Running Errands and Uninvited Plot Twists.

Did you see my post today on Instagram? If so, then you already know my dilemma. This hit me out of nowhere and I can honestly say I didn’t see it coming.

Editing…Interrupted

I am in the throes of editing my finished manuscript. Round three of editing to be exact, with still more to come, I know.

But wait, let me back up about 10 minutes.

Left Field, Meet Plot Twist 

I decided to run an early morning errand today to get it out of the way before I sat down to write.

Empty to-do list, empty mind, don’t ya know?

Anyway, I’m driving along, minding my own business, admiring the sunshine and the mountains, when all of a sudden, this idea pops into my head from somewhere out in left field, and I’m still reeling from the implications of it.

What was it, you ask?

It was a complete and utterly new plot twist that would practically change the entire course of my book.

And while it makes my heart race and my hands sweat to think of all THOSE rewrites and changes and character arc adjustments, I have to admit, I kind of like the new direction.

I haven’t been able to shake the idea all day.

 So, what do I do, besides break out the peanut M&Ms and Sprite? (If you read my previous blog post, this comment will make sense.)

Letting It Marinate

Well, I haven’t made any major changes yet, but I’ve paused my editing today to give it the day to marinate.

I owe it to my book to at least do that.

After all, I want it to be the absolute best story it can possibly be, for my own sake and that of my readers.

And if it takes some extra work on my part, maybe another year or two of edits (gasp!), is that price too much to pay?

I would love to ask some of my favorite authors what they have done in a similar situation, because I’m certain I am not the only writer this has happened to.  

Famous Rewrites And What-Ifs

I’d ask Jane Austen what might’ve happened if she had Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins instead of perfect Mr. Darcy?

Or, what if Melanie was the heroine of Gone With the Wind instead of Scarlett? (Can you imagine?!)

Or what if Maria didn’t marry the Captain, or Ebenezer Scrooge didn’t actually have a change of heart?

Anyway, besides the fact that I have an old soul and love old books and movies, the point is:

I was thrown for a loop today but I’ll recover, and edits will commence again tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I’ve taken to my blog and social media to work this all out!

How Do You Handle A Surprise Like This?

Have you ever encountered the same?

If so, how did you handle it and did you change your entire story for the new plot twist?

Use the message box under the “Contact Me” header to let me know, I would love to hear about it!