editing encouragement

Once again I'm finding myself in the midst of edits, and though this is obvious, I'm going to say it: editing is hard.

It's all too easy for me to look at that document of mine and think, "could this ever possibly get better? is there any hope in improvement?" 

There are doubts, insecurities, thoughts that say, "what if none of this is good? what if you can't make it better?" 

Once the edits start... will they ever end? It seems like edits are just a long, dark hallway, and the end is just a spark of a dream. 

Editing is long. It's mentally exhausting. It's physically exhausted, sitting hunched over in a chair all day with my face in a permanent frown and fingers cramping from all the typing (okay, so I might be embellishing a little bit here...).

Writing is hard. Editing is hard. The process of creating a story is a strenuous task. It's easy to start a book, but the difficult part is completing it and following through.

In the middle of edits (or even at the beginning), is often the time when it feels better to give up and do something easier.

Don't give up. Don't. 

I'm repeating that to myself, trying my best to follow that, and I hope you will, too.

"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it's worth fighting for."
- Samwise Gamgee

Replace the word world with story, and good old Sam is saying exactly what I want to scream to every writer out there -- Your story has potential. There is good in your story.

I understand that it's hard to believe that. When you're digging at your first draft, cluttered with typos and plot holes, it seems impossible to think that there's anything hopeful buried within the words.

But there's potential, because you created it. Think about what you did for a moment (or what you're currently doing): you crafted a novel. A story, an adventure, a journey that's close to your heart and meant enough to you to put on paper. Think of all the time you've spent over it -- it's your little baby novel. <3

There's going to be lots of work involved -- lots and lots and lots and lots and lots. But every other dedicated writer is going to go through the same struggle. You're not alone in this journey. That's the beauty of the writing world -- just shouting the word, "editing," will result in loads of virtual hugs and chocolate.

You can conquer this story. Tackle it with your sharpest pencil and the bloodiest (hello, evil writer Katie) of red pens. Don't be afraid to look for encouragement. It will be needed through the despair and the tough times. I'm here for you. The blogging and writing community is here for you.

I know I've said a lot about how horrible editing it is (for good reason, because it's haaard), but if you can, try to have some fun with revisions. You can hate the bad, but also take the time to love the good. Grow with your characters. Watch as you craft those paragraphs into a writing voice that flows beautifully and is uniquely you. 

Go after editing with confidence, because both you and your story have what it takes.

Conquer the thing.

<3,
katie grace

how goes the editing or writing for you, my frens?