What do you call it when you change your entire completed book from third person POV to first person POV? Besides pure craziness, I mean.
Because that's what I've been doing. I changed my book from third person to first person, which was totally crazy, and a lot of freaking work! My MC wasn't in every scene, so I had to write her into the two chapters she didn't appear, which seemed to be the easiest way.
Why did I do this crazy thing?
Because I experimented with taking part of my book and writing a short story in first person point of view and liked it better. And my critique partners agreed.
And because I don't know what the heck I'm doing! I certainly didn't choose the easy path, either. Me, a total newbie, started with a novel as my first project. No short stories, essays or articles for me! Nope! A full-on novel. Pure Craziness!
I never have done things the easy way. *Big Sigh*.
I just hope that all the "How To" books I've read, studied and outlined will be enough. I have also learned a lot from the blogging/writing community, too. Thank you all very much!
So now I keep reminding myself that learning to write well is a process, that I'm learning a craft, and it takes time, just like any other craft.
However,
I'm running out of time! I need to finish my editing/rewriting/fixing/making-sense-of-what-I'm-doing because I've signed up for my first writer's conference! I'm am really excited! I will have the chance to pitch my book to a editor/publisher/agent - I think I will have eight minutes. Yikes!
It's not until April, but I have a lot of work to do and I know how time flies!
Are any of you bloggers going to the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference in Colorado Springs? I'd love to meet you!
So - what I really need is advice. Things like, should I have business cards made up and how many copies of my MS should I take?
Like I said, I'm a total newbie, and I'd love to hear from all of you who are more experienced than I am!
15 comments:
My brain exploded just at the thought of changing from third to first POV. I need to go lie down.
Good luck with that POV change. It may be a lot of work but if you feel it will tell your story better, than it's good to do it now.
As for the writer's conference, you want to make sure to take an open mind first and foremost. Depending on the size of the conference, it may seem a bit daunting but it can be SOOO much fun.
Business cards were a must for me the last time I went to a conference. I found it to be the easiest way to exchange information with other writers. I didn't get brave enough to hand one to an agent.
I would have to say "NO" to taking copies of your MS unless you are meeting with other writers and intend to exchange them with each other. If an agent or editor is interested, they will let you know what to send to them, which is usually the first 1 to 3 chapters. If they want more, then send it all.
What you might also want to work on is an "elevator speech" for your novel. At a conference, you might get asked more than once, "So, what is your book/story/novel about?" Having a blurb or elevator speech ready helps you describe your story in a short amount of time. This can also help with your pitch session as well.
Here's an example of a short one for Eragon: One boy. One dragon. One chance to save the world.
And here is an example for Harry Potter: He is the boy who lived and each year faces dangers and obstacles that test his friendships, his strength and his will to prevent evil from ruling the day.
Interested individuals tend to probe for more questions and that's when you can break into more details and bend their ear with all your excitement.
This is just from my own experience when attending the Agents and Editors Conference in Texas a couple of times. It may be a bit different for this conference so I hope what I've mentioned is the tiniest bit helpful.
Good luck!
Joshua, lol. That is too funny. It was a lot of work, but I just finished the POV change. Now I have tons of other things to change, lots of loose ends, etc.
Angela, thank you so much, that is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. What did you put on your business card? Author? Writer? Name, address, phone, blog? The name of your recent book/books?
Oh man, I thought about doing that, but I didn't have the time/guts. That's an amazing thing to undertake. Good luck!
I'm a total newbie too, Gwen. I started with a novel - no short stories for me either. A full on, 140,000 word urban fantasy. I was so green when I started I did it all without a critique partner or beta readers...I still don't have either. :(
Michelle
Author of Concilium, available July 2012
Concilium: The Departure, November 2012
www.Michelle-Pickett.com
www.Conciliumbooks.com
Wow you are just surging forward. I sometimes change pov in a short story and that works really well. A whole novel? Wowee. Go for it it's all a learning process.
You writing conference sounds exciting. And thanks Angela for all the great advice *makes notes*
L.M., I HOPE the POV change is better. I can't help but think a more experienced writer would have made 3rd person POV work!
Michelle, 140,000 words?! Wow, that is prolific. I don't have beta readers and my critique partners are sort of newly acquired, lol. I want to find experienced beta readers, but I'm not ready. See what I mean? I'm running out of time!
Deborah, I know - just crazy!
Michelle! No beta readers, critique partners and your first and second novels being published?! You rock!!!
Good luck with the pov change! I'm hoping to make it to the Surrey Writer's Conference next year...
What a cute, clever blog name. Love it.
NEW FOLLOWER
Elizabeth
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Good luck! I hope I can make the PPWC this year. Last year, I couldn't do it. I attended a one day session and volunteered. It's a really nice conference. Professional. Friendly. Well done. This year is the 20th anniversary (I think, so lots of special events big names attending). Business cards really make it easier for you to swap info with folks. Don't take your manuscript. You'll meet lots of people. The conference does a good job of offering a "session for first timers too." When I used to run, I always improved when I ran with someone better than me. I think it's the same for writing.
Deniz, thank you:)
Elizabeth - thanks for following!
Stacy, I hope you get to attend the PPWC, I'd love to meet you - thanks for the advice:)
Yes, you've been busy. I think it's great that you are experimenting with voice (3rd versus 1st). Sometimes one will be better over the other, but you'll never know until you try it. Take your time with your ms.
Regarding conference tips, I've written a blog on it if you want to check it out: http://romellebroas.blogspot.com/2009/10/conference-dos-and-donts.html Gwen, you know my running blog, but I don't think you know about my writing blog. Well, hope it helps. I wish you well on your novel! I'm excited for you.
P.S. I like the new look of your blog. Very nice!
RG, thanks. I had no idea you had a writing blog, too! I read your blog on conferences and I guess I never thought about the waiting around - I will definitely remember to bring a book to read, lol. Also, what do you put on your cards?
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