Hatrack River Writers Workshop: on rewrite requests/ pointer s sought

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Posted by honu (Member # 8277) on :

I just got my first rewrite request///pleasantly surprising to me was that two editors liked the story, but they wanted it to be longer and explore the conflicts more/// so I guess that's a great place to start///does anyone have any other pointers for a rewrite? This is for my work "Last Ship From Garan" I'll be reposting a slight change then looking for readers. It was a 1100 word flash and is now a 3300 word short story//////It's for goldenvisionsmagazine////any rewrite tips?

[This message has been edited by honu (edited January 29, 2009).]

Posted by Hari (Member # 8418) on :

I dont know if its helpfull but when i writte i put down the ideas, and when in reaching the ending chapter i start reading from the beggining and adding more details to the story, i describe the things and emotions that are all around my characters.

Its like if first you make the skeleton of the story and when you put the last bone you start adding the flesh, the nerves, the blood, etc. That way when you finish the heart of the book can start beating. (creepy example?)

Make sure to read your book several times, you will see that each time you read it you will find a new thing to add, like a joke, a clue to the reader so he can try to guess whats going to happend and many more things.

You can also make a copie of your book and give it to a friend or a family member so he can read it and give you another point of view of it and were it gets too complicated.

I think the rewritting its a long proces but also can be fun.

Happy writting!

Hari

[This message has been edited by Hari (edited January 29, 2009).]

Posted by TaleSpinner (Member # 5638) on :

"they wanted it to be longer and explore the conflicts more"

I wouldn't make it longer just to make it longer. I'd focus on exploring the conflicts, and would interpret "make it longer" as "there's room to explore the conflicts".

For me, "exploring the conflicts" would probably mean making character motivation more clear, and resolving conflicts actively rather than passively, with action and dialogue instead of infodump.

Also, adding some minor conflicts can give a character depth, making the climactic conflict more engaging.