KNIFE, Fit the Third

[rj_anderson]

Well, I've just finished rewriting the Prologue of my original fantasy novel, most of it from scratch, using the previous draft as little more than an outline (and changing any number of details along the way). I've taken a lot of information that was infodump before, and worked it into the dialogue and narrative instead; I've changed the dynamics between the characters and beefed up the atmosphere and mood; and I've cut out a couple of scenes that were either unnecessary or belonged elsewhere in the book. I don't know how many of you recall reading the original version a couple of years back, but here's how the new draft's shaping up:

KNIFE - Prologue

I'm having way too much fun with this all of a sudden. Somebody stop me before I rewrite the entire novel!*

--
*Just kidding. I won't really do that. At least, I don't think...

ETA 06/27: First two paragraphs revised to cut down on the wordiness noted by, well, just about everybody.

Comments

[sunsethill.livejournal.com]

I'll just say "ditto" to this reaction. The first couple of paragraphs were a little hard slogging, but by the end of the Prologue I was definitely hooked. I don't know what editors say about how long you have to capture the interest of your age group, but I would hope you get more than two paragraphs. ;-)

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think so, probably -- but ideally, the opening of the book should be a sample of the best prose I can offer, so... I'll work on it. Thanks.