Editing is a mess. No amounts of pretty fonts and aesthetically pleasing pictures will change that fact. (Unfortunately. Though it does make it look like I have everything together and I know what I'm doing. But do not be deceived.)
This post is 1/3 of me ranting about editing, 1/3 of me giving a writing update, and 1/3 of me showing my editing process for The Sand Dragon's Song.
So, basically, this post is a glorious mess about my glorious mess of editing. Ha.
 |
| *insert moment of appreciation for this post image because I am ridiculously proud of it* xD |
I've already established that editing is a mess, but most of that is due to my novel being a mess. Right now I am editing the sequel to Song of the Desert, called The Sand Dragon's Song. I wrote this book last November -- all 105,000 words in one month.
(Yeah I'm not sure how that happened. I think I went a little bit insane.)
Since I wrote this book so fast, most of the words are typos and lacking in this thing called a plot. Sigh.
The hardest part about editing -- at least for me -- is gathering the motivation to start. Because, ew. Once you start editing, there's no going back. You've committed and you either finish or die.
...okay maybe that was a bit dramatic but STILL EDITING IS A FEROCIOUS BEAST AND IT COULD KILL YOU WITH IT'S EVIL FANGS.
Here are the steps I have completed and worked through so far for my sequel. (because you all just have to know)
Here are the steps I have completed and worked through so far for my sequel. (because you all just have to know)
wHOOPS. My finger slipped. There's no crying in editing. Ha. Of course not. Definitely not.
...heh... heh...
*skips to the "real" step one*
I live off of writing goals. It's very difficult for me to get anything done if I'm not working for a goal and pushing myself to get it done. (Yes, I choose to work on deadlines. :P)
I started editing The Sand Dragon's Song in July for Camp NaNoWriMo. Having an awesome cabin to encourage me and help me meet my goal was immensely helpful and it was fantastic.
(shoutout to my lovely cabin mates: nadine, tricia, athelas, faith, emily, rosalie, jaye, gabriela, emma, and caiti.)
My goal was to edit for 50 hours in July. (But my goal got all messed up, because I switched to counting written words halfway through and it just added to the glorious editing mess :P) But I HAD A GOAL. And that is the point.
 |
| (if you're wondering, that is my novel. I printed it out into a bound book copy and you can find out more here in this post) |
Seeing that my novel is over 100,000 words, this is somewhat of an intimidating step. Especially since I'm reading NaNoWriMo words. Ew.
But it was really satisfying being able to curl up in the corner with a my own book in my hands. No matter how awful it was. :P
Aka, ALLLL the pens and highlights and pencils and sharpies.
I also stole borrowed (not sure how it's possible to borrow but shhh) my mom's sticky notes. So as I went through my novel, I stickied alllll the things.
(Apparently "stickied" isn't a word, but it sounds cool and really works for this moment so I'm USING IT HA.)
After reading each scene in my novel, I wrote down my immediate thoughts. Did I like the scene? Was the emotional tension there? Does it all sound stupid? Should I keep it? Cut it?
(Apparently "stickied" isn't a word, but it sounds cool and really works for this moment so I'm USING IT HA.)
After reading each scene in my novel, I wrote down my immediate thoughts. Did I like the scene? Was the emotional tension there? Does it all sound stupid? Should I keep it? Cut it?
spoiler alert: most of my notes were giant, block letting that said, "CUT EVERYTHING." Sigh.
It was amazing having my novel in a book form for this, so I could place the sticky notes in the book and it makes me so happy to do it physically and give my eyes a break from the screen.
It was amazing having my novel in a book form for this, so I could place the sticky notes in the book and it makes me so happy to do it physically and give my eyes a break from the screen.
Outlining and I are not best friends. I have never been a plotter, but occasionally I try. Because if it makes my novel less of a mess, that'll be worth it, right?
I spent lots of time mapping out the direction I wanted to go with my story, and the FUN part about outlining, is that you can make pretty check boxes on the paper and make it all aesthetically pleasing.
I'm still not entirely sure how much it helped me (especially once you read the section below), but it definitely was beneficial in understanding my story a little more. ("little.")
After I finished outlining and reading through the ugly first draft, I quickly realized that approximately 1.0489% of my first draft could be saved. (just approximately.)
So. That meant that I had to rewrite. every. single. word.
And during rewriting, it took 34.2 seconds until I scrapped my outline and pantsed the whole thing over again. (Why, Katie, why?)
*dies* DO YOU REALIZE HOW AWFUL REWRITING IS? IT'S WORSE THAN EDITING. WORSE THAN PLOTTING. WORSE THAN BEING FORCED TO EAT A BROCCOLI PIZZA.
Right now I am currently stuck in the rewriting stage. My rewrite word count is sitting at 47,000, significantly shorter than the original draft. I am also writing significantly slower than I usually do, because REWRITING IS HORRIBLE.
...what comes next... soon you'll see...
(Sorry, I had to.)
SO, WHAT NEXT? What happens after rewriting?
The answer is not preferable. More editing. BUT, hopefully not rewriting. As much. Heh. Now comes the big plot editing, and then scene editing, and then critique partner editing, and then line editing, and then proofreading, and then beta readers, and then editing beta reader comments, and IT'S JUST A REALLY LONG PROCESS.
But I'm excited. ...
...as excited as it is possible to get about editing. :P
// katie grace
Do you like rewriting?
What's your favorite part of the editing process?
Oh gosh...Editing...I've never had to do anything that really qualifies as true editing, but since I'm writing my first book that I've put a ton of effort into, I know that I'm gonna have to do legit writer editing.
ReplyDelete*shudders*
I'm not quite there yet, but I'm like 100% positive I'm gonna have to rewrite the whole thing.;P I think I might do step one over and over.XD
Awesome post, I love your sense of humor, I always find myself laughing at the things you write!:D
-Emma-
Eeek, how far are you into your first book? How long until you're finished?
DeleteHeh. Good luck with that -- rewriting is awful. (not to scare you or anything, BUT IT'S THE TRUTH.)
Awhh, thank you! It makes me giggle when people find me funny, because I'm usually the only one laughing over my own "jokes." :P
Hmm, I'm not totally sure how much I have left to write, but I'm almost at 50k, so I'm guessing maybe like around 20k more... but to be honest I have no idea.;) Ugh...I bet...XD
DeleteYou're welcome! You're probably one of the (if not the) funniest bloggers I've "met", or read, or whatever...XD LOL!
-Emma-
YOU CAN DO IT!
Deleteoh mah goodness, thank you! heh, and internet terms are so confusing. It *feels* like we're all friends and we've met each other, but not officially. YET. ;)
BROCCOLI PIZZA? *gasps in horror* Does that even exist?!
ReplyDeleteEditing is totally my best buddy. *is being VERY sarcastic* I'm not too bad with actual rewriting, but editing and having to work out what I even meant by this crazy scene...well...it sucks. But I try look on the bright side that it means I'm getting closer to the end and the story's getting better. ;)
But YES! I am certain my plot has an invisibility cloak because most of the time I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE. *scowls at plot* *realises plot isn't there* *scowls at blank spot where plot should be*
If it does, I will personally hunt it down and burn it. xD
Delete*almost thought for a brief moment that you weren't being sarcastic and nearly had a heart attack* Yes! I totally like that it's getting better, but getting to that point is just awful. :P
GASP. That's the secret! You've found it! Our plots wear invisibility cloaks! You, Jane, are a genius.
Behold, the horror of broccoli pizza: http://www.anediblemosaic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/img_2327-small.jpg
Delete*stares in horror at Emily's picture* No. Who would DO that? xD
Delete*bows* Indeed, that must be the secret. *thinks hard about how to uninvisibility invisibility cloaks* :D
*stares*
Delete*shudders*
*dies*
THAT LOOKS DISGUSTING EW.
AGH so I wrote a long comment and my phone crashed, so now it's all gone. *wails*
ReplyDeleteEditing is such a long hard process because I internally cry chopping up what I consider my child (alongside paper. Lots of lots of paper... *shudders*). But it does get easier after crying. Don't be ashamed on putting crying in (or possibly procrastination)!
Rewriting is horrible. I actually have a post that's going up tomorrow-- or today? Time zones can be annoying-- and I mislabeled everything on there, because that's my fifth time rewriting that novel. It gets easier... I think? *internally stuffs doughnuts to refrain from crying*
It's nice to finally see your blog! I followed several hours earlier, because your blog is like writing goals, as well as your editing photos-- they're aesthetic!!! Be proud, girl.
xoxo Morning
NOOO THAT'S ABSOLUTELY THE WORST. Good for you for rewriting it because 50% of the time I die and give up in fear that it's just going to happen again. :P
DeleteOooh, you do? *visits blog* *realizes I've already read it* Ahh yus I love your post. Fifth time rewriting. What even. I can't even imagine. xD
Awwhh, thank you, Morning! *happy feels* I'm trying to include more of my own photos in my posts, because it's fun to try to have everything look all nice and neat. :D
I haven't had much experience in the editing process, and definitely not in the rewriting process, but it sounds awful. xP
ReplyDeleteI actually don't write SUPER fast, and... it's like a part of my DNA demands I continue to make the story coherent? *shrugs* BUT THAT MEANS I CAN'T WRITE 105,000 WORDS IN ONE MONTH. :P
I just love that you printed your novels. It just gives me all the warm fuzzies to know that there's a way you can print stuff out without publishing it, and I don't know why. xD
ALL YOUR PICTURES ARE SO AESTHETIC. And the font you used for this post header is the same as the last one... so I'm beginning to assume that that's going to be the new font for the header?? *makes note* ;)
And I loved the pictures sprinkled throughout this post! Pictures make everything better. :D
Oh, and I had a BLAST in Camp NaNo with you and the other gals. *glomps*
Delete*whisper* It is awful. Hide from it. Forever. :P
DeleteNO IT'S FINE NOT BEING ABLE TO WRITE THAT MUCH IN A MONTH BECAUSE IT REALLY ISN'T HEALTHY AND ALL THE WORDS THAT COME OUT ARE POSITIVELY AWFUL. :P
I knowww! It makes me have all the warm fuzzies as well. I'm totally going to keep doing this for each book and it makes me excited to SOMEDAY be able to fill a shelf with those horrid first drafts. xD
AH THANK YOU. I want to be better and aesthetic looking posts because they are the best. Oooooh, mwahaha. You are a smart person. *whisper* It is going to be the new font. I love how you figured that out. xD I figured that I should start changing the post images now. :P
Thank you!! Hopefully we can do Camp NaNo as a cabin together again. :D
Oh.... editing. Doesn't it feel so good to finish? - BUT IT KILLS YOU IN THE PROCESS!!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I only had to edit a 10,000 word novel. But YOU.... YOU HAVE TO EDIT AND REWRITE A 100,000 WORD NOVEL???? I WOULD DIE DURING THE FIRST 20,000 WORDS. L-I-T-E-R-A-L-L-Y.
I always look forward to every single post you write. Every Saturday morning, I wake up and pounce on my poor, poor laptop because "Hey! Katie Grace wrote I new post!"
Your posts always make me laugh (and cry. But mostly laugh) and I am really liking your books. I loved it when I Beta read for Song of the Desert - AND I CANNOT WAIT TO BETA READ FOR THE SAND DRAGON'S SONG!!!
I am currently about a quarter of the way into a novel that I started for Camp, but never finished because I had ACTUAL REAL CAMP in July that allowed NO electronics WHATSOEVER. PERIOD. So, I didn't get much writing done then. *Sigh*
So, I haven't experienced the REAL HARDSHIPS AND PAIN OF EDITING (yet) but I feel your pain, Katie. I really, really do. *hugs you and gives you pizza*
I really liked this post (as you can tell because this is the longest comment I have EVER written on anyone's blog) and I can't wait for next Saturday!!! YAY!! *jumps around and wishes that every day was Saturday*
<3 Anika
IT DOES FEEL GOOD TO FINISH. If I'm ever able to finish. It seems like editing is neverending. *dies* :P
DeleteI THINK I MIGHT'VE DIED. xD MAYBE I'M JUST A GHOST?? DUNNO.
Oh my gosh, this makes me so happy. *dances* I'm glad you enjoy the posts! And laugh at them. But don't cry, unless you're laughing so hard you cry. Then that's allowed. ;)
EEP I'M SO EXCITED AS WELL. NEXT YEAR. If I can ever finish rewriting this stupid thing. *le sigh* xD
Ooh, that sounds awesome! How far are you into it? Ack, no electronics for a week? I hate to admit how hard that would be, but... It would be so hard. :P
*hugs and pizza* ALSO YOU DESERVE AN AWARD FOR THE LONGEST COMMENT ON ANYONE'S BLOG EVER BECAUSE MWAHAH. *hands you a golden trophy*
And next Saturday's blog post is gonna be epic. Just sayin'. *whisper: blog anniversary celebration* xD
Ha ha, yes, Editing is never ending.
DeleteYOU ARE A GHOST?!?! *runs away and then comes back* No, you're not... ;)
Usually I'm laughing so hard that I cry, but sometimes I'm sharing in your pain (editing, rewriting, etc.)
Hehehe yes! I can't wait for every year!
I'm like, 11,000 words into it. Yeah, I'm a slow writer. *cries* IT WAS SK HARD!! I HAD TO WRITE WITH A PEN!! WHAT TIME ARE WE LIVING IN? THE SEVENTEEN HUNDREDS?
YAAAAA!!! *accepts golden trophy and gives you a diamond trophy*
YASSSSSSSSSSS!!! GO EPICNESSS!!! GO BLOGIVERSARIES!!! (However you spell it) :P
XD
<3 Anika
I actually enjoy editing/rewriting, to a degree. It's fun to rediscover bits where I was writing really well or having a lot of fun with the story. It can be hard, yes, especially when you're like "I know this needs to change, but I don't know HOW," but on the whole, I like it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, music. Music makes everything better, including and especially editing.
MUSIC. I 110% agree with you, there. I should've had music listed above, since that is SUCH a huge role in my editing. It keeps me sane(ish).
DeleteWhat? I'm actually commenting. I know, I know, it's bad. I do read every one of your posts, though :D But because I subscribe I usually read them on my phone and never make it to the comment section here *sheepish grin*
ReplyDeleteAnyway. Editing. Ugh. What a timely post. I'm supposed to finish editing my entire novel this month. I'm on chapter 7. SEVEN! I don't even know what happened to August. Whoosh and 2/3 is over. Not okay. NOT. Okay.
So. I gotta step up my game so I can send chapters to betas on Sept 1. They may just get it chapter by chapter like you guys did D: We'll see. *cries*
Editing my own stuff is not fun. Like you said, getting started is the hardest part. But those first 6 chapters are pretty much perfection by now XD
I actually don't mind rewriting a little or having to cut a scene and add a new one. Writing is SOOOOO much more fun that checking for passive voice and adverbs. Thankfully I have a flawless, streamlined system. Totally. Which is why I'm on chapter 7. Heheh . . .
THE FINISHED PRODUCT WILL BE WORTH IT!!!
I'm the exact same way, Abi, so don't feel bad. I'm awful at commenting, but I do read most posts around the blogosphere! :P
DeleteYOU CAN DO IT. I've been seeing you go through and "resolve" all the comments, which make me happy. :D I cannot wait to hear about your experience of beta reading. You'll do fabulous. <3
I totally understand. I despise editing my own work, but I really love editing other people's? (other than the time it takes. o.o) This is why we make great critique partners. xD
IT WILL BE. AND YOU CAN PUBLISH IT AND I CAN READ IT AND AJSDKLF;. *happiness*
I love that you got your book bound. it looks gorgeous like wow. I love it. seriously.
ReplyDeleteand best of luck with the rewriting. I just finished a rewriting draft and it was painful. lol. definitely worse than eating a broccoli pizza.
hang in there, friend!
oooh good for you for finishing rewriting! that is a huge accomplishment. o.o
Delete<3
I'm currently in the same boat. My 2013 NaNoWriMo novel will not be finished for a while I think.
ReplyDeleteI find it easiest to just restart on a new document when rewriting.
Eek, that's so hard. x.x
DeleteThat's exactly what I do. "The Sand Dragon's Song - Draft Two" it's titled. Then I'm able to compare version easily and keep all of the first draft. Not that I'd WANT to reread it, but... :P
Major appreciation for your header image because I love it so much oh my goodness.
ReplyDeleteEditing is THE WORST OF EVER.
I'm the same way- I need a deadline or NOTHING WILL GET DONE. It's terrible, it really is.
The fact that you get your books printed is honestly the coolest thing ever.
Fact: colored pens make life better.
UGHHHH I hate outlining. Probably even more than editing. Also your handwriting is really cute and I'm really jealous.
WHAT COMES NEXT?! SOON YOU'LL SEE! Officially in my head.
That's so sad that you're having to do so much rewriting! But I know that the end product is going to be INCREDIBLE and I'm so excited for you :) ALL THE HUGS!
ahhh thank you! *happy flailing*
DeleteYES YOU GOT THE REFERENCE THANK YOU. I was waiting for someone to and it makes me even happier that it was you. XD
I kind of like editing...but almost never the first few chapters...like my April Camp NaNo story I love, but only when the villains get there. xD
ReplyDeleteHaha, the villains make everything better. My villain(ness?) plays a larger role in the sequel, so I'm super excited to write her part in. :D
DeleteYour post image... GAH! BROCCOLI PIZZA?! That IS worst than editing! xD
ReplyDeleteI KNOW. IT'S HORRIBLE. xD
Delete(actually I have never tasted it but I just KNOW it would taste horrible :P)
Your editing process is so much more organized than mine this is amazing xD (also there is definitely much more crying involved)
ReplyDeleteheh it seems like it's very organized but it's really not xD
DeleteEwwww, editing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because I finished two drafts up to this date and I ADD chapters during editing (mostly cuz I assume the reader knows what I'm referring to although I never talked about it XD AND THE TYPOS OMG (sighs) like it sometimes makes me question my French grades (I write in French btw)
Anyway your editing process seems much longer than mine, but much more efficient as well. I'll try your sticky notes idea, might save me 13 rereading :P
SO MANY TYPOS. Waaaht, you write in French? THAT IS SO COOL. WOW. So is that your first language, or...?
DeleteIt is super long. x.x But you should totally use the sticky note idea, because I think it's helpful. xD At least for analyzing my writing.
I'm in the editing/rewriting stage with one of my novels and I'm currently ignoring it because it is SCARY and ACK! I'll save it for a wintery project when I'm cooped up indoors. And yes, totally hear you on the editing monster. Yikes! Beware lest it eat ye alive!
ReplyDeleteLove and Rich Blessings -
~ Aspen
Editing is a super good wintery project! Well, as good as it can get. It's really never a good time to edit but oh well. xD
DeleteI haven't gotten to the editing/rewriting stage yet, but I am DREADING it. Can't there just be a magic button to push afterwards that edits for you? XD
ReplyDelete~Jaclynn~
RIGHT? I could use that so badly XD
DeleteI'm stuck in the rewriting stage too!! WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS THING!!!
ReplyDeleteTOGETHER! YES!
Deleteediting.. *shudders* waiting for 3 hours for my novel to print, gathering all my weapons and then storming away in frustration after 15 minutes because it's boring and I want to cry? that's the one.
ReplyDelete~Noor
yup. sounds about write.
Delete*patpat*
I... Um... *shifty eyes* ...actually like rewriting... Like... More than first-draft writing... <.<
ReplyDeleteI've never gotten to real editing before, but... I'm about to. O.O I'm letting my novel sit for a while, and then I'm going to tackle editing, even though I have no clue what I'm doing. >.< I'm not nervous at all.
...You are weird. That's all.
DeleteAHH. YOU FINISHED YOUR NOVEL? HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS? o.o *orange glitter* Now you and I can do editing wars and it will be fabulous.
Yeah. xP I am, quite. xP
DeleteI DID. o.o *basks in the orange glitter*
... *hides from the fabulous editing wars*
Rewriting is like..starting a whole new book and *maybe* you keep two characters. or one. maybe.
ReplyDeleteseriously tho--for some reason you make editing look fun. *sits* *stares*
NOT SURE HOW I MAKE EDITING LOOK FUN BUT I WISH THIS WAS ACTUALLY TRUE. xD xD It was *kind* of fun sticking everything and using fun markers, but then came the rewriting and...
Delete... nope. xD
Don't wack me over the head with pizza-*cringe*-but I actually don't mind rewriting. To me, if I have words to work with (even if they're terrible words), I'm much more apt to actually sit my backside in a chair and do some work. It's not easy, though, but I do prefer the rewriting stage over, say, line editing. THAT is the worst.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really enjoyed this. And seriously, your handwriting is fantastic. How do you write so tiny, in such straight lines?! Now I'm embarrassed about my own "outlines" and the sloppy writing that I usually scribble while laying down in bed. :-I
One more thing--I so love that you print out your books and edit them that way!! I'm totally going to do that for my next book. My poor eyes need a break from the screen. :)
*lightly wacks you over the head with pizza sorry* xD Ooh. Okay. You can rewrite my novels for me, and I'll do the line editing. Because I actually really like line editing. xD
DeleteAwhh. My hand writing may look nice but my outline and the plot isn't. xD
It is so fabulous! You should definitely do that -- it's awesome and doesn't cost that much at all.
We are totally brain twinning! Because I have a post almost ready for Monday that is my step-by-step process of how I edited Burning Thorns. :O We seem to be on the same brain wave this week. I love it! XD
ReplyDeleteYou're doing AWESOME, girl! Especially since you're rewriting EVERYTHING. *collapses* I've never actually rewritten an entire book before, but I do have, oh, half a dozen or so books in the dark crevices of my laptop that desperately need complete and total rewrites. So...yeah. I'm gonna have to suck it up and do it sometime. I admire you for taking on this venture! Keep it up! I BELIEVE IN YOU. *waves pompoms*
Oooooh, really? I CANNOT WAIT FOR TOMORROW SO I CAN READ IT! :D
DeleteI know. *collapses* Half... a dozen books? Wow. o.O That's so awesome. And really excited because that means allll the more books from the wonderful Christine. :D
*cheers for more Christine books*
DeleteGUUUUYS. <333
DeleteI really just have an obsession with writing first drafts and not settling on just perfecting ONE book. So it's actually a problem!
YOU CAN DO THE THING, CHRISTINE.
Delete*very badly wants to read Christine's books* <3
DeleteGah, I haven't even finished my first draft yet (who am I kidding... I haven't even touched it in months), and I'm already dreading the editing stage!
ReplyDeleteBut what I really wanted to say is, THAT COVER IS GORGEOUS.
Serena
poetree {blog} | editing services
EEEK THANK YOU. <3
DeleteAnd you can do it!
Editing. *dies* No! I always put off editing. Anything but the edits, please!
ReplyDeleteI COMPLETELY AGREE.
Delete*very much loves the post header* *gives you thumbs up for its epic-ness*
ReplyDelete"You've committed and you either finish or die." OH YES.
*gapes at the book form of Sand Dragon's Song* EEP I still can't get over how PWETTY IT IS!!! *wishes to pet said book*
Haha, the pen weapons XD. And, FYI, I can't stand sticky notes. Just ... no. *shudders*. I probably would LOVE them if the bottom edge didn't stick up everywhere. BUT IT DOES.
BETA READERS!!! *flails at the thought* I'M SO READY!!! *wishes you could edit faster so I could read the BEAUTEMOUS KATIE STORY*
*thank you* xD
DeleteISN'T IT PRETTY?! I'M VERY PROUD OF THE COVER AND IT MAKES ME HAPPY. ^.^
o.O You can't? Huh. Mine stick down pretty nicely, actually. And it helps when they're in the book so it squashes them. :P
EEEP I'M SO READY FOR YOU TO HAVE IT I WISH I COULD REWRITE AND EDIT FASTER. *sobs*
Okay, so I haven't 'officially' started editing my story. But yes. Ew. I bet it'll be hard. :\
ReplyDeleteAnd YUSSS I will beta read!!! It'll be awesome!!!!
Good luck with editing, Katie!
-Ariel
It will be. But it's so worth it and you can do it! <3
Delete*aggressively hates rewriting*
ReplyDelete*aggressively loves this post*
*also aggressively loves the new fonts and cover photo*
*also aggressively loves you, you wonderful bean of beauty and magical wonderful writing skills*
ALL DA LOVE. (except for editing. obviously. ha. ha. *sobs quietly*)
*aggressively calms your aggressiveness* xD
DeleteFIRST OFF LOVE THE BLOG PIC. But I love those title image thingys EVEN MORE like it's so cool how it goes from a regular font and then cursive like SOOOOO COOOL, MAN.
ReplyDeleteI'm still writing (UGHHHHH) but I think editing my book when it's done might be a teensy eensy bit easier since it's technically not a story but lol who am i kidding i'm like working on five books at once so let's just see which one i finish first. THE ONE I'M CURRENTLY WORKING HARD ON might be easier since it's not a story :)
BUT STILL EDITING IS A AWFUL LITTLE CRITTER THAT NEEDS BANISHED. (ok autumn be quiet it's a very needed thing. especially in your books.) IJFDSJKL:DF
but rewriting has GOT to be 10000000000000000000000000000000000000x worse. I hate rewriting. UGHUGHUGH. I hate rewriting. I HATE IT SO MUCH. *screams and cries*
BUT you almost make it look fun. (And Abbie's post too. YOU GUYS LOOK LIKE YOU'RE HAVING SUCH A BLAST.) But seriously, sharpies and holding an actual, tangible piece of writing in your hand sounds like fun? Meh, but I don't even know considering I'm still writing. ^_^
AHH THANKS THAT MAKES ME HAPPY BECAUSE THEY TAKE AWHILE TO MAKE xD
Deleteehehe you make me laugh. I HOPE THAT IT GOES EASY FOR YOU BECAUSE ONCE IN A MILLION TIMES EDITING GOES SMOOTHLY AND I'M SURE IT'S THE BEST FEELING. :P
*stabs rewriting*
omg, abbie's post made rewriting look so EASY AND AESTHETIC AND WAHT EVEN. I get excited over the pictures but actually doing it is a different story ew.
BUT YOU'LL BE DONE WRITING EVENTUALLY. I know you can do the thing. <3
I know your meaning.
ReplyDeleteI literally looked at my novella I wrote last year, and went, "It's under 12,000 words. I can re-write this in NO TIME!"
ten minutes later, I'd scribbled 'Cut this garbage' on EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE.
*sobs*
My mom was like, 'oookay, you need to take a break from that book.'
So I go to work on my WIP.
It's like having someone tell you not to do your homeowrk, and handing you a lifetime supply of chocolate. I got all the feels.
Then it's back to editing.
Luckily, I can use a blue highlighter. Those things make me smile.
Awwhh. I love that your mom had to say, "take a break." xD
DeleteOoh, blue highlighters? I don't have one of those. It sounds very pretty and magical, however. xD
I'd agree that re-writing takes longer. I suspect it because you actually want it to be better this time in stead of just spewing words out onto paper. Also I seem to be going into more detail the second time round, which means in takes more words to get anywhere. And then there's the horrors of rewriting out of order and having to scrap some of the later bits because they don't fit anymore.
ReplyDeleteYES. THAT'S TOTALLY IT. I want it to be better, but I want it to go fast, but yet it doesn't *feel* like it's going better. Sigh.
Delete*shudders at rewriting*
Wow...I am starting my first real novel this week (leaving out the little books I wrote as a kid) and I am loving all these posts about editing! They are both preparing me and helping me for taking on this task! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! :)
Also: I nominated you over at my blog for the Wisteria Writer Tag if you are interested in doing that! :)
Eek, really? o.O THAT IS SO EXCITING! You'll have to keep me updated on your progress. :D
DeleteOoh, I'll have to check it out. Thank you, Megan!
Wow, as a writer, this post was really helpful to me!! You really seem like you know what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!!
Sophia xx
A Lantern In Her Hand
The Inkpot Girl
Ha, I love how it comes across like I know what I'm doing. I try. :P
DeleteThis post is so fun! <3 Loved it!!! XD
ReplyDeletehttps://everythingisbetterwithpolkadots.blogspot.com/
Re-writing? Ugh, I don't wanna cryy...
ReplyDeleteHaha. XD My second draft is always a rewrite. I feel like the rewrite smooths out everything. I actually really enjoy that stage. First drafts are the most struggle to me. XD
ReplyDeletestoritorigrace.blogspot.com
I FEEL THAT 'FALSE' STEP ONE. XD I FEEL IT SO HARD. It definitely happens.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a long process...like...man it's such a long process. After a while the brain is like "am i a brain?? or am i oatmeal??? because i feel like oatmeal help me."
THIS IS SO HELPFUL THOUGH. Helpful and encouraging and true. And that book cover?? GORGEOUS. And I still am over here whenever you mention these insane word counts of yours like *cough* katieissecretlythewritingqueenandisbasicallymagic *cough*
I'm glad I am not the only one who cries when I edit. :D
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