I guess I'm doomed to never enjoy simple projects.
Okay maybe "doomed" is a too strong word. I actually like challenges. I thrive on them. That's why the first book I ever finished was Doorways, and why splitting it into The Vanished Knight and The Heir's Choice wasn't daunting.
It's what compels me to buy the finest canvas for tapestry work, what makes me want to do bridgework on cakes and what makes me want to paint complex things in oils on canvas.
However, it's the same thing that compels me to look at The Heir's Choice, know that I need to change something big, and have no idea how to work it into what I've written.
And now, as I'm writing this, I'm sort of thinking that I really don't need to change that thing. Maybe the real change should be something else entirely. Maybe I just wanted to change the impossible thing because it's a mental exercise for me, and not really what needs to be done.
One the other hand.... this something else is promising... hmmm....
Anyone else editing? How's it going?
Only you can answer that question.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I'm a lazy writer. I'll only change what I have to.
Your head is a very busy place, isn't it? Sometimes I know something needs changing, and - like you - it isn't the thing I think it is. I tend to spend time thinking about it, especially in bed at night because it allows my subconscious to have a good go at it too.
ReplyDeleteEditing should be challenging! But I try to make it fun too. It's my chance to finesse and polish the plot and to deepen the emotional states and developments of the players. I'll be editing soon enough--in about 3 weeks.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like pining down what needs changing is the hard part. I would so don't rush it, take time to really think it though hopefully the right path will then become clearer. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteEditing is next! Just finished a rough, which means it's really, really rough.
ReplyDeleteI'll add something to Alex's comment: only you and your betas can answer that question. Maybe what you need is some fresh sets of eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'm not editing. I'm supposed to be plotting, but life has been plotting against that goal. LOL
Have a good rest of the week. :)
*are* >.<
DeleteNot editing now...more like writing the next book in a series, where I edit as I go.
ReplyDeleteI think you should always follow your gut, but maybe after a little space and time. Or if you have a critique partner you really trust, I'd toss your thoughts their way and see what they think. Sometimes those whims lead you to magical places you might have never otherwise discovered.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a first draft and daren't even think about the posibility of editing the thing!
ReplyDeleteI already complained about revisions on my blog. I do believe I compared it to Plague. 'Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI put the editing aside to concentrate on another project.
ReplyDeleteI think my middle name has become Editing. However, I kind of enjoy the process It allows me to focus on bits and pieces, instead of the whole pie.
ReplyDeleteEditing--yuck! Don't change for change's sake, but if you feel like something is really wrong, keep searching to find what that thing is. It may require stepping away from it a while to come back to it with fresh eyes.
ReplyDeleteThose kinds of changes/thoughts are hard. sometimes both changes are good and it's so hard to choose which one to do. I echo Stephanie above, don't change just for changes sake, even though it would be a great mental exercise. Keep the end goal in mind. What is the plot? How do the characters develop? Would the change help or hinder that? Good luck deciding.
ReplyDeleteArgh, I'm *supposed* to be editing... Just need to buckle down and get back into a schedule...
ReplyDeleteGrrrr...yes...always. I'm at the deleting stage. Getting rid of the dribble.
ReplyDeleteI have been deleting. I will now be adding. I will love it then I will hate it, and then I'll pull my hair out before realizing it's probably fine. I hope you can figure it out before you spend too much time editing. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling tired just following your post today. You're definitely in mind-racing mode. I'm at the polishing stage, which is easier...until I see something I want to change.
ReplyDeleteStill in the crank-out-that-first-draft stage on my latest WIP, but yes - editing can definitely feel daunting at times!
ReplyDelete