1- You would rather write the book about a different character
2- To make the book saleable you have to cut the characters that you feel are better and more alive than your MC so you can focus on the MC
3- You just can't stand your MC anymore, you don't fell she's a viable character, etc.
4- Your tired of trying to sound like a 10 year old when you don't know how to make a 10 year old sound believable.
Can you tell what I'm having issues with?
Aw, I'm sad you're having issues, Stephanie...
ReplyDeleteIf this is in regards to your ORACLE books though, you've been working with them for a really long time, haven't you? Maybe it's just wearing on you. Maybe you want to write other characters because you've been writing the same ones for a while.
I don't really have a solution from my own experience to offer, but I just want to say that there's not necessarily anything wrong with your MC. You just might be in the "distance makes the heart grow fonder" stage of your relationship with her.
Hope you figure it out either way...
That doesn't sound like much fun. My first chapter of HATSHEPSUT opens with her at 14. Originally (and historically) she would have been more like 12. I struggled to write a believable 12-year-old so I know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteMaybe take a break and come back to it? Good luck!
I don't know the answer, but I think sometimes you have to push through it.
ReplyDeleteThere were MANY times I wanted to give up on a manuscript because I was 1) bored, 2) thought it was going nowhere, 3) thought the heroine was childish, 4) thought what's the point it's never going to sell.
But I'm glad I did, because I ended up selling it to Avalon Books. I was shocked.
So you really never know. :)
Talking about your concerns is good. Filtering through the areas that seem to hamper you- even better! Your list looks like you need a break.
ReplyDeleteRefocus your eyes or maybe pass it along to a trustee Alpha reader and get another perspective.
I think I would have trouble making a ten year old sound believable... I'm so sorry your having a hard time! I hope you can figure out what works best for you!
ReplyDeleteOr put the book to bed for a week and see if you still feel the same way
ReplyDelete