I promised, back in February, to update you all on the progress of the rewrite. You can read about the details in the original post.
The rewrite is done and in the hands of the beta-reader. I’m happy with the way it turned out, it’ll be interesting to see if she is as well. I also just concluded the tackling of the sequel. Here’s the results.
The first book (which, in my opinion, was a bit too long to begin with and had some “timing” issues) ends SOONER in the story line than I planned. This means the sequel now includes some of that timeline. It allowed me to include some more about one of those minor characters who I LOVED (more on him in a minute).
This leaves the ending to the first book in a more interesting spot. I’ll admit, it’s kind of a cliffhanger as far as the society goes…but it’s the answer to HER story, which was the point of the first book.
I am likely changing the title. If I’m owning that this is now HER story, in first person, it can use a title change. I’m working on some ideas.
My favorite consequence of the rewrite was the acceptance of the truth that HER story is done. The story continues, as they so often do, because we want to know what happens to the Kingdom that has been created (it’s a high fantasy, world-building story). But she is no longer the right person to tell it. So I think I’ve found a solution. One of my favorite minor characters is going to tell the sequel…in first person. The rewrite is already done, so don’t try to talk me out of it. I have to admit, it’s awesome. He is able to tell the story, we get even more of him, and it works! The beta reader will get it next…but I’m happy.
So, does point of view make a difference?
Yeah, it does. I can’t say I gave you a glowing example of how third-person omniscient can actually be used effectively in young adult books…but I can give you a good young adult book. That’s gotta count for something.