I realize my work has just begun. I’m in the midst of editing which is my least favorite aspect of writing. Unlike years ago, I now catch typos, missing words, and spelling errors the editing tool doesn’t. That’s largely due to personal growth and maturity. I’m doing what I have to do. While I’m not fond of the process, I no longer say, “I hate to edit.” In fact, I enjoy knowing I’m improving my work. I also recognize that, unlike my fanfic, my novels represent me and the standards I hold myself to. That’s important. While my style of writing and/or my stories may not appeal to everyone, my manuscript should reflect my commitment to excellence.
Beyond the technical formatting, that commitment includes using words properly. I spend a lot of time verifying spellings and definitions. While a word might sound good in a sentence, it’s the wrong word if it doesn’t mean what I’m trying to say! I also spend a lot of time searching the Thesaurus for just the right word. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s when I compromise and accept the “perfect” word has eluded me. At that point, I let it go knowing sometimes I’ll find what I’m looking for farther down the road. Often in the midst of editing. That whole concept of just putting something on paper and moving on has gone a long way towards eliminating writer’s block for me. I can sculpt the masterpiece later. Right now I need to put some defining chips in that shapeless hunk of stone.
I do that by seizing on the element I’m writing my story around. That may be a character or an event. It might be a more abstract idea. It varies. Yeah, I’m a weird one and I’d never tell anyone to write the way I do. My novels have always downloaded in my mind from start to finish. My brainstorming and outlining is more about fleshing out details and connecting dots than developing storylines. My characters are old friends from the beginning. I know how they look, feel, and act without really thinking about it.
On the one hand, all of that’s a good thing. On the other, sometimes I think it would be easier to follow conventional wisdom. Not going to happen. In most things, I see the big picture before I can contemplate the details. Writing is no different. While I’d like to start with an outline and write in a more methodical fashion, I never get anywhere when I try. Talk about massive writer’s block. I have to start writing, get in the flow, set up my beginning, middle, and end – then I can outline to a certain degree and I usually do. See, it’s weird; but it works for me.
So, the best words of advice I can give any wanna be writer is to find your style of writing and what works for you. What lets you complete a story. If the step-by-step, tried and true, works for you, go for it. It never has for me. I keep bringing it out every now and then only to bog down and fail miserably, Know, as well, that unless you’re incredibly gifted, your writing won’t be great from the start. It probably won’t even be good. There will be lots of mistakes. Lots of room for improvement and growth. Know also the more you write, the better you get.
I know this is true; but I’m never happy with the finished product. I always feel I can do better. While that may be true, I know I have to find a stopping point where I make peace with my work and declare “this is good enough.” If I don’t, I’ll never finish. The same will be true for you. There will come a point after you’ve edited, rewritten, and edited however many times when you’ll know it’s time to stop. If you don’t, you’ll make a mess of all your hard work. I know. I’ve done it.
I’m on my forth or fifth edit on this little 50,000 word novel. When I finish this one, I’m done. I feel it. I’ll do a final read through for flow and to catch little mistakes like missing words and the like; but I’m not making any major changes. I’m not wracking my brain to see if I can write that sentence better or second guessing my choice to write a scene that way. The next major edit will happen when a publisher buys my novel. I’ll make their changes and I’m done.
For real.
Until next time,
Calla
Tori Lennox Author 