TWEAKING YOUR NOVEL

How many times do you tweak your novel until you are satisfied with it? Some people call it rewriting, but we all go back and see something we want to change.

Usually, I rewrite or tweak my first chapter three to five times. I think the one I\’m writing now, I\’ve tweaked it about ten times. Something always comes to mind that makes me want to put something different in it.

When I start writing, it\’s strictly off the top of my head. A lot of times it\’s crazy, but that helps me to put the novel together better. I\’m like a Mad Hatter. I\’m going everyplace with the content, the characters, and the setting. Then one night as I go to sleep, I hit upon the right beginning. Crazy? A secret I\’ve learned is that most writers are crazy in same way.

My character is Cuban-American, and she is a recipe creator. Her recipes have to be healthy and gluten-free. That makes it a little difficult. Honestly, sometimes it is difficult to eat healthy and gluten-free. How do I find these recipes? The internet is a good source, and I also incorporate gluten-free in some of my own family recipes. As I have said before, bread is my biggest problem, but I\’m learning. I actually made biscuits that taste like biscuits. And a friend sent a recipe to me for a hamburger bun. I will share it tomorrow.

Back to my character. Her father was a treasure hunter. He found sunken ships that were filled with treasure, gold, jewelry, all kinds of artifacts. He was killed because someone wanted the gold he found in his last dive. Now, they want his daughter.

Believe it or not, but at my age, I still have a good memory. It seems I\’ve tucked away some valuable knowledge watching PBS and other shows about treasure. I\’ve wondered if God planned me to have access to this knowledge. If He did, I\’m happy to say I have kept so much in my brain, and I need more room for more stuff. He will provide.

Someone is trying to kill my character, Liberty Garcia. They are stalking her and watching every move she makes. She needs protection, and who could do the best job? Will Matt protect her? Will the man stalking her kill her before she can be protected. Crazy? I know I have an overactive mind, but it is so much fun to write.

The first act is finished and at the editors. Now to finish the second act, which will be the longest. The third act is already in my mind. I may have to write it before the second act. Keep up with me and my crazy world. I love a creative mind. I will always take suggestions.