We’re sending this one out to our author friend Jill. Jill isn’t crazy about the big rewrite, despite our cheerleading on the subject (Rewriting is Fun! We Love to Rewrite!). Perhaps it’s the way we describe our process (or maybe that we can’t rhyme) — basically, it’s sort of like taking out the trash and then realizing we have to snatch one or two items back. Then we’ll probably throw them away again. We have the best time during this process.
We have even pulled a John Irving (except for the part where the book wasn’t finished nor sold) and decided to change first person to third person. For those who haven’t done it, it’s not just a matter of switching pronouns. Everything changes — the texture, the insights, the reactions. We feel for Irving.
So, Jill, rewriting is fun! We love rewriting!
PS — Those who just read our rant on science fiction film adaptations will note that the article discusses the difficulties encountered in adapting Irving’s book A Widow for One Year.
