When I began writing The Greenfells in earnest (circa 2021) I consumed as much “writer” and “author” content as I could find on the internet. Most of it was shit, but some of it was profound and lasting and one of those quips that has stayed with me is: “Kill Your Darlings.” The internet tells me it is attributed to Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (holding on to that name for future inspiration) in 1916 so it seems his advice has some durability.
Throughout this journey I’ve become very familiar with the idea. I’ve found myself deleting lines, paragraphs, chapters, entire story arcs–all into the bin. (Or rather, into a “didn’t use” folder). Every time I delete something I was once proud of, I find there is almost a sense of glee that follows its release that lives somewhere in between my masochistic predilections and the exhale of a loosened grip. I love it–and this might be my biggest one yet.
Following some great feedback from agents who have interest and re-visited conversations with readers, I’ve discovered The Greenfells has two issues in its current format. The first is that there is a moment in the book when readers “get it” and then can’t put it down–and that moment is much too far into the novel. As an author, my job is to put that moment at the very beginning. I want my readers to be hooked into the story and these characters from the first few lines–not slog through the entirety of the Shire to get to the compelling parts in Bree (sorry Tolkien, you’re still my fav).
SO.
I have restructured the book, moved chapters around, and started the story considerably more in medias res. I am very happy with the outcome and in many ways, this is what the book needed. It also means that there is A NEW CHAPTER ONE. So if you’d like, go read it. It’s quite different and gives you a snapshot of where we’re going.
The second problem that has come to light is that the book is too long for a debut novel. Fair. The good news? I wrote a long book in two parts. So with a little creative editing and moving around, there are now TWO BOOKS. I’m going to remain focused on getting book one published (still called The Greenfells), but it is very exciting to know that book two is ostensibly finished as well. The split also has given me the freedom to focus the “lense” of book one in a tighter format–even more character focused without burning chapters in denser plot-relevant exposition. Those story elements are still there, but now interwoven throughout book one and two in a way that I hope will feel more organic and seamless.
Of course, I reserve the right to crumple all of these revisions and throw them in the bin as well.
As they say–kill your darlings.
You Wonder How These Things Begin 