Jump to content
  • entries
    42
  • comments
    252
  • views
    23,408

Comparing Past And Present


Renee Stevens

725 views

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking about my writing lately. I was curious to see how I've changed and grown as an author over the years. The best way for me to figure that out, was to look at my earlier works, primarily Eternity.

 

Eternity was only the second novel I ever wrote, and the first M/M novel. Looking back at it now, I can't help but cringe. There are so many things with it that I'd change if I was rewriting it now. Back then, I didn't know any different. I've been considering revising and ebooking it, but if I do, it's going to need a major overhaul. Things I didn't know then, but that I know now.

 

POV Shifts: While shifts between different characters POV's aren't a bad thing, they have to be done right. Typically, the best way I've found to do it is that different chapters can come from different points of view. In Eternity, I didn't stick to that.

  • In just one 3,500 word chapter, there are 6 POV shifts. Yes, they are at least broken up as separate sections, but still... SIX!!!
  • I another chapter, this one just under 3K, there are five POV shifts


Names in dialogue: Have you ever said the person's name you're speaking to, every time you're speaking to them?

  • In 4 consecutive Dialogue lines (different characters speaking each time) there is the mention of the other person's name, spoken in EVERY ONE
  • In another spot, 6 consecutive dialogue paragraphs, the other person's name is spoken all 6 times!!!


I've only just started looking back at it, but it's amazing to me the things I see now that I did wrong back then. It's interesting to look between Eternity and current works, such as Reece's Choice and No More Hiding, and see the difference.

 

Have you ever looked back at your previous works? If so, what were your thoughts?

  • Like 3

3 Comments


Recommended Comments

That whole dialog thing is something that makes me crazy. I spank authors I beta/edit for in a heartbeat when I catch them doing it. LOL

Link to comment

I know what you mean about changing styles. My earlier stories, especially unfinished stories were far too detailed. My more recent stories are shorter and far more pointed.

 

As for POV, I prefer 2 shifts per chapter at most, it gives me some flexibility to think from other angles, but also limit scope. Time is another thing, with Book 2 of 0's and 1's, I am playing with the aspect of Multi-temporal POV, which I am trying to be very careful with as I am noticing detail creep.

Link to comment

Good point about the names in dialogue. I shall have to watch that in my own stories. Especially now that they actually contain dialogue. :lol:

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Our Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..