I don't know if I am the only author that finds editing to be a torture tactic implemented by Satan himself but I find this to be vaguely true, at least in my mind. If hell was full of sinful souls that had to be damned to edit for eternity, well my friend, I would honestly consider becoming a nun. I find this process to be grueling and frustrating. I am usually a pretty patient person but when it comes to editing my fuse is unnaturally short. I don't mind the part where I rearrange my ideas, emphasize on thoughts, and delete unnecessary dribble that muddles my story. I enjoy that aspect because I want the reader to live vividly in the world I am creatively trying to depict. It's basically the proof-reading and grammatical corrections that just seem to suck the creativity out of me as if you would suck chocolate milk through a straw. When inspiration strikes, my pen can barely keep up with the thoughts I am trying to pour out onto the page. It's thrilling and exhilarating! So when I go back through these thoughts it is necessary to tweek them because sometimes I cant even understand them myself. Now I know what you are thinking. This is the job for your editor. And yes you would be correct, but not entirely. Even famed and established authors like Stephen King have to go through their initial manuscript before handing it over to their publishers. Authors want to make sure their vision is represented to their liking and approval. Mr. King has even been quoted as saying that an author should store away their initial manuscript for some time before going back to it. It's brings in a fresh perspective and enables you to keep it true to your vision. I find it more productive and useful to edit a few pages a night. If you are like me and loathe editing then this procedure might be for you. Sitting at a computer for hours on end fixing grammar mistakes and inspecting every tiny aspect of your manuscript can make you go insane. You just have to inclement a schedule and stick to it. Easier said then done of course. Writing isn't like a 9-5 job that clock in and out of while being supervised to make sure you do your required functions. It's more flexible and in there lies the curse. You tend to become lazy, uninspired, distracted, and occasionally deal with writer's block. Sometimes you do have to treat it like a 9-5 job and push yourself to do the task at hand. Otherwise, the threat of your story never coming to life begins to materialize. So I guess editing/proof-reading is a necessary evil. I would absolutely enjoy know what you think. Take the poll below to voice your opinion.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Lisa's NookMy own thoughts, views, and whatever else tickles my fancy. Categories
All
|