Self-editing
Jan. 22nd, 2006 09:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Today's writing thought is brought to you by the Gospel of Matthew:
THE FIRST BETRAYAL will be published in June, and Bantam has kindly requested the opening scenes from the next book so they can be included as a teaser. I've been tinkering with one of the scenes because it's not quite right, but I can't figure out what's wrong with it. I finally sent it off to my critique partner for advice.
Meanwhile, my critique partner sent me the prologue for her new story. I can't find the freaking beam in my scene, but a quick read through and I can spot the motes in hers. It's all little stuff, the equivalent of nudging the dial so the radio station will come in crystal clear. A few quick edits and she'll have this nailed.
If I could only figure out how to look at my stuff with a stranger's eye, I'd have this whole writing gig nailed. Or possibly a split personality disorder but I'm willing to take my chances.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
THE FIRST BETRAYAL will be published in June, and Bantam has kindly requested the opening scenes from the next book so they can be included as a teaser. I've been tinkering with one of the scenes because it's not quite right, but I can't figure out what's wrong with it. I finally sent it off to my critique partner for advice.
Meanwhile, my critique partner sent me the prologue for her new story. I can't find the freaking beam in my scene, but a quick read through and I can spot the motes in hers. It's all little stuff, the equivalent of nudging the dial so the radio station will come in crystal clear. A few quick edits and she'll have this nailed.
If I could only figure out how to look at my stuff with a stranger's eye, I'd have this whole writing gig nailed. Or possibly a split personality disorder but I'm willing to take my chances.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 03:09 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:26 pm (UTC)And her critique totally rocked. She found a good-sized beam in my story, not just motes.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:40 pm (UTC)So, are you saying that pbray is evil? :-)
*End Instigation Mode*
Congrats, beams rock!
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:41 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:44 pm (UTC)I love that Darth Tater icon!
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:40 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:36 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 03:27 am (UTC)Not that I have anything relevant to add, but what I've found useful while editing is to look at the story/scene/novel in a different format (new font, spacing, margins, etc.) and in a new location (bedroom versus office, bathroom versus chaise lounge). When you view your work this way, it's no longer familiar. Familiarity is a problem, in some cases.
I've found more motes and more beams this way than I ever had before.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:31 am (UTC)You know, it's really hard to step back from your work. Usually I need time to do it properly.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:40 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 06:44 pm (UTC)Eventually, you just have to trust your writing ability and accept the outcome.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-23 07:00 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-24 05:17 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-24 01:10 pm (UTC)