occassions. :-)