What draft am I on for my novel? Perhaps the 8th, 9th…10th….
Have just finished reading the book: Self Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print . Honestly, if you’re going to read one book on editing, this seems to be the one. Already, I feel like my manuscript is being transformed, and the writers (who are professional editors) give you clear explanations and many, many examples of writing that shows you, rather than tells you (important element of book) how to incorporate it.
I’m happy the way I approached my novel because ultimately, I got it done. As I was writing it, I didn’t dwell on a “correct” way of writing a novel, I went with my gut and my instincts and wrote my novel. However, now that it’s complete, I see that I have a lot of work ahead of me, but ultimately it will always be mine. The editors from “Self-Editing” point out a lot of common habits of first time writers, and I’m finding I fall into some of those categories. It was hard to hear at first, but then the more I read, the more I realized how much insight I did have. So, it’s a confidence-builder and reality check at the same time.
The first three chapters have already been completely revised. (and I’m looking forward to the day I can say that about the rest of it.) But if my work ethic is anything like it was during Script Frenzy, I will have the re-writes complete in the next twenty days. I got thirty pages done yesterday, there are just over 300 pages in the book, and if I give myself some leeway…20 days is doable, right?
I also have to give a HUGE thank you to the ladies of the Lady Who…group, my mom and Courtney for giving me such good feedback. I have already incorporated a lot of it, and their words really have made me think. So, if I haven’t already said it, thank you a million times over! And don’t worry, your names will all be credited in the back of the published work!
(P.S. If you want to see some pictures on Flickr that I just posted, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladywholunches/ )
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