Rewriting KNIGHTS

[Scarfy]

Hi all,

I've been absent from here for quite some time, but thought I'd pop back and say hello (if anyone remember me, that is!)

About 18 months ago, I self published my first novel and managed to get it placed into a number of branches of Waterstone's, as well as securing a few positive reviews (including from the SF Crowsnest, which I was very chuffed about).

Anyway, just thought I'd come here and talk about my experiences and all that (if people have questions about the whole self pubbing thing), and just to say that I'm actually close to finishing a rewrite of the book, with a view to once more chase commercial publication.

Steve

 

[Scarfy]

And I'm done!

145,000 words. Yeah, bit on the long side. Will start subbing it at the end of next month. Hopefully.

 

[The Judge]

As a matter of interest, you don't think that having already published the book once will harm your chances of placing the re-write with an agent/commercial publisher now?

 

[Scarfy]

I actually asked this same question to an editor of a well known publisher, and I was told that it won't make a difference, as they are only interested in the quality of the prose and the storytelling.

So, no. He said that the fact it'd be previously self published wouldn't be a barrier.

 

[The Judge]

That does surprise me. But it's also encouraging, even for those of us who haven't self-published. Thanks.

 

[Ian Whates]

Scarfy, I sincerely hope this advice is sound, but I have to admit that it flies in the face of everything I've ever been told. Good luck, in any case.

 

[Scarfy]

Scarfy, I sincerely hope this advice is sound, but I have to admit that it flies in the face of everything I've ever been told. Good luck, in any case.

If I'm honest, I was sort of surprised by the answer too, Ian. I suspect the positive answer is more of a never-say-never, than a solid Yes.

 

[Ian Whates]

If I'm honest, I was sort of surprised by the answer too, Ian. I suspect the positive answer is more of a never-say-never, than a solid Yes.

I sort of suspect the same. The thing is, I've read part of Knights (sorry, lack of time has prevented me doing any more than that) and I know you can write. I'd just hate to see you invest another large chunk of your time on something for no real purpose.

Doubtless I'm biased by my own experience, but I still think it would do you no harm at all to cut your teeth on the short story market. Having to condense an entire narrative arc into a limited space is a great disciplince which, I know, helped me enormously when I came to tackle novel writing.

 

[Scarfy]

Thanks for the compliment, Ian.

The only reason I'm continuing with KNIGHTS and the whole BFTSS series is that it's just a story I need to get out of my head. The rewrite is closer to what I had in mind.

I am plotting other books, though, and am looking into some short stories. I agree with you on the limited space discipline - that's sort of why I've shied away from them. I've got time on my hands now, so I might try and put something interesting together this month.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

A short story. This month. Might I suggest:

http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/528370-august-writing-challenge-read-first-post.html

When it comes to short stories, we have the shortest — 75 words. Now there is limited space for you!

(Sorry. Since the opening was there, I couldn't resist using it. But, seriously, you might want to check it out. We've been running these Challenges for four months, and enthusiasm still runs high.)

 

[Scarfy]

Wow, 75 words?

"Challenge Accepted"

 

[Scarfy]

I wrote my short last night - it's called MODEL VILLAGE. It was good fun!

Also, would anyone be interested in reading the first 6 chapters of my rewrite..? I can email you over a PDF (formatted as a manuscript - 12pt, double line spaced)

I tapped on the shoulders of a few writers and bloggers I know, but most prefer fantasy to sci-fi, so have politely declined.

Drop me an email to stephenjsweeney@battleforthesolarsystem.com and I'll reply with the PDF attached.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I like "Model Village," and I'm glad you decided to take part in the Challenge.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

Although I'm sure the exercise was beneficial, I too am confused at the reason for the rewrite.

However, could you give us the synopsis before we commit to six chapters - all in one lump - as it were.

Also if anyone did commit to the full Monty what would you be expecting as a result. As deep critical review or just a "I want the rest" type comment

 

[Scarfy]

I like "Model Village," and I'm glad you decided to take part in the Challenge.

Thanks, Teresa. I missed the theme, though - it's meant to be about time! So, I'll be writing another one today (at work, on the sly! heh). I have the idea, so just need to write it

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

Thanks, Teresa. I missed the theme, though - it's meant to be about time! So, I'll be writing another one today (at work, on the sly! heh). I have the idea, so just need to write it

Sadly Scarfy (and sorry to step on anyone's toes here but I thought I'd prevent wasted effort) you are only allowed one entry per month.

http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/528370-august-writing-challenge-read-first-post.html

 

[Scarfy]

Although I'm sure the exercise was beneficial, I too am confused at the reason for the rewrite.

It did actually start as a simple writing exercise. I had made a small change in the second book (presenting the character's journal entries in the form of a memoir, instead of a diary, as the plot demanded it to be so). I liked the way it turned out, so I went back to the first book to see how applying the change would affect it. It then sort of expanded out from there.

It married out a lot better with the second book, and since I think the whole rewrite turned out better than the original, I thought I'd approach agents with it.

However, could you give us the synopsis before we commit to six chapters - all in one lump - as it were.

The novel is military science fiction, focusing around a group of five starfighter pilots who become tangled up in a galactic cover up, which seems to have something to do with an imperial nation's civil war. The main character is a pilot called Simon Dodds who is currently on suspension from the service for manslaughter. He returns to service only to be confronted by a series of unusual and unexplainable events, and soon begins to suspect there is more to the civil war than any one wants to let on.

The book is presented in part as a memoir, so some events are discussed long before they are experienced by the characters.

Also if anyone did commit to the full Monty what would you be expecting as a result. As deep critical review or just a "I want the rest" type comment

Oh, I could send fewer chapters - 3 would probably be more appropriate