Writer's Wednesday: When the story goes sideways

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Where has the month gone? I think I was due for a writing update last week, but something happened. Let's see... oh, yes. That was the day I was planning trips for later in the year. (Nor was it the first day I've spent lately on trip planning. That's always so much more fun than working!) 

I'll save the details for next week's IWSG post, but today, let's talk about... really lousy moments in MS editing.

Here's the thing: my beta readers were mostly happy with the new novel, but everyone mentioned the ending not quite working. That's obviously not okay, so I started thinking about how to fix it. And I got a pretty good idea! Alas, that idea means a major rewrite from about 2/3 of the way through.

Since I thought I had the end in sight, this is pretty much like when you're climbing a mountain and you think this next little rise will be the summit... and you top the rise and see another thousand feet of climbing ahead of you.

Now, if I were out hiking, I *might* consider that I'm kind of tired, and maybe the view from this point is good enough, and I could go back and get a nice cold drink in town... probably not, but it would be an option.

It's not an option when it's a matter of making the book work right. So... here I am, diving back into big changes, crossing fingers and toes that I can make the changes without completely rewriting the last 20,000 words, and thinking about laying in a stock of brownies to help me get through. 

Wish me luck!

Totally gratuitous photo of a butterfly.

 

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 25, 2026 at 3:31 PM

    Good for you that you have GOOD beta readers who are truth-tellers. I hope you find a way towards a better ending without having to rewrite 20K words! BTW, I'm starting over on my own WIP, only 10 chapters roughed out so far, so not as bad a complete rewrite! Carol Baldwin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rosi HollinbeckJune 25, 2026 at 4:36 PM

    Love the gratuitous photo. Good luck with your revisions.

    ReplyDelete

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