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Comparing Past And Present


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?

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Mann Ramblings

Posted

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

W_L

Posted

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.

Timothy M.

Posted

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:

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