Self-Editing For The Struggling Writer Great Books Aren't Written
nike roshe two nederland sale , They're Mutilated and Pieced Back Together in Groundbreaking Intensive Surgery
A few weeks ago, I opened up the manuscript of my novel that's about to be published for a quick fact-check on something I
needed to know for my current work-in-progress, the fourth book in my series. As
I skimmed the pages, I found myself cringing at excess adverbs, dragging prose
and melodramatic over-punctuation. It was then I came to a painful
conclusion:
I had to edit the whole thing. Again.
Some wise author--it may have been Michael Crichton--said that great books aren't written, they're
rewritten. Let me tell you: this axiom is a gross understatement. "Rewritten" is
just not a strong enough word to describe the process of transforming a rough
draft into a polished work. One cannot simply run spellcheck and call the thing
a book. The editing process takes time and willingness to attack your work with
hatchet and hammer. Editing is a bloody, ruthless procedure that turns authors
into shrieking, self-abusing demons.
It's the most difficult phase of writing--and it is also the most crucial.
These are your words. You will experience tremendous difficulty in stepping back to view them through the eyes
of a reader, who may not be impressed with your clever comparison of your
heroine's cheeks to "fleshy tennis balls" (written at three in the morning, when
everything you come up with seems brilliant). However, it can be done; indeed,
it must be done. Here are some tips to get you started on the editing
warpath:
Distance yourself from your work. This step cannot be avoided. After you type "the end," the temptation to jump in and start contacting all those
agents and editors who are dying for your masterful book is overwhelming. Resist
the power of the dark side. Put your manuscript aside for at least a
week
nike roshe run nederland kopen , longer if you can. No peeking! Work on something else: start the next book, write your query letter if you'd like (but don't send it!),
and then come back and reread the manuscript. You'll be shocked to discover how
much you'll want to change.
Distance yourself from your work, part II. This technique has worked wonderfully for me. After you've been away from your
manuscript, print the whole thing out, set that lovely stack of paper next to
your keyboard, open a new word processing document and retype the whole bloody
mess. Beginning to end. The act of keying the words in helps you regain the flow
you had while you were writing it. Yes, it takes time. But it's worth
it.
Adverbs are not your friends. Nor are the words had, that, up, down, over, and very. Exclamation points should be regarded as the enemy. Attack these
things with enthusiasm
nike roshe run nederland sale , and eliminate them whenever possible. However, each of them can and should be used sparingly (with the exception of very. . . you never need
to use that word except in extremely rare instances of dialogue). Trying to take
them all out will result in some ridiculous sentence constructions reminiscent
of Winston Churchill's famous tongue-in-cheek statement, "This is the sort of
English up with which I will not put."
Find a trusted reader and ask them to review your work ruthlessly. Do not ask your mother or your best friend. Other
writers can make good reviewers, but you can also benefit from the reaction of a
voracious reader. Whomever you press into reading service, be sure to stress
that you're looking for an honest reaction, not a pat on the back. And then be
ready to receive an honest reaction. It's going to sting-but it's also going to
help you become a better writer.
Last but not least: when you learn a new technique that improves your writing, go back to the beginning of your
manuscript and apply it consistently throughout. Every single time. Even if you
already have queries out; even after you've already rewritten the thing six
times. Make it seven. The only thing that should stop you from working toward a
better book is publication. By then, it's too late.
I scoured, edited and rewrote the manuscript of my debut novel Fallen Angel eight times, with plenty
of minor tweaking sessions in between. The last time, a few weeks ago, followed
a frantic phone call to my publisher. My end of the conversation went something
like this: "Why did you agree to publish this dreck? My prose is horrible! Look
at all these adverbs. . . have you seen this line on page 154? Please, for God's
sake
adidas superstar w schoenen zwart , don't ever let anyone read this steaming pile of cow dung. I have to fix it. Give me three days, okay? Maybe
four. . . "
Fortunately, my publisher understood. She's an author, too.
After the anxiety attack, I locked myself in the operating room and went at it. What emerged was a better manuscript, which is now firmly entrenched in
the pre-publication process. In other words: it's too late for me now. I can't
change another word. But if it's not too late for you, go forth and edit with as
much passion as you put into writing.
Here...you can borrow my scalpel.
Atleti Beats Chelsea 3 1 Will Face Real Madrid In UCL Final - RealGM Wiretap
Atlético Madrid defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to advance to the Champions League Final in which they'll face Real Madrid.
Fernando Torres scored the first goal in the 36th minute converting a cross from Cesar Azpilicueta to put Chelsea up 1-0 over his boyhood club.
But Atleti responded eight minutes later when Tiago made a brilliant diagonal pass over the top from left to right that Juanfran hit back across to setup
Adrián. Eden Hazard switched off Juanfran to allow him space to receive the
cross cleanly.
In the 61st minute, Samuel Eto'o made a careless foul on Diego Costa, which the referee awarded a penalty kick. Diego Costa took his time setting up the
penalty kick, unable to get the ball propped on the grass properly and was
awarded a yellow card. But Diego Costa converted the penalty ki.
?
