I don’t know how to edit. I can check spelling and grammar, and in general work things so they make sense (to me), but beyond that I’m lost. Last December I attended the Big Sur children’s writing workshop. The majority of comments I received centered around cutting text, more than changing things. I chopped and slashed and realized this was a part of editing that often eludes me.
Because I tend to write myself into a story rather than start with a detailed outline, the result is a lot of back story that at the time feels pertinent. When reading with fresh eyes it becomes obvious that some of that information I need to know, but the reader needs to see demonstrated. Really, I think it comes down to the old adage of “show not tell” that is so hard to achieve.
So far I have two components of editing:
- Spelling and grammar
- Cutting unnecessary back story
What else? If I read something I’ve written recently I think I’m a genius and it’s only a matter of time until the trucks of cash are pulling up to my door. When I read it again later I think I’m an idiot and must burn the pages and bury the computer in the backyard where the worms can amuse each other with my trite phrases. Where is the middle ground when I can honestly judge my own work and make it better? Does that point even exist?
My next plan of attack has been to ask my husband to read whatever I’m working on. Either through love or fear of retribution his comment is usually “this is great”. “This is great” works for a review of tuna helper with added broccoli, but not for something I’ve put serious time and effort into (sorry, Nick). I’m left not knowing where to start fixing. I gave my last draft to my Dad, who said “I like this, but there’s something missing. I can’t put my finger on it.” That is exactly my problem as well. I can’t put my finger on what is wrong, unless there is so MUCH wrong that I just don’t know where to start.
For now I’m working on cutting and only including what needs to be there. When I figure out the next step I’ll let you know.
HourADayWriter 