Now that I have a structure for the book I have to be more disciplined in my writing. The joy of free flowing words is very rewarding in the first draft format, but when you are working within the confines of a plot and a chapter structure then it can lead to excesses, which then requires further work. The first chapter is effectively written. I was able to use much of what was already in the first draft to copy and paste it. A quick review gave me an opportunity to fine tune my writing but essentially I am happy with what was already written. Knowing the goal of the book did have an affect on this chapter as I want to plant some very subtle clues into the text as to what is going on and why.
The second chapter started well but, when I got to a certain point, I realised that I had missed an opportunity. I liked the scenes and dialogue that were in the first draft but I now realise that they contain too much information too soon. Also, it did not fit with the chapter structure. I will rewrite at least half of this chapter, which is not too onerous a task. This is where an important character appears. His name is Rufus and he is a handsome, intelligent, athletic young man; the kind of person that the protagonist, Charlie, normally does not get to associate with. I did not have a backstory for Rufus, however. I knew that he was going to be important but I had no explanation as to why or even how; now I do but to tell anymore would reveal too many secrets. It actually feels like I am writing a proper book now!
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