
I have to tell you: I’m having such fun with Give in to the Feeling it’s not even healthy!
Why am I surprised? I don’t know! I mean, these are the same characters from the novels, and yes, I’ve always loved writing about them, but with this story there’s something different. It may be that, being a novelette, I see it as it takes shape and evolves and comes to a readable stage a lot faster than the novels. It’s a process of weeks, not years. I can see the moment where I can say: Fine, this is the best I can do with this. You can read it. And I suspect that last part (you can read it) is the one that I find so exciting.
And then… well, I liked the story in the first place, but I LOVE this rewrite. I delved so much deeper into the characters, because now I can afford it. I know them a lot better. I know their fears and their hopes and their hearts far better than the first time I wrote the story. They actually brought me places I didn’t expect, so that to an extend this feels a completely new story.
I had hoped I could finish the first revise (there needs to be at least another before this goes on to the editor) this weekend. Unfortunately, life interfered. I wrote very little this week, less than I anticipated, which is annoying, but hey! I’m still half through the story. I’ve adjusted many of those little things at the beginning that don’t really fit because when you wrote them you didn’t know how things would end up shaping up. There will be two action sections in the coming chapters, one being the conclusion… which is kind of a mess. But then, first drafts of action scenes are always a mess… at list mine.
Can’t wait to revise chapter 4 which is my absolute favorite.
I’ve also started writing ‘diaries’ of the four main characters in the story, which I plan to post on this blog at a future time.
I can’t tell you how much fan it is! These are written in the first person, and – although I’m not a first-person storyteller at all – I’m enjoying discovering things about my characters in their own way. I’m a bit worried that I might reveal something I shouldn’t, but I promise I’ll be very careful not to spoil the story. You know. Just in case one day you’ll want to read it.
As for the AtoZ Challenge, I’ve started taking down notes from The Jazz Revolution and I’m kind of shocked how long it takes. I’m still happy, because I’m doing the job, and I’m learning things, but I’m quite sure I won’t be able to write the challenge posts during NaNo. Funny, if you think that the AtoZ posts were my main project before NaNo started.
But I’m still planning to have them ready for the end of the year, especially if (as it seems) I will have a few extra days off over the holidays. And I’m looking forward to read a few more books about Jazz Age jazz before the challenge happens, so to be able to enrich my posts a bit more (so I hope).
I can’t complain, as you can see. What about you? How’s your NaNo getting along? Are you planning to do some extra work in December. Holidays are nearly upon us, you know?

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6 Comments
Sara C. Snider
That’s awesome, I’m glad it’s going well and you’re having fun! It’s always exciting when stories take you someplace you didn’t expect. 🙂
jazzfeathers
That’s so true. My expereince is that if you listen to the characters, you’ll always end up in unexpected places 🙂
Sara L.
Sarah, your joy for the novelette just ripples off the computer screen! You hit on what’s the most important part of writing besides getting the words on the page: Losing yourself in your passion and the thrill of discovery. I love it. 😀
jazzfeathers
I have to be honest, what I feel for this novelette is kind of scary. How can anyone possibly feel the same about it when they’ll read it?
But at the same time, is such a good feeling, I’m just going to enjoy it 🙂
Alex Hurst
I’m so glad that this rewrite is giving you more insight and energy. That’s always the best thing. 🙂 Good luck on completing the challenge! Just a few more days to go!!
jazzfeathers
Thanks Alex 🙂
This has been such a nice challenge and it gave me so much. And there’s a new journey ahead. Can’t wait to start.