Novel Surgery...

For the last two weeks, I have been doing surgery on my novel. As a result of some editing, I have been playing with the order of things; rearranging chapters, moving paragraphs, and flashbacks, all while trying to maintain the integrity of the story. As my cousin who is an architect noted when she heard me say that you change one thing, and everything changes..."just like a building". And it's true. A novel and a building have a lot in common. Both need a solid structure, both require skilled and solid framing before you can start putting up walls and decorating. And both are a result of inspiration and careful planning with meticulous execution.

Right now, my novel, or building is under going a major renovation, and I am exhausted. But I am starting to see my way through it, and that is a glorious thing.