Cutlass Trilogy

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Writing Advise: Trouble Editing?

I ran into a problem. I don't like editing. I never have, though. For the past couple of years, I really haven't been able to touch my book. I feel like I've been neglecting it since Sophomore year. I didn't read it my second or third year of college. My Sophomore year I tried to write my third book Cannon. Needless to say, I did write it--400 pages worth...that I'm COMPLETELY rewriting...not yet, but at some point.

You guys know over the summer I presented my query and asked for help. I got so many wonderful responses and help and finally think I have a query I love. I just need agents to love it too. Also, while rewriting my query, I rewrote the first five chapters of my book. I love that too, now. I still feel tired of my book though.

I say that. I say, "I hate you!"
But my friend said, "You say you hate it, but you really don't."

And I don't. I think the reason I'm so stressed about whether or not I like my book is because I want it to be perfect, but I haven't been able to read it in forever, and I don't know if I have the motivation for that.

I asked my professor about this. (Her name is Honoree Jeffers, you can google her and read her poetry. She's wonderful). She said put it aside for 2 years. She warned me I wouldn't like her advise.

I agree with her. I think I should put it aside, problem is, I feel like I have put it aside for 2 years. lol. She said work on something new. Which I have been doing recently. However, school and writing is very hard to balance.

She also, however, gave more advise on writing and school. She said get up earlier because you're still in that 'dream-like' state and your thoughts will flow faster. She also said get up around the same time to do this.

I need to try this and be dedicated to it.

What about everyone else? Have you guys found you have trouble editing? What do you think the reason is for?

10 comments:

  1. Ugh. Editing. Its SO hard to start. That is for dang sure. I think one of the reasons is because we (or at least, I) don't like to go back and read the CRAP I've written! It makes me cringe! Even though I know I HAVE to edit to make it better, I just don't like seeing all that mush on the page.

    HOWEVER, I've found once I get over the "I just don't want to do this" hump, and jump in with both feet, it gets easy. Things that I can add/take out/revise just start coming to me. I think what's important is to remember that it won't all come at once. Editing is a process. For me, it takes several times through before I feel satisfied with the product. I always have this lame visual in my head of a piece of pottery... how it starts out as a shapless lump of clay, and with every turn of the wheel, it is smoothed and fashioned into the final product. That's just editing for ya.

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  2. That's good advice! I'm enjoying editing more now that I've learned more HOW to do it. I'm still working at fixing big picture things, but I LOVE the slashing stage!

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  3. @ Julie - Wow! Great advise! lol. Yeah, I do think sometimes I should just jump on in, but I've gotta find the time! I like your metaphor though, it's a great way to describe how we mold our stories!

    @ Jemi - Yeah, I still feel like I don't exactly know how to do anything. I hate slashing things!! I can do it now, however, whereas before I had a lot of trouble!

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  4. Eek, I don't like editing either. My eyes tend to glaze over when I'm staring at the screen.

    I try to print them out and edit with a pencil or a red pen. Purple would be great, too. :D A little bit wasteful, but if you make the font as tiny as you can without going blind, and cut down on margins, and use both sides of the paper then it's not too bad.

    Good luck!

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  5. I actually kind of like editing. I'm in the minority here. Heh. ANd I might change my tune once I get my edits from my real editor. But in the past, it's always been kind of fun for me becuase I know I'm making it better. And I do like a challenge. I think your teacher gave some great advice. Work on something new for a while, until the other story starts itching under your skin again. That's when it's a good time to edit, because you're craving that story and characters again. Good luck!

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  6. @ Cherie - ooh, yeah, I agree! The computer screen does hurt my eyes! Purple is a GREAT color! I should actually do this...my problem is I have my book printed out...and then I decided to edit AGAIN over the summer so I'm like...ehh...I'll wait a little to waste another forest. lol.

    @ Anita - Ohh!! But your edits are exciting because you're going to be published! I'm excited for you to edit, lol!

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  7. I usually don't have trouble editing. It's getting that first draft down that I struggle with. I really like this advice, though.
    Good luck with the new project!

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  8. Thanks, Cynthia! I wish I had not trouble editing. :/

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  9. I'm doing that right now (putting it aside for two years) and I didn't even know I was following good advice--I was just avoiding it!

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