Dear Denise,
I finished my edits a little while ago and I will be sending them back to you tomorrow. I want to do one final read and make certain everything is just right. I see what people mean when they say you must love your story because you have to read it over and over. I’ve spent more time editing and re-editing than it took to write. *smiles*
I started editing the story before I finished it. I usually read what I did the day before. It sets me in the mood, gets the creative muse moving, and gives me an opportunity to tighten things up.
It seems whenever I read the story I see opportunity for changes. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. But there comes a time when you just have to stop tinkering with it and call it done. I thought I was in that happy place until Carina Press decided to publish Knight of Runes. *big smile* You’ve help get rid of the clutter which made the pacing so much better.
I think you’d agree that point of view is my challenge. Since this story is about a Druid knight and the magical powers I give him, I was tempted to give him the power of mind melding just so he could read the thoughts of others. I thought that would do away with my problem *really big smile* but decided against it but only because it wouldn’t fit into the story.
Then there are those echo phrases and favorite words. You got me on ‘slow.’ I hadn’t realized how many times I had slow in the story. Although eye has it beat. It’s there 493 times. Thanks for helping me vet that. With this last round of edits even I was tired of hearing about eyes.
I’ve fix the grammar issue, the split commas. I must have an aversion to ‘and’ that it seems to get left out often.
I’ve put back the exposition, mainly set up, that I took out a few drafts ago when someone told it wasn’t needed. I should have gone with my gut. I thought the reader would be a bit lost not having the background so it’s great to know you concur. It didn’t take me too long to re-write it. Next time I’ll definitely take your suggestion and save the deleted scenes.
I took a peek at my first draft and compared some scenes. I couldn’t believe the difference. I read the first couple of chapters before putting this together for you and couldn’t believe it was my work. I really love this story. Thanks for helping me make it wonderful.
Well, I’m off the sleep. I’ll finish reading tomorrow. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend.
By the way, I have a great idea for the next story. I’ll fill you in on that in a week or so.
Hugs,
Ruth
Edits, deadlines, and the rest of my life all in a short message to Denise Nielsen, editor extraordinaire (and did I mention patient!)
Sometimes a painful process, but well worth it when you see the end results.
You didn't save your deletions? How are you going to publish the unabridged epic for me when you're rich and famous? Sounds like you've found the perfect balance in Denise. She's lucky she found you and your story (pausing for deep breath..ahh, Arik.)
Interesting to read your process.
Jeanine
@Jeannie
This week's blog was all about introspection. I'm almost afraid to admit it but I like the edit process. It makes me think and delve deeper.
I'm glad you found it interesting.
Thanks for stopping by.
@J. Coleman
I do have my first draft but if you read it you would certainly laugh. I'm certain the editor at Penguin who read my unedited draft did. That was before I 'found' RWA and knew you were suppose to edit and rewrite. It started with, now don't laugh, a dark and stormy night type of explanation.
But you've given me some thoughts about those great scenes I've had to cut. I need to do something with them. We should brainstorm.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend. I love your blog and left a comment.
… Ruth
@Christina Wolfer
Yes, painful but so productive. I'm up to reading the story out loud to catch those little things.
Thanks for stopping by.
… Ruth
Lovely post that brought back memories of the editing process. My biggie? Overuse of certain words and phrases. I had no clue I did that. My agent took most of them out. She hates "that" and "had" and "just"…I seem to like them. Sigh. Even so, my editor found more. Double sigh. Wishing you success when your book publishes. If you schedule a blog tour, don't forget about Vintage Vonnie. I'm always up for guest authors.
@Vonnie Davis
Thanks for commenting and sharing your editing experience. It's long and tedious but when I read the story over with the edits I was amazed how wonderful it was. I love the story more and more each time I read it.
Thanks for your offer regarding blogging on your site. I've noted it down and will be in touch.
Have a great weekend.
… Ruth
Isn't it wonderful when you see your ms blossoming into a well-written story?! I have a great CP who can make me so mad when she says something like, "why'd you say that, or what were you thinking when you put that in, etc." If I can't give her a good explanation, I know it has to go or has to be changed. I have watched my stories change as I grow in the art of writing. Best of luck to you for great sales of your story.
@Paisley Kirkpartick
I love seeing my story blossom. It really is amazing. Sometimes criticism is so hard to take but I have to admit, it makes me think harder and my writing is better.
Thanks for your good wishes.
… Ruth