The editing rollercoaster: favourite discoveries and toughest doubts
I am currently in my editing era – it’s a love-hate phase of my writing process. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions for any author. As I dive into this crucial part of the process, I can’t help but notice the stark contrast between my favourite part and my least favourite thing about it.
Favourite part: discovering new scenes and depth
One of the most exhilarating aspects of editing, for me, is the moment when I stumble upon a hidden gem within my manuscript. It’s like unearthing buried treasure right in my own backyard. These are the scenes, the lines, the subplots that I had no idea existed during the frenzied drafting phase.
These hidden gems often add a layer of depth and richness to the story that I couldn’t have anticipated. It’s as if my characters have whispered secrets to me while I wasn’t looking, and now, during the editing process, I get to share those secrets with my readers.
These unexpected discoveries might be a subtle character moment that reveals their true nature, or it could be a twist in the plot that elevates the story to a whole new level. It’s these moments that remind me of the magic of writing, where creativity takes the wheel and steers the story in unanticipated directions.
Least favourite thing: doubting every other scene
On the flip side, editing is also the phase where self-doubt can rear its ugly head. As I go through my manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, I can’t help but question nearly every scene, every sentence, and every word choice. It’s as if I have an internal editor who’s determined to cast doubt on my work.
Is this scene too slow? Is that dialogue believable? Does this paragraph even make sense? These questions swirl around my head like a never-ending storm, making it hard to maintain confidence in my writing.
Here’s the thing – self-doubt, while frustrating, is also a crucial part of the creative process. It pushes me to strive for perfection, to refine my work until it shines. So, while I might grumble about it, I know that it’s ultimately helping me become a better writer.
In the end, the editing process is a bittersweet journey. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with thrilling highs and challenging lows. But through it all, I remind myself that every edit, every doubt, and every discovery is a step toward making my book the best it can be. And that’s a ride worth taking.
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