Threads in a Tapestry

I know, I’ve been slack on blogging. My excuse is that I was working on revising the book I lovingly call ‘Prince Sexy’.

It was an interesting set of revisions. Really interesting. Because when I got the letter it seemed like a major set of revisions. Conflict was off, character wasn’t deep enough.

When I spoke to my editor over the phone though, she said that the structure was fine. (Except the end, which did need to change, and change it I did!)

Now, I’ve done a lot of rewrites. I’m more or less comfortable (that could be the wrong word…) with THAT style of revision. Burn it down, start over. Only the names remain the same.

What I’m some what new to is this revisions that takes what you have and deepens existing material.

I would compare it to pulling out all the blue and purple thread in a tapestry and replacing it with gold and green, without compromising the structure, or essential look or the piece. Will a color change that drastic alter it? YES. Hugely.

It was a matter of going into scenes and leaving dialogue the same, but changing action and reaction. And yet again, I was reminded of how important those little bits of information you’re giving the reader in those moments are.

Instead of resenting the allure of the heroine’s dress, I have the hero being grateful for it. Because physical attraction destracts him from the emotional connection he feels for her.

Instead of being sad when she talks about her failed marriage, my heroine is angry. I did change dialogue in that scene, while keeping setting the same, and basic information the same. What was different was how she relayed it.

These changes which, within a scene, seemed subtle and small, changed the MS as a whole in a major way.

I’m not certain if I was successful in the revision yet, but once more, I find out how much I’m still learning. And that’s invaluable.

I’m reminded of the power of subtle moments. Of the way changing a few words can add depth. Of how important small actions, reactions, facial expressions, are.

Side note, all of you who are entering Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write…Best of luck to you!! I’m so proud of all the work you’ve done!