I love editing. It's the first draft that really kills me, but once I've got something there to work with it becomes much easier. And now that its been a while since I last looked at it, reading through it this time around I am spotting so many plot holes and pacing problems that I didn't pick up on before that I can fix and that will make things all better.
Outside eyes are so helpful. I've gotten all types of feedback, but even little general comments can shine light on a problem you totally didn't see before, and once you see it you can figure out how to fix it.
One of my problems in this novel has been pacing, especially in the earlier chapters. I think that might be a problem that comes with outlining, oddly enough, because at least for me I had things outlined and so knew what was going to happen and how long it needed to take but that can cause problems in terms of emotional realism and following an honest emotional arc. I think I learned a little more how to feel my way through in a more genuine way, and so its really the early chapters that need fixing. I see, I come, I (hopefully) conquer.
This means that in the next few weeks I'll be finishing up edits and ready to start sending out queries to agents. Meaning YES!!!!
How are your projects going?
Sarah Allen
I hate it whne I realise a scene isn't good enough but I have no idea how to fix it. And I love it when days later the solution comes to me.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Still have the last 30 pages to edit which are killing me. So much has to be changed in the last pages that I'm procrastinating a bit... but I really just have to push myself so that I can FINISH.
ReplyDeleteOutside eyes are the best. I the puppy pic.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-be-otching-blurb.html
Yay for almost being done with editing! So glad you're enjoying it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteA picture of puppies in a wagon?! You win. You win at life.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the editing is going well for you!
Best of luck!!
ReplyDeletePuppies in a RAdio Flyer...Awwww
Hey sweety! love your blog, following you via gfc, follow me back?
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Devina
www.guiltybytes.com
Fantastic news! I love the light at the end of the tunnel moment when everything comes together. Good luck with the queries!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (cliche yes, but so very true sometimes).
ReplyDeleteMy current project is going very slow, which is how I like it. I can only work on it during the weekends, and due to the mature subject matter, I need that weekly interlude in order to mentally outline each upcoming scene.
It's cool you get so much great feedback. I think I have the most fun drafting, but I'm starting to appreciate the editing process. I'm currently revising a story and it's been more fun than I expected because I'm seeing the potential to make it into something better.
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