Comments on: When Is Your Story Done?

By: Terry

Terry — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:57:48 +0000

I just discovered your blog and I have found this article so helpful. I am beginning to look at expanding my writing from a monthly Christian news paper to a broader audience. I am subscribed and anxiously going through the blog.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sun, 29 May 2022 23:18:56 +0000

In reply to Nan McNamara. Nan, that's one of the best things about deadlines -- even though we can and do gripe about 'em, especially as they get uncomfortably tight, they sure make it easier to say "okay, I'm done."

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sun, 29 May 2022 23:17:43 +0000

In reply to Kristina Stevens. Kristina, congratulations on MAKING that sometimes-extremely-difficult "let it go" decision! Hmm, are you already starting to hear that song from Frozen? :)

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sun, 29 May 2022 23:16:24 +0000

In reply to michellebark190. Good point, Michelle -- if the characters don't react emotionally to something, the book might still excite readers who care ONLY about plot events, but all the rest will feel a bit let down.

By: Nan McNamara

Nan McNamara — Sun, 29 May 2022 19:05:12 +0000

Thank you for these insights, Laurie. Deadlines do help! Otherwise, I think I would tinker forever!

By: Kristina Stevens

Kristina Stevens — Sun, 29 May 2022 15:19:44 +0000

Thank you for this Laurie! This is exactly where I am at and precisely what I needed to hear. Shifting things back and forth - yep. Concluding that I don't even like the story now - yep. Can't imagine pressing that send button - yep!! Reading your post has told me loud and clear that it's time to let go :)

By: michellebark190

michellebark190 — Sun, 29 May 2022 13:59:28 +0000

Revision element I always know I'll need to deal with: the emotional reactions of the characters. Make sure they react, not just externally but also internally, when things happen to them.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sat, 28 May 2022 18:23:30 +0000

In reply to Laura Russell. Laura, "relentlessly" is such a great word for describing those frequent repeats -- it's like we get blinded too them by over-familiarity, same as how we never notice a kid growing bigger unless we only see 'em once or twice a year. Go figure. :)

By: Laura Russell

Laura Russell — Sat, 28 May 2022 17:24:14 +0000

I look for repeated words and phrases that I use relentlessly! These change from ms to ms.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:36:16 +0000

In reply to Meg. Meg, I love your observations about "Words that sound good, but aren't necessary to move forward" and "I talk so much at first because I don't trust my readers to catch on" -- both VERY easy things to fall into!