Eoin
asked
Mary Robinette Kowal:
For a brand new writer, how would you recommend maintaining enthusiasm for a project, especially in light of pre-submissions editing?
Mary Robinette Kowal
My mentor, when I was a puppeteer, used to say, "Every show is another chance to get it right." That's how I feel about editing. I handle editing by sitting down to read the book and try to *just read it* so I'm experiencing it as a reader would.
I mean... you've got a favorite book, right? That you re-read over and over and it still makes you excited. You know where it's going, but you still love it.
So I sit down to read my book like that. Then I make marks where my attention flags. AFTER I've read it, then I go back to look at those marks. If I can identify why my attention flagged, then I'll fix it. It's another chance to get it right.
If my attention didn't flag, then I leave it alone.
And for the enthusiasm? Remember why you wanted to tell the story in the first place. What was it that excited you? Keep your eye on that as you work. Every change is a change to make it closer to the vision in your head. It's another chance to get it right.
I mean... you've got a favorite book, right? That you re-read over and over and it still makes you excited. You know where it's going, but you still love it.
So I sit down to read my book like that. Then I make marks where my attention flags. AFTER I've read it, then I go back to look at those marks. If I can identify why my attention flagged, then I'll fix it. It's another chance to get it right.
If my attention didn't flag, then I leave it alone.
And for the enthusiasm? Remember why you wanted to tell the story in the first place. What was it that excited you? Keep your eye on that as you work. Every change is a change to make it closer to the vision in your head. It's another chance to get it right.
More Answered Questions
Christine
asked
Mary Robinette Kowal:
If someone is interested in a career as a narrator, how would you recommend they begin? Education? Workshops? It's something I've been interested in for many years, but have no idea how to pursue it. Do you have any tips on things to avoid, or pitfalls? Or advice at all?
Ash
asked
Mary Robinette Kowal:
Big fan! Just saw the August date for The Spare Man, yay! Any more info on The Martian Contingency? Thanks :)
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