It’s amazing how one’s material can be re-arranged. Some years ago I was talking with a chap in the publishing game who said it was obvious, to him anyway, that my book about Trainspotting must start with my critical analysis of the book itself. So I went with it, being a suggestible sort of chap. More recently I’m being told that since Trainspotting belongs so firmly in history and geography, I need to set the scene before I get into the literature. It works much better like that. Can’t say too much, but several of among my vast following will be incredulous when I report that there are real signs that my book will see the light of day. It’s no good moaning about how long it has taken. It has matured in the process.
The re-arranging is entirely in keeping with Welsh’s experience. He was happy to see his book re-arranged into the version that became the stage play, and then again when he agreed to let Danny Boyle put it through the mincer and add a lot of new stuff. Welsh is a DJ at heart – every time you touch the stuff it’s different, like no two gigs are the same.
So, I have the content and the voice for the book, now I’m arranging it into a shape that agents and publishers think they may be able to sell. That’s what it’s all about. Published authors all say the final editing and publishing process is creative in itself. Yes, well. They don’t always add that it’s hard work as well. And fun. Of course.