Comments on: Reasons to Rewrite

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Thu, 14 May 2020 15:14:11 +0000

In reply to Mick A. Ooh best of luck, Mick, fingers crossed for you!

By: Mick A

Mick A — Thu, 14 May 2020 14:35:19 +0000

I’m awaiting on my Edits for my saga and feeling nervous. On my previously published book, there weren’t that many! Hoping to get lucky again!

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:28:20 +0000

In reply to R J Gould.

Thank you 🙂 – and I think you are absolutely right. It’s hard because writing a novel seems like such a mammoth task when you’re just starting out – but I find it so exciting, now, realising just how much a rewrite can transform a story for the better!

By: R J Gould

R J Gould — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:45:44 +0000

Great blog, Sam, all the things you identify to improve from first draft spot on. I think newcto writing authors have to adopt an attitude of joy in the rewriting process, it’s part of the creative process rather than the pain that needs to be done at the end. Thank you.

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:12:51 +0000

In reply to Lacey Dearie.

Great, glad it was useful, thanks Lacey – and good luck! 🙂

By: Lacey Dearie

Lacey Dearie — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:04:05 +0000

Some really good points made here. I specialise in short stories and novellas and have recently tried to write another novel. It’s been difficult because I’ve forgotten a lot of the things you discuss here. Bookmarking for future guidance! 🙂

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 09:37:13 +0000

In reply to Mollie Blake.

Thanks, Mollie, and it sounds as if you gave your friend really good advice.
As I mentioned in the post, I think my problem used to partly be laziness – not realising just how much work needs to be done AFTER a first draft. I didn’t appreciate just how long the process is to create a manuscript worthy of submission! Sam x

By: Mollie Blake

Mollie Blake — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:56:13 +0000

What an informative post. Thanks Sam. Many of the points raised resonated with me and it’s good to know we are not alone in some of the things we struggle with. But you have also made me aware of areas I may be overlooking, so thank you. I recently advised a friend on editing not to be afraid of loving your own work—otherwise how can we expect readers to love it?—but not to be afraid of being brutal to make the story the best it can be. Thanks again. Best wishes, Mollie x

By: Sam Tonge

Sam Tonge — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 16:50:10 +0000

In reply to Joy Lennick.

Thanks Joy, you too, best of luck 🙂
Yes, I agree – but I love the excitement of writing the first draft, so it’s a price I think is worth paying. And like you say, it does lead to fun re-writing!

By: Joy Lennick

Joy Lennick — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 13:43:30 +0000

Hi Sam, I’m with you all the way regarding your comments and findings.. Putting down that first draft can be too easy…and then you realize the balance is out of kilter; not enough/too much descriptive work and what a hash you’ve made of that new character you’ve slotted in, All the fun of re-writing…And how alluring it all is! The best of luck with your work. Best wishes.