So Colleen made a special phone call today to tell me that she likes the New Chapter Seventeen. With all the work I put into the rewrite she wanted to let me know as soon as possible that it was good. It remains to be seen whether the rest of that section works for her, but I am gratified that all that work paid off. I do admit that in comparison to the new version the old one was lame and didn’t go far enough. The buildup is more intense and some new conflicts–inner and outer–have arisen making Kyer’s relationship with her captors that much more exciting.
I am feeling the loss of the story’s playfulness, though. I always liked the fact that it was kind of lighthearted. However, I didn’t like the notion that one reader presented, that if I removed the sex scene the book could pretty much be aimed at children. NOT cool.
I can’t have it both ways, I guess. I wanted the reader reaction to be stronger, but I can’t have that without deepening the intensity, which I guess means losing that playfulness, the sense of humour. I hope it isn’t gone completely. My newer readers will be able to tell me. I have to say that I like the, “I can’t stop reading it, give me MORE!” reaction I’ve been getting.
I guess I’m on the right track.