EDITING

A year ago editing was new to me and fun. Fast forward a year and suddenly editing is the devil. Crucifix anyone?

Though, I have come to accept editing. It is necessary even though it is painful and appears time consuming. But it is important to take your time editing. Do not rush to finish.

I have 8 drafts to date of my first novel. So perhaps if I had given it to my strictest critique partner (brother) in the beginning, then I would have spent a year editing one draft instead of a year editing 8 different drafts. I would have saved myself a lot of time, effort and patience.

I have found that editing can be very draining and thus you should find a way to make editing fun. Fun? Are you insane woman? No, but seriously. You have to find an approach that doesn’t leave you gloomy. Find or do something that lifts your spirits, like a reward system. I personally love using different coloured stationary when I edit, like bright pink post it’s and multi coloured highlighters and stuff like that. I don’t know why but stationary makes me happy.

So basically take your time with editing, even if it takes a year. Rather focus on doing a good job then finishing quickly. And don’t forget to make it fun.