NaNo NaNo

I have a love/hate relationship with editing. Specifically in having my own work edited. On one hand, I’m convinced there’s nothing more exciting and fulfilling than a solid, thorough editing pass by a professional who knows her stuff. Also, there’s nothing more frustrating and humbling than a solid, thorough editing pass by said professional. It’s a full-circle kind of experience, not unlike—ironically—the Kubler-Ross stages of grief. Except for me, there’s a sixth stage that manifests after acceptance: love for the (clearly) better manuscript.

Even more difficult, however, is dealing with ongoing edits when there’s a shiny new project begging for attention. Because let’s face it, you can only resist that pull for so long before your “impressive restraint” becomes “bitter longing.” Which is a mature way of saying I WANT TO BE WORKING ON MY NANO NOVEL STARTING FRIDAY AND I CAN’T.

From me to you: Things NOT to do when faced with the above situation…

1. Open the NaNo file (already at 10K and begging for another 50) and read it beginning to end. Twice. Sob in frustration.
2. Procrastinate current editing pass on acquired novel by playing Candy Crush while thinking about NaNo project.
3. Troll Hulu for the newest episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
4. Post to LJ.
5. Search Google for pictures of kittens. Just because.

Things to do instead.

1. Do the freaking edits.
2. Do the dishes.
3. Do the freaking edits.

To end this post of frustration and whininess… I present the scene out my front door this morning. I love autumn. It’s very pretty, but I do get distracted by all the leaves falling past the window. Not unlike my cat. I’m thinking I should be embarrassed about this, but can’t seem to muster the energy. ;-p