Friday, June 30, 2006

Editing

As I'm going through the tedious process of editing my newest book, it's interesting to analyze my thoughts and emotions. To me, editing feels like running. I don't like running, yet, I run almost every day to stay in shape. I hate the process. It hurts. I sweat, toil, and grumble. But when I get done, I'm always glad I did it. I am healthier, and I feel better.

I don't like to edit. I have seen these words so many times, I just want them to go away. When my editor spots a bad phrase, I cringe. Yes, she's right (some of the time). I have to change it. But if I do, I have to back and change something else, and that will lead to yet another change fifty pages ago. And, once it's all done, did I remember everywhere that new thought will affect?

So, while editing, I sweat. I toil. I grumble. But when it's done, I'm glad I did it. My book is better, and I feel better.

I think we need to invent a Gatorade for writers.

3 comments:

Julius Scipio said...

Yeah, I don't like to look back and go through stuff when I write either. I make way to many mistakes and stuff.
They definately need gatorade for writers.
Brainorade! Or maybe Writerade.

P.S. Loved the books can't wait till Eye of the Oracle.

Astral Pen said...

I hate editing too...it's like having dozens of spiders crawl all over you, plus I always fear I've left something out.

Speaking of Gatorade, I work five days a week outside, so I usually drink 2 or 3 small bottles of orange Gatorade per day. Defintely keeps me going!

Kameron said...

Haha. I just finished my first week of running after a couple years of inactivity. It's not my preferred activity, exercise for exercise's sake. Editing isn't as painful to me. Overcoming inertia (in writing) equates to running for me. ;)