Thoughts on Editing

I am in the middle of rewriting hell. In a word.. HATE. I hate editing. I suck at it. In order to do a proper edit, you have to be able to look at the work with fresh eyes. This is something I am unable to do with the things I write. I am simply too close to it. I am as attached to the characters I create as I am to my own children..... almost. I love the stories I have written. I reread them and laugh, cry and gasp like I am reading it for the first time. SO I stumble through my editing with a cringe.

Thank GOD for the kindness of others.

I won a 25 page edit from an amazing lady and it was such a relief to read her thoughts and comments! Everything she pointed out were things that had been nagging the back of my mind for months! The comma splices, garbled sentence structure; the info dumps... But I was completely stumped at trying to figure out how to change it.

Thank you Rebecca Hamilton!

I have renewed energy about the beginning of my book! I have been given a wonderful push in the right direction and just enough of a wrap on the knuckles for the wrong I have done. For those of you that know Rebecca, I am sure you will understand my enthusiasm about her critiques. For those that do not know her, let me tell you something...... This lady really really knows her stuff!

The points she made on the fluff in the beginning of my books was backed with open and honest thoughts about what was important and what could be pulled out and left in the notes pile. She made a point to let me know what worked for the story line and what my strong points were (I think it was to protect my ego!). I even received some amazing ideas for changes that got my brain working and the voices of the characters in my head buzzing and chattering excitedly with ideas of their own.

So now I have given myself homework. I am going to have a brand new version of the first 3 chapters written with a new perspective and (hopefully) a better. stronger foundation that is worthy of my characters. I am looking forward to sharing it so much!

I owe you big time Rebecca! Somehow, I will figure out a way to pay you back for your kindness, honesty and time.