As promised yesterday, we’re talking about editing today. You may know, if you read this blog with any frequency, that I do my editing in stages, or passes of the manuscript. There’s no set rhythm to it, every manuscript is unique.
And frustrating in its own way, but we all know that.
But no matter what work-in-progress it may be, I always hit this stage. The nitty gritty stage.
It’s the stage where you slash and cut, scrutinize each chapter, connect unconnected dots and stitch the whole thing back together. It’s difficult.
It’s messy.
And I admit there are many times I’ve stared at the pieces on the floor and thought, “Eh. Let ’em stay there.”
No one creates a perfect story on the first time through. No one.
If you think you’ve created a perfect story on the first time through, your friends are probably too nice to you.
Writing isn’t just the getting words down. You’ve got to make them work, and that requires plunging into the guts of it, up to your elbows, and working with the mess.
So, if you’ll pardon me, I’m pulling on the gloves.
Check out my full-length novels:
Aunty Ida’s Full-Service Mental Institution (by Invitation Only)
Aunty Ida’s Holey Amazing Sleeping Preparation (Not Doctor Recommended)
The Great Paradox and the Innies and Outies of Time Management.
And download Better Living Through GRAVY and Other Oddities, it’s free!
