The Rereads

Have you reread any of your books since they were published? How did you feel about them? Did you like them? Do you think you have improved as a writer? If you haven’t read any of them, is there a particular reason? What do you think you would discover if you did? 

Brenda Chapman

By the time I finish with a book, I've spent so much time on the editing that I can't stand to read it through again. This doesn't mean I haven't tried. After each Stonechild and Rouleau book, I've started to read the book as a final edit to make sure there are no errors. Inevitably there are some, no matter that I, the editor, and copy editor have been through the manuscript about ten times. Partway through each reread of the published novel, I stop. All the time and sweat I've put into the book are too fresh. I need time and distance.

I'm always deep into a new manuscript by the time a book is released. When I was working on the series, I'd get confused going back and reading the previous book, often losing track of the sequence of events - what happened in the published book and what was I working on now? It's easier to set aside the published book and immerse myself in the new project. I always intend to go back and reread the published books, but have not as of yet. Perhaps now that the series is complete, I'll start from book one and work my way through. Soon, but not yet.

There was one exception to my rereading. I had a contract to write books seven and eight in the Anna Sweet mystery novellas for Grass Roots Press. In preparation, I reread the first six books and found myself enjoying them. Most impressively, I did not find one error, in large part due to my terrific editor Pam Robertson.

The last two books in the Anna Sweet mysteries

The second question asks if I like the books when I'm done. I've found that by the time I'm finished reading and rereading, editing and tweaking, I'm usually sick of the manuscript, unsure if it's any good, and have lost all perspective. It always feels as if I need to keep rewriting, and I don't think I'm alone in this. Can you simultaneously like and hate your work at the same time? I like the manuscript when I'm first done writing it and again after I've had some distance to regain my objectivity.

Finally, do I feel that I've improved as a writer? I honestly hope so. Writing is a craft and there is always something to be learned. Working with good editors is always an opportunity to grow. Trying new plot lines, developing characters, taking workshops, the act of writing itself ... all are important pursuits in progressing as a writer. After all, as in life, it's all about the journey.

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