I have been writing my novel, The Cost of Weather, for four years, which is apparently not so stunning in the novel writing world. I’ve come to think of this work as my thesis. Writing the novel has taught me how to write a novel. I hope. Recently, at the CCWWP (Canadian Creative Writers and Writing Programs) conference I chatted with Richard Scrimger about his first novel. He confessed, in his humorous self-deprecating manner, that his first novel was not very good. Bad, in fact, was how he put it. And it’s never seen the light of any agent’s day. But, he told me, it did teach him how to write a novel.
Inwardly, I sighed. Was my novel to meet the same fate? It’s out now, packaged and padded with names and credits to guard against the slush pile, but after the blush of satisfaction that it was DONE and READY, I began to wonder… and then my peers at Author Salon had a few things to say about the first fifty pages, and then… I knew. It isn’t right.
That niggling feeling that I had somehow cheated burst open and flooded me with the light of TRUTH.
I am not a man.
There I said it.
Writing from a tight first person perspective was how I was able to get in to the protagonist’s head and heart, but evidently I created a character that no one is much interested in. I thought he was hot, but that says more about me, perhaps, and my perception of and relationships with men, than it does about how this guy is perceived by almost everyone who has read the work. This has been an on-going issue that I thought many times I had rectified. I gave him more power, chopped off his finger, made him a bit funnier… alas, no one is buying his transformation. And so what…?
The real story is Katie’s story. The present manuscript introduces her about halfway through, and her story resonates with Simon’s. He raises heaven and hell to try to get his daughter back into his life, and he’s a good guy. Katie’s husband molested their son’s babysitter and after he gets out of jail, makes no effort to connect with his son. Both Katie and Simon were blind to their respective spouse’s true intentions.
Suddenly it just makes sense to tell at least half the story from her perspective. Three years ago, I considered this, but I didn’t know how I would tackle it. The notion seemed overwhelming and beyond my capacity. I wrote fifty pages of Katie’s story and then cut it out. Luckily, I still have those pages, and now I think I can do it.
In fact, I’ve begun. One word at a time. She’s in first person, he’s in third. It’s a different story now, but it’s the story I’d really like to tell. Now all I have to do (aside from write it) is think of a title. Any suggestions?
Oh Deepam, I know how you feel. I can’t comment too much on your decision – I’m one of those people that really liked Simon. I liked Katie, as well, and I’m sure you will make her come even more alive as you focus on telling their story from her point of view. You are a brilliant writer.
It’s just that I’m in much the same boat with my main character. She was always the weakest, never quite right and I couldn’t put my finger on how to fix her. With some recent advice I finally have a direction – but the task is daunting. Pretty much every scene the main character is in will have to be tweaked, poked, massaged or re-written.
Like you said – one word at a time…one word at a time. After all, it isn’t really the final product that determines success, it is the journey. Good luck on your journey. Enjoy the dance.
Are you talking about Signy? I thought she rocked, but it’s true she is a bit of a wild card to be doing such delicate work that requires intense focus and discipline. Is that it? Because I kind of got where she was coming from… Always nice to know one isn’t alone! Thanks so much for your comments, Susan.
I really liked the direction you were going with Simon, but I’m intrigued by the change. As Susan said, you are a brilliant writer and I can’t wait to read about Katie. I’m wondering, though, why one pov in first person and one in third? I like a dual first-person narrative, although I have to admit to a bias as that’s what I did in my first novel.
Nothing is carved in stone, as you know, Lisa! I just thought it made sense. Inside Katie – a bit of distance with Simon. I do like first person, but it has its limitations. I’m playing with a couple of possibilities right now, but leaving the ms the way it is until I hear back from the agent.
Oh, my … Deepam. I felt sick for you just reading this. Not because of the realization and decision, but because I understand the magnitude of what you’re about to undertake.
I’m way behind you and Susan, but almost re-thinking the whole writing thing because I’m in such a quandry about everything right now.
I don’t think I could ever write from a male POV, so my hat’s off to you for even trying, let alone completing your book!! Do you find, already, that there’s a smoothness and ease as you write Katie’s words? A flow that you didn’t feel with Simon?
As writers we can only encourage each other. I agree with others that you have such a gift for words. I used to sit in class, in awe of your free-fall stuff. I KNOW, KNOW, KNOW that you will persevere, and I KNOW that you will nail this. Then I shall say, with many others, “I knew her back when …”
Oh Phyllis, you are so generous! Yes, when I write Katie everything streams out, the voice clear, the scenes set… it helps that I have written this story upside down and inside out, but writing from a woman’s POV is a hell of a lot simpler! Who said women were complicated? Sheesh.
They’re not all that complicated if you’re a woman! 🙂
Sometimes feedback of this magnitude can be overwhelming, but you have turned it into a motivating event! You obviously believe deeply in your story, your characters and Author Salon … going to check them out.
Thanks, Cheryl. It is overwhelming, but I’m not ready to give up. I just need a few extra hours in the day (Like everyone else!) to write. What I realized was that the woman’s story was too real and close and I somehow believed I could just slip it in under his story. One has to be so vigilant and understand the psychology – one’s own as much as the characters’.
A word of caution in regards to Author Salon – it is a worthwhile venture, for sure, but it is grueling. You have to be willing to critique five peers repeatedly within their guidelines. I recommend you stick within your genre when choosing peers, as well, since you are expected to compare your peers’ work with several in their genre. It’s worth it, but it does take valuable time and effort.