BOM: The Writing

Writing THE FACE was challenging, especially at the beginning.  I had a dickens of a time trying to figure out whether it was Renee's story or Sarah's story.  I designed a plot skeleton featuring Renee, then I did one featuring Sarah. 

Finally, I realized that since I knew the ending (no spoiler here)--the story needed to belong to Sarah.  Though Renee was almost a second protagonist. 

Fortunately, at the time I was reading A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, which is a splendid read, if you're interested.  Like THE FACE, it is a story about two women, and it solves the "problem" of having two protagonists in much the same way.   (I'd say more, but that would involve revealing a spoiler, so I'll hush now.) 

As I wrote, I included a lot of information on the CIA--on (real) black sites, on torture, on waterboarding, and brain printing.  Some of that info hit the cutting room floor, as you'll learn tomorrow as we discuss the editing.  

When I had the manuscript in passable shape, I sent it to MG, my favorite test reader, who added his usual astute comments and helped me tighten things up. :-)  I use his initials only lest he be deluged with desperate writers looking for an expert editorial eye . . . 

Tomorrow: the editing 

Please join me in praying for our country's future today. 

~~Angie