Nora and Patch's story in Hush, Hush isn't the reason I seriously love Becca Fitzpatrick, though. I'm crazy impressed with anyone that can dedicate 5 years to a single book, never giving up on her dream. That's an intense dedication, and I only hope I'll be able to hold on to the same drive for my own books. In fact, if you have a second, check out her web site, here, and read about the story behind Hush, Hush. She wrote the first draft in a matter of weeks, but was really unhappy with most of the story.
What's a newbie writer to do when she hates most of her story? Shelve it for a few months. Then come back and cut all but the first three chapters. Then shelve it again. How disheartening, right?
Finally, months after initially writing the first draft for Hush, Hush Becca Fitzpatrick figured out the last piece of the puzzle. She'd struggled from the beginning with what Patch's secret was going to be, and with that secret finally revealed, the story opened up.
Now that is what I call extreme editing. She cut everything but the first three chapters. I don't know what the story was before she made that call, but I can't imagine Vee being a backstabbing, fake best friend, and I can't picture Patch as anything but a fallen angel. Still, to cut so much of a story must have been heartbreaking.
Ultimately, Becca Fitzpatrick is a great example of sacrifice and dedication, putting the story before herself. It's easy to fall in love with every word you write, but if you want to have the best possible story on the page, it's important to remember sometimes you have to delete paragraphs, pages, chapters, even entire sub-plots to make room for the true story. That way, when you start querying agents, you're giving them the best you've got. Who knows, maybe you, too, will end up with a four book deal and a movie optioned by LD Entertainment.
Excellent post! I never knew the story behind getting Hush Hush published (Love that cover). What a great example of never giving up on a story that you really love. I'm a firm believer in that. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that cover won at least one major award for design. I know the old saying, "Never judge a book by its cover," but I totally do anyway. I read this book BECAUSE of the cover.
DeleteWow, that's a great thing for me to hear, given how many times it seems I have to revise some stories. I think I have this idea in my brain that on some magical day, I'll only write perfect stories that never need revising. Which is both silly and frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI'll look for this at the library! It does sound similar to the Fallen books by Lauren Kate; have you ever read those? Yay for angel heroes!
I have read Fallen, but every time I tried to get into the second book, I lost interest. I think it might have been bad timing. I can only take so many young adult books in a row before I have to switch to something else for a while.
DeleteI recommend Hush, Hush, but just a warning, when I got to book 3 out of 4, I was a little disappointed. I haven't been able to bring myself to read book 4, because I felt some of the things that happened were out of character for Nora in book 3, and I'm not ready to spend another book with her just yet. Still, it's a good series, and certainly a good first book (that can stand alone, I might add!) And I know, eventually, I'll read the last book, because I HAVE to know what happens.
Yeah, I actually stopped with Fallen after book 2, because I can only take so many star-crossed lovers at one time, and really that's the trend with so many books these days - YA or other!
DeleteI've never read Hush Hush, but I've seen it lots of times. That is a very cool story. It gives me hope for the book I'm working on right now. I think I've finally figured out what's wrong with it, but I've started writing more times than I can count. I even finished it once, but it wasn't right. I think our hearts know what we want the story to be, and even if our brains are a little stupider, they'll catch on eventually.
ReplyDeleteMy first completed story is still sitting in draft form, 7 years after I started it, because the truth is, I can't pinpoint exactly what needs fixed. It's so hard to shelf a story and then come back to it, but I think it's important to follow through to the end...eventually.
DeleteGood luck with your story. I'm always happy to read for my fellow Prosers, so when you're looking for betas, look no further! :)
That cover is cool!
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear "Patch," I think of Days of Our Lives. I know. Terrible!
I think of Patch Adams, particularly the Robin Williams version. This does not inspire me to think romantic thoughts.
DeleteI haven't read this series, either. But I love the story behind the story. It's nice to know there's a chance the struggle will pay off.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!