Stoking the Flames: ROW80 Update
“You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside you, and we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.” Arthur Plotnik
So true, and why we all need editors.
I trust my story, and what I set out to do. But, I also know at some point I can no longer be objective. After all, I know what I mean. It's in my head. The reader will have no clue.
For the mothers out there, think of your book like one of your children. In your heart and mind you grow it. Then, it becomes a reality. From there, you lose sleep and question what you've done. With each passing day, you both love this new thing you breathed life into and want to run screaming in the opposite direction.
But objective about it... nope. Sure, you know it's not perfect, but you love it anyway--often blinded from seeing its faults.
Thank God for editors. As the quote says above, they clear the way for your work to shine.
For me, I love the editing process. I'm not one to become so attached that I can't see ways to improve a piece. If anything, it makes me want to work on my craft. Instead of feeling attacked, I see the editor's notes as an opportunity to not only publish a better novel but to also become a better writer.
And, yes, an editor would have told me to not use two betters in the same sentence.
The hardest part of the editing process for me is knowing when to let it go. I refuse to go back and read Depression Cookies because I'm terrified I'll find a mistake. In some ways, the editing process could go on forever--always tweaking.
What's your favorite part of the editing process? Least favorite?
And now a brief update for A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)...
Since it's Spring Break and my kids are home (and we have three days with my hubby before he leaves again for three weeks), I've been focused on family. But I also have to get back to edits this week. My goal is to tackle a few chapters a day at least. Hopefully more.
Round 1 ends this week. Unbelievable. But I'm determined to go out with a bang and rev it up to head into Round 2. Cheering for all my ROW80 cohorts!
So true, and why we all need editors.
I trust my story, and what I set out to do. But, I also know at some point I can no longer be objective. After all, I know what I mean. It's in my head. The reader will have no clue. For the mothers out there, think of your book like one of your children. In your heart and mind you grow it. Then, it becomes a reality. From there, you lose sleep and question what you've done. With each passing day, you both love this new thing you breathed life into and want to run screaming in the opposite direction.
But objective about it... nope. Sure, you know it's not perfect, but you love it anyway--often blinded from seeing its faults.
Thank God for editors. As the quote says above, they clear the way for your work to shine.
For me, I love the editing process. I'm not one to become so attached that I can't see ways to improve a piece. If anything, it makes me want to work on my craft. Instead of feeling attacked, I see the editor's notes as an opportunity to not only publish a better novel but to also become a better writer.
And, yes, an editor would have told me to not use two betters in the same sentence.
The hardest part of the editing process for me is knowing when to let it go. I refuse to go back and read Depression Cookies because I'm terrified I'll find a mistake. In some ways, the editing process could go on forever--always tweaking.
What's your favorite part of the editing process? Least favorite?
And now a brief update for A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)...
Since it's Spring Break and my kids are home (and we have three days with my hubby before he leaves again for three weeks), I've been focused on family. But I also have to get back to edits this week. My goal is to tackle a few chapters a day at least. Hopefully more.
Round 1 ends this week. Unbelievable. But I'm determined to go out with a bang and rev it up to head into Round 2. Cheering for all my ROW80 cohorts!
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