Much Ado About Dotting and Crossing
"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." - Ernest Hemingway
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| Writing With Intentions |
This is me...well, not really but figuratively speaking. I am buried beneath edits for my manuscript which I so long to finish. There is much ado, to do, for me, I'm dotting the i's and crossing the t's, reworking chapters, and making those awful decisions, -which ones to keep, which to delete? That was the question that plagued my mind over the weekend.
This weeks 'rogue' was my Chapter Nine, -I'd written a whole 'swag' of dialogue, which I was loathe to throwaway. Perhaps it was vanity or naivety, but I spent the best part of last night, rewriting scenes which I'd deleted earlier. Yes, Mr Hemingway, sir... there was much cursing, bleeding and cups of tea spilt. Now though, its a better fit. I love it when writing comes together that way. And I 'm pleased I kept it in. For now.
How's your writing project coming along? And do share any tips for editing, I will swap you - a martini for a tip...its fair.
photocredit: via weheartit
Comments
I don't write but I just know that editing would be the worst part. I can't spell or punctuate any more and sentence structure would drive me wild.
Good luck and cheers. You're the best
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
love the quote from Hemingway.
Karen, haha! Definitely my edits are getting faster with each one. It could that theres less to edit each time, or that I like to wear my underwear whilst writing... you know, makes me write faster. ;-P Good luck with your drafts, my friend.
Meredith, oh no you don't! Definitely keep at it. I want to know what happens with Birdie. ;-))
Danette, thanks lovely. Yup, cut and pasting - there's a folder dedicated to pages of 'saved content'. Happy writing with your new work!
Manzanita, Thanks! I find writing in my underwear in hot weather - helps.. no. really it does. I blogged about it last month. ;-))
MsHatch, cheers. Hemingways quotes are tres inspirational for writers me thinks. Also, I like the idea of transforming words into a polished scene.
Lyn, Yah! You know when you've written something good and you high five yourself... lets see what happens. ;-)
OK, some tips.
Get different colored pens. I have a package of real pretty ones in pink, green, silver, purple & gold. For each draft make your changes in a different color.
READ YOUR WORK OUT LOUD. It does make a difference.
Remember the old adage: writing is rewriting.
When you're really tired of editing, either work on another writing project or go shopping.
Hope this helps! :)
Hmmm.. Tips... I think it's SO HARD to focus on everything when editing. I think it's helpful to go through it while you're focusing on just a couple. Like plot continuity, pacing, description, dialogue, sentence structure, removing words, etc. Attacking it all at once is too overwhelming!
Lee
Tossing It Out
Carolyn, thanks! I'll be one very happy camper when edits are finito!
Peggy, hahaha! * high five* Glad to hear it, and I agree. Each draft seems to focus on different parts of the story.
Lee, haha! You have have the martini anyway - because you rock!
Jessie, good to hear. We martini ladies must to stick together!