In 2000 I wrote a novel called Unholy Conception. After reading it again eleven years later, I'm not a fan of it and am rewriting it. I had a part in the book that I wrote a certain way and then rewrote before self-publishing because of the events of 9/11.
In the original version, an evil warlock training the Antichrist to use mind control powers, had the villain send hundreds of people leaping to their deaths from the top of a tall building in N.Y.C. When 9/11 hit, I thought in the name of good taste I would change that part, lest someone think I grabbed that from the headlines for sensationalism of a tragic event.
My question is, now that I am re-writing it, has enough time to gone by to make it original again, or should I leave it the way it is now? The villain instead of having them plunge to their deaths from a building, has them march into the lake at Central Park and drown.
Am I being untrue to my writing by changing this? Or do look at it as since rewriting is part of the editing process, then edit it and move on?
What would you do?
Rewrite, revise. It's part of writing. I probably spend more time rewriting & revising than anything else. Despite the work, whatever speaks to you and excites you most is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI have sent out my 1st novel to agents / publisher and I'm still revising. If it makes it better, do it.
What M Pax said. You know what's best for your work. Writing has so much to do with mood... you might write something today that you hate tomorrow. If you feel the need to change it, do so.
ReplyDeleteHmm just please don't ever write a book about me! seriously, that is incredible. do you know that someone wrote a book a decade or so before the Titanic and was not able to get it published as it seemed too incredible!
ReplyDeleteOkay, i'll shut up now and answer your question. In my opinion, i would definitely have them die a different way.
You have stated the lake in Central Park. i think that is more the way to go.
Yes, I agree with the other comments, rewrite. It is merely detail and your vision will still be intact, in my opinion.
Thank you all for the input. A rewrite is just that and yes my vision does stay intact the second way. That being said, I think the lake will be the way to go. Once again thanks for the responses.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I wouldn't write it. That is me though, and I think this is a bet you must make. Remember, we are a brand.
ReplyDeleteMyself, I'd pull the story string. I'd have to find some other way to do what I wanted. Though, I can see how some people would do this. I remember Freddy doing this to a few people in part 3 or 4. That was really creepy.
Long story short: Make the decision that you feel most comfortable with living with. And put yourself in others shoes before you decide.
Draven