Lena Jones

It's official, I cut the first three chapters of my book. 6,000 words less, but the new beginning has the hook that the original was lacking. I don't think adding words will be difficult. As I edit each scene I am able to add words by creating setting, deepening my characters.
It is still not easy but I am excited about the story again.
Rachel Gardner, a literary agent whose blog I read, had an entry about craft versus story. Which is more important and which comes easier? For me the story comes much easier than all of the rules of writing. Point of view errors, telling and not showing, those things I have to work hard to get down.
I was told by Jim Peterson and the Colorado writers conference that craft can be taught, but you can't teach someone to be a storyteller. That comment will be an encouragement to me when the nitty gritty of writing become difficult.
I am going to begin my countdown to my cruise, my hubby and I leave in 22 days. I am so excited.