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Saturday, July 07, 2012

Editing...editing...editing...

It's been a long time coming. And it's not here yet.

But it's taking shape. Thank goodness for another set of eyes. Eyes that are not so used to the text on the page/screen that they can't see what's there - just what I imagined I'd written.

As is often the case, the story I can hear in my head doesn't quite get to the page in the same form. But it will.

But, as can be seen, it's a painful exercise. For the other pair of eyes - and blue pen - as well as for me, the hapless writer. There are some parts of this story that were only clear to the writer of same. As such, readers were on their own. And that won't do.

Some of it I can lay at the door of my less-experienced self. Some of it as a result of my first NaNoWriMo effort. I had the story, and some art. But not as much craft as is needed.

However, it's not all bad, or not as bad as the marks on the page above suggest. As can be seen from the second photo - parts of the story as written are likely to survive.

It's a humbling experience. And humility isn't my strong suit.

To keep from despairing, I'm also in the process of hammering my second novel into shape. Ever the optimist, that's me.
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13 comments:

  1. Laura EnoSat Jul 07, 06:25:00 AM

    Writers have to forego the humility to some extent or we'd never put forth anything. Bravo on your editing efforts! Your story needs to get out there, as well as working on the next one. :)

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    1. KjMSat Jul 07, 12:53:00 PM

      Thanks, Laura. Too, too painfully true - the humility thing. :)

      Thanks for the support. The story will get out there.

      Delete
  2. Larry KollarSat Jul 07, 08:57:00 AM

    Having been partway through that myself, I know how you're feeling.

    I sometimes wonder, if I cringe at helpful stuff, how am I going to react to a negative review?

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    1. KjMSat Jul 07, 12:56:00 PM

      "...if I cringe at helpful stuff, how am I going to react to a negative review..."

      Worrying, no? All I've read suggests a writer treat negative and positive reviews the same way (easy, right?). Nod your head - and go write your next book.

      I'll let you know... :)

      Delete
  3. Laura EnoSat Jul 07, 03:20:00 PM

    Negative reviews suck. It's getting easier to pull the arrow out of my heart and go on, though... That's where the chutzpah comes in handy. ;)

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    1. KjMSat Jul 07, 04:45:00 PM

      Of which you have plenty, Laura.

      I may come to your doorstep to borrow a bowl of it sometime. 'KAY?

      Delete
    2. Laura EnoSat Jul 07, 05:31:00 PM

      My door's always open to you. :)

      Delete
  4. Helen A. HowellSun Jul 08, 06:50:00 PM

    Well done on your editing efforts. I think I found too when having mine read, that the story was in my head and I knew what I meant, but it wasn't always clear to the reader. Mine is soon to be released and now I am nervous in case it's not liked.

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    1. KjMSun Jul 08, 08:51:00 PM

      Best wishes for your release (well, the release of your book, I mean). I quite well understand the nervousness.

      I look forward to seeing it.

      Delete
  5. Helen A. HowellSun Jul 08, 09:42:00 PM

    Thanks Kevin I'll let you know when its out ^_^

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  6. AnonymousMon Jul 09, 11:35:00 AM

    Editing is scary work, requiring much courage. I applaud you for settling for nothing less than the ideal you have in your mind. Bravo, author!

    I hope you don't bleed too much from the cutting.

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  7. John WiswellThu Jul 12, 08:38:00 AM

    Gathering critiques in college helped drive some more much-needed humility into me. I came out acutely aware of my fallibility as a writer. I hope your second set of eyes is considerate, Kevin!

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