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Lost in editing.
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DanlTetley
 01 Feb 2012, 09:46 #140878 Reply To Post
Hi,

I am lost in a world of trying to make sense of my own work, so that is exciting and understood by the reader. Does anyone have any tips for the editing process? I am finding this more difficult than writing the book in the first place! Distancing yourself from your own work is more than a challenge, how do you clearly see your own weaknesses? how do you be objective enough to tighten the pace and structure?

I'm probably assuming that there is one easy answer (which secretly I know there isn't) But others account of the process will be extemely useful.

Danl
CaroleH
 01 Feb 2012, 10:25 #140885 Reply To Post
The one good thing you can do, which really works, is this:

Put it away and forget about it for at least two months, preferably longer.

They when you come to read it - you are reading like an outsider, and it will be much more possible to be objective.

As you get more used to editing, (this is what I've found anyway), it might be possible to switch into an 'objective' frame of mind, to enable you to read it as someone would coming in fresh. (so you have the frame of mind of being 'in' the story, and then can step 'out' of it).

Another thing you can do to remain fresh is to not keep reading it over and over. So discipline your reading of it to times you are going to actually work on it.

CaroleH
 01 Feb 2012, 10:31 #140888 Reply To Post
Another thing you can do is focus on the structure (which has just come up in another thread). I've found it helpful to do a visual diagram sometimes to work out the plot, or structure - it gets it much clearer in your head. Also work out what the underlying theme is - what are you really writing about? What are you trying to say?
DanlTetley
 01 Feb 2012, 10:39 #140890 Reply To Post
Thank you for your comments.

I have thought about putting it away but I really want to get on with it so I can concentrate on the two other books I am writing. These I am writing much stronger than I did before as I am learning so much, think that is why I am finding this first novel of mine so difficult because its quality is so much poorer that I am having to unravel it and almost re-write the whole thing.

I appreciate your help and advice so thanks very much.
Chippewa Ferguson
 02 Feb 2012, 18:45 #141065 Reply To Post
Things that set the scene. The old, "...it was a dark and stormy night" worked wonderfully at the time it was written, but is cliche now. Think about cliches when you set the seene and avoid them
Characters: My schooling is in Psychology, but the most valuable insight I picked up along the way didn't come from pysch books, it came from a book on writing by Lajos Egri. In it, he warns that in order to write believable characters, you must first clearly delineaate their insecurities. When they act and speak according to these insecurities, they will ring true.
Voice: Listen to good speakers...people you enjoy listening to, and try to figure out why you like them. Then develop a way of telling your story that embraces and captivates your audience. Once you've figured this out, then use words with strict economy.
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