Sunday, June 9, 2013

Oh my heck

I went to a my local Treasure Valley Writers Guild last night and each of us had 7 minutes to read our book.  Then it was critiqued.  To make a long story short, even though I'm on the last edit, I just deleted the first 6 pages.

I've read my book to many times to count and have had at least 20 people read it.  (And yes, they liked it)  But last night when I was reading it out loud, it got a little boring even to myself.  And my group said they lost interest after the second or third page.

A big thanks to them for helping me make a better book.

10 comments:

  1. Jeanette, this is so common. My book is out five years now and whenever I read it I see places I feel are boting--even though noone has ever said it to me, I'm sure if it bores me, it surely must bore others. Gratefully, only small sections bore me. Think of books from long ago--they were boring in spots too, so don't worry so much--every page can't be filled with action. It's a book, not a short story.

    Micki

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hang in there, Jeanette! I have never tried to write a novel but know from hearing about others that it is a monumental task. Takes a lot of time and immeasurable patience!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't think I could write a novel without having dull places, Jeanette. No worries, you know about the issues now and you will fix them so your story will sparkle!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's a good idea to have a book with a very strong opening to keep the readers turning pages. The message you got from yourself and your audience is an important one. Keep at it!

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't have one bit of a remorse for cutting those pages. Some of the info is stated not to far later so it would have been a repeat. We don't like repeats. It starts with some action. Thank you for your comments to all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There's something grand about reading your work out loud. You find all sorts of stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sad part is, if I keep rewriting, I might as well start a new book. I need to stop (to a point) and leave it be.

      Delete
  7. Writers groups are great, aren't they? Sometimes an objective reader can see things we don't. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

    ReplyDelete