Two weeks ago, I posted a blog called Dusting off an Old Manuscript.  I got many replies from readers – – which leads me to believe that many writers struggle with this issue.  The overwhelming feeling, however, was that it is, indeed, worth re-reading and most likely re-writing the old novel.

This gave me hope and I’ve been inspired to allow my old manuscript to see the light of day.  I’ve begun reading it and making notes and decided to re-write.  Not an easy job, especially in a series where one or more characters appear in my other books.

So, first I had to create a new timeline.  Where does this book fit in with the others?  What year does the book take place (the modern story, in my case, since the back story can be any time.) What is the main character’s role in this book?  Is this a prequel or a sequel to the others?

Once the timeline makes sense, I have to get many things straight.  If the protagonist is the same as other books, how old is she now?  Is she still living in the same location? What has changed in her life?  Career, relationships with others, marital status.  How has she changed personally?  Does she now have a Zen approach where previously she was a stressed-out nutter? Plus, I must do the same with all re-appearing characters who play significant roles.

This particular dusty manuscript is tricky because of the ending of the previous book.  I plan to rely on science to help me out of a jam here!  I shall say no more.

What about location?  Am I locked into a particular location for the modern story?  Did the main character move to a different city, house, street?  Why?  Does it matter to the story?

A lot of work needs to be done, but it would also need to be done in a new story if I continued the series.  The only way around this is to write a new mystery with completely new characters.  Maybe even a new series.

For now, I plan on blowing off the dust on the manuscript and writing Book Five of my current series.

Wish me luck!