As you read through the printed-out chapters of your
novel, or review it on screen, make sure that you jot down everything that
comes to mind about the plot / characters / description. I know I have
mentioned this previously, but I am mentioning it again here so that it sinks
in. This second draft / Editing that you are doing requires you not to change
things now, but to read through what you have written and make tonnes of notes
for the next draft.
Joy:
Okay, now you are probably looking at this post and saying,
“Aww come on Gina, how can this possibly be anything other than grump inducing
hard work.” Well the answer is, because it can be fun to rearrange things, to
discover silly little mistakes and correct them, laughing at the fact you put
‘the hat on the cat’ or whatever.
It is indeed hard work, but it is fun work, there is
much joy and excitement to be had during this process, the further along you
get, the closer to being done with your novel and sending it to be published
you are. So, take a moment, sit back and let yourself feel that little spark of
joy…
Justifying
the time:
This goes with the Imposter Syndrome. As writers, who
wish to have a completed novel, that will sit on someone’s bookshelf, or be
purchased and downloaded to be read on an electronic device, we must take what
we are doing seriously. Explain to your family, friends, significant others
that you need to take aside the time you have allotted to editing and do the
work.
Sometimes those closest to us don’t understand, and
will interrupt us with teas, coffees, questions about where their shoes are,
and when was the last time you put oil in the car, and if you will cook dinner
now.
If you give in, if you don’t make your work important, then
how will they take you or it seriously? Just as your writing time was
sacrosanct (and if it was not it should have been), your editing time must be
cherished and abided to by all.
Having a notebook sounds a great advice, writing or sketching for documentation. You don't want a cup of tea, are you sure? 😉
ReplyDeleteQuilting Patchwork & Appliqué
More excellent advice, thank you! I start a new notebook for every novel I write, and by the time the novel is finished, the notebook is usually full!
ReplyDeleteI find such joy in editing a scene well. But then, editing was my start. I can't turn it off. My husband proofreads his stuff, but then I'll read it and find a missing period or some tiny thing. But changing something and feeling it better when you read it afterward is JOY!
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I think I'm going to go spend time editing. I'll do more blog-reading later.