Yesterday I finally started editing again, but it's still slow going, because I'm not as in the story as I was beforehand.
On one hand, I think I should read it from the beginning again, to get deeper into the story. On the other hand, maybe it's a good thing that I'm not so into it.
I have two reasons for this.
The first is that distance is good while editing. Very good. I know that the stuff I changed really did make the reading better.
Another reason is that while the beast isn't chewing me up, I might as well take it a bit slower while looking for my crit partner(s?). So... I might actually have at least a few weeks while having a life.
Imagine that.
So... I'm just going to take it a bit slower and maybe get some reading in. And also take a nap a little later, because my beautiful dog insisted on barking at random moments all hours of last night...
Another thing I decided to change while I'm at it: Sundays. They are now no computer days. I took one last week end and it was such a beautiful feeling that I want another one.
So that's where I am. What about you? Anyone else editing? Anyone coming back from an editing burn-out? How is your writing going?
I've not edited in a while, though I still write. I'm bummed that everyone around me is getting pub'd but me. Yesterday, I got a rejection. I'm still reeling from it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a long way from editing since I'm still in the rough draft phase, but I don't think there's anything wrong with taking your time.
ReplyDeleteI've probably hit the over-editing stage with my WIP. I know it's good, I know I've fixed the issues. But I can't help but go back over it for 'just one last read through', which will end up not being the last read through at all. I should just submit and have done. But I can't...
ReplyDeleteA day off is good.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the writing phase now. Can't wait to finish, because I prefer editing to writing the first draft.
I actually enjoy editing more than hammering out that first draft. Maybe it's the English teacher in me. I'm currently plotting out my next novel before digging in to the writing. Saves time with plot holes and direction later on--at least for me.
ReplyDeleteIm editing a short story
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of editing too. It's such a long process, but totally worth while in the end. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in the last stages of editing, getting ready to maybe start something new.
ReplyDeleteI'm just diving into Draft 2, which is the one where I rip everything to shreds and piece it all back together. Argh!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on Sundays. I think you need a rest from the internet.
I printed 61 chapters the other day to send to my editor-for-hire. The last couple chapters I'm still tweaking with the help of beta readers and critters. So surreal. Everyday it gets a little closer to being published. Wow!
ReplyDeleteYup, I'm in the middle of the editing jungle as well. It's going okay, but I'm ready to be done. I think the no-computer Sunday's idea is fantastic. I wonder if I'd be able to do it :)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
I totally agree with your computer free Sundays! I take one day away during the week. It's so freeing!
ReplyDeleteI do computer-free Sundays too. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI just finished an edit and am taking a break. But the crazy thing is that taking a break makes me feel jittery. Am I the only one who gets that way?
Yay for getting back to editing! I haven't done much of either (editing or writing) lately. I REALLY need to be doing some writing!
ReplyDeleteA computer free Sunday sounds great. I've been thinking about that actually, but I just have too much to do at the moment to take a "day off" from the computer. That sounds dreadful, I know. Sunday should be a day of rest... But I would really like it to be a computer free day in the future for me.
I've always taken Sundays off: family day. I think regular breaks help keep you fresh and enjoying what you do.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be able to take a break from the internet and computer; sometimes it's amazing how much time there seems to be on those days!
ReplyDeleteI'm still brainstorming and trying to find a shiny story idea.
You're so smart to make a day off from the computer. I need to do that, too.
ReplyDeleteI am fast approaching the end of my edits on a MS. It is my final go-through before I get it ready for Indie publishing.
Are you looking for crit partners, Misha? Is that what I read? I thought you had crit partners.
I spent the past three days editing a short story and just finished. Tomorrow I will take one last look at novel to make sure of a few things, but nothing like even a partial edit - more like going through a brief checklist.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to reach a full no-computer day each week sometime this year and keep to it. That's my big goal for the year. Congratulations on achieving that milestone :)
I am with you. I hate revising. I much prefer the creating part. However, I am in final revision stages, so hopefully not too much longer.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing something new. Are you excited? lol And I'm editing. The galley for the Tumbas came in, so I'm working on that. Very dull stuff. Then the editor is done with The Backworlds, so I need to get that edited and formatted.
ReplyDeleteDays off are nice. I've taken some on Saturdays recently. And had a beer. Very nice.
I agree that it's good to have some time distance between edits. As for me, I just finished a big revision for my WIP. So now I'm taking a short break from revision and am brainstorming for another story.
ReplyDeleteI remember Michael telling me it was good for him not to read his manuscript for months. It gave him a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of revisions too and they're slow going. I don't like doing them and so they drag on for me, but you're right, going slow does help.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you, Misha. I can't wait to see your book in print! Woot!!! I'm in writing mode again while I wait for first round edits from my publisher. Release book I, while editing book II, while writing book III. :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you'd like me to help with anything for your book launch.
I'm editing at the moment and writing another. The back and forth is helping me and I'm getting one prepped for betas while the other will simmer when finished before edging into its "edit" slot.
ReplyDeleteAs anxious as a writer can be to be 'done' with a piece, often it takes a bit of distance, a length of time for it to sit on the shelf, to truly appreciate the final edit. That's what I have found in the past. Looking at it from that distance, you will see things you missed when it was up close and personal. You can see it with a more critical eye and catch the inconsistencies, the typos, the bits that should be put in a different section, and completely cut out the parts that don't work. Good luck with your editing process. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats anyhow and hope you finish it soon enough and perfectly too.
ReplyDeleteI should get myself a 'no computer day ' too, Its awfully tedious those days I spend in front of them and that will be everyday!
I'm currently in edit land as well... editing two novels and a short story..... now I remember why I prefer to the writing part, even though I complain during that process as well:) Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm editing. Slowly.
ReplyDelete