My very first manuscript was an adventure fantasy entitled: The Tale of Willaby Creek. Like many first attempts at writing the result was weak at best. However, I still love the premise of the story since it was inspired by one of my favorite places: Willaby Creek in the Olympic National Forest of Washington State. The story's cast is made up of anthropomorphic animals, a dryad, two humans, and a Spirit-Bear.
From time to time I have thought about that first manuscript: like a ghost that keeps visiting me from the past. But is my musing based on a good story, or just sentimental memories of a favorite place?
Over a year ago, I received a critique for The Tale of Willaby Creek from a person in the publishing world that I respect very much. She recognized some talent in my writing, but felt my story may not interest children and would be difficult to market. Since that time I have had a number of ideas float through my mind on how I might give my story a major makeover. But would it be the best use of my time?
Have you ever successfully rewritten one of your old manuscripts?
