I have received all the alpha feedback I am anticipating and have had a chance to think through it all. After deciding what changes I need to make, I have come to the realization that I need to do a full rewrite to do all the needed shifts. There are significant portions I will be leaving essentially as is, but I am planning on changing some of the POVs and clarifying some of the timeline and strengthening some character arcs.
I know what the story is now and I can see what needs to be adjusted to get it to where I want it.
I got 1400 words into this current draft and discovered it wasn’t quite right. I have figured out what was wrong with it and am starting it again. I am about 400 words in, but I am pretty sure this is the correct version of the prequel. At any rate, I think it will be good enough to move on from when I finish it. I will probably want to rework it after I finish the draft, but for now I think it will work.
As much as I did not want to do another rewrite, I am excited to be making progress not only in this story, but in my own process as a writer. I have a better idea of how to craft a story and build out character arcs. I can see how some of my ideas don’t quite work and what to do instead.
In celebration of progress, here are the opening lines as they stand now:
Halvar made his way through the nymph-wrought walls of the Halcyon palace, rubbing his hand over his short black and blue hair. He’d been messing with it since it had been shaved four days ago as a sign of mourning after the destruction of the nymph capitals in southern Vale the week before. This week was supposed to be so different from what it had suddenly become. This far into the new year they would typically be finishing the weeklong celebration of the Founding. Instead, they were preparing for war.
Thank you so much for reading!
Blessings,
Michelle R Bowen
