What I'm learning from rewriting older books....

About 18 months ago I did something rather dramatic—I took almost 20 novellas/novels out of the marketplace and decided to revise and rebrand them.

Why I did that is another blog post but suffice to say my reasons were valid—even though my sales suffered somewhat during the process.

 
I am much happier with the finished products. I’ve met all of my re-release deadlines and by the end of 2018, all of the books will be back in the marketplace. Eighteen months is a long time to stall a career but I do not regret taking the action.

I have learned a few things along the way, though, rewriting these books. Here is my short list:

• Everything can be edited and made better. 
• Time makes you look at your writing objectively. 
• Stories often need more time to be told—don’t rush the process. 
• Several passes through the same story add depth and layers—even though you think a story may be finished, it’s probably not. 
• Editing is never really finished—although at some point you do need to say “It’s done.” 
• A fresh eye is always good for the story. 
• Stories I loved before, I love even more now. With tweaks. 
• Ten years ago, I was not the writer I thought I was. 
• The magic comes with time and revisions--be patient.

That last one makes me wonder--in ten years will I look back on the current writing and say the same? I hope so! Writing is growth. Growth is writing.

Have a beautiful Sunday.