Revise the Title: Scenes to Omit in Your Unfinished Novel
In the world of writing, rejection is a familiar foe that many authors face. However, as Meg, the creator of Novelty Revisions, a platform dedicated to helping writers turn their ideas into words, has discovered, initial rejection can often lead to the most significant and impactful passages in a story.
Recently, the author penned a surprising and unexpected scene last week, initially trying to reject the idea. But as they delved deeper into the writing process, they found that this scene was a keeper, although the basic framework may need refinement.
This experience echoes the journey of many successful authors, who have faced numerous rejections before their ideas were appreciated. Stephen King, for instance, is a prime example. His first novel was rejected 30 times before publication and eventual acclaim.
Rejection, it seems, is not always a sign of failure but can be part of a process of growth. Aydin Rizqi, an award-winning author, attests to this, explaining that repeated rejection fueled his creativity and determination to keep improving his work until it gained recognition.
Unplanned, initially rejected ideas can significantly improve a story. These ideas, often innovative or unconventional, require extra effort to find the right form or audience. For example, Aeryn Rudel's story idea inspired by a vivid dream took many rejections and revisions across years before eventual success.
Allowing unexpected events can lead to a story that the author (and potentially a future agent) will be proud of. The act of flipping a story's expected events and making them unexpected can be beneficial, although not every story works this way.
Writing that is considered "good" is not necessarily so because it adheres to certain criteria, but because it originates from a deep, emotional place within the author's soul. This means that even the most unconventional ideas, initially dismissed, can lead to the author's best work.
In conclusion, initial rejection challenges writers to improve and innovate, and this process often leads to their best work emerging from unexpected ideas that may have been initially dismissed. So, the next time an unconventional idea pops up, don't be too quick to dismiss it. It might just be the key to your next masterpiece.
Meg, a freelance writer and an eight-time NaNoWriMo winner with work published in various publications, including Teen Ink, Success Story, Lifehack, and USA TODAY College, can be found on Twitter for updates about writing, food, and nerdy things.
Embracing unconventional ideas, even if they were initially rejected, can catalyze personal growth and contribute to education-and-self-development in the realm of writing. As Meg, a successful writer, has demonstrated through her own experiences and the examples of other accomplished authors, initial rejection can pave the way for significant personal growth and the creation of impactful passages or even a masterpiece.
