Here We Go Again
I’m revising my first novel, A FALSE DAWN. I’ve decided to go through the tedium of revising, proofreading and reprinting my book because, four years after it came out, I’ve received enough good feedback (all from women readers) telling me that changes were necessary.
More than necessary. I’ve determined that just a few changes, in perhaps five chapters and especially in the first two, would make a huge difference in how the book is received by readers. If I sound too concerned about the reactions of readers, believe me, I’m not. It’s not enough just to put words on paper and say, “I’ve done my job.”
I want to reach readers, to pull them into my story and my characters. If making some extra effort will make me feel like I’ve done absolutely everything I can do to improve my novel, and make it the best I am capable of writing, then I’ll do the work.
Some people say, “First novels are always terrible. Accept it and move on.” I can’t do that. I’m 71 years old. Who knows how many more books, if any, I’ll publish? A FALSE DAWN can’t be perfect, ever, but it can still be as good as one imperfect writer can make it.
About The Author
Jeff Heller
I'm a historical novelist who focuses on Colonial America, particularly the French-Canadians who settled North America in the 1600s and 1700s. My first novel, A FALSE DAWN, features Louise, a young wife and mother who must search for her son and her husband when the English invade their home in French-held Montreal and torch the city.