Editing

My least favourite part of the writing process is editing. I tend to like to operate under the delusion that my words are perfect the way they are when they escape my fingers. I know, of course, that this is not the case. I'm editing the first novel I wrote, 3 years ago, and have come across more than a few outright mistakes that would confuse the reader, including putting the wrong name in one spot, though it was at least the correct gender.

I think, despite it being my least favourite part, I am a natural editor. I can pick out mistakes and confusing phrasing fairly easily, and am often asked to proof read things for people. I am spending more time editing old stuff than writing new stuff of late, but I suppose if I want to get it out there for people to buy, edit I must.

I do not, however, recommend editing whilst laying on your stomach in bed in the late hours of the evening when the house is quiet and the kids are asleep. This is a surefire recipe for needing to re-edit the next day due to the many head nods and eyelid droops that will certainly occur. When even the cat has gone to bed for the night, it's time to put away the work for the night. It's time to bid the words adieu, and move along to dreamland.

Before I sign off, I want to leave you with the synopsis for the novel I am working on editing. The story is called Edge of Consciousness, and was the first novel-length manuscript I completed.

Come with me to Merridell, a land with old-world charm and untold magic. Our core cast of characters find themselves immersed in this strange land seemingly by accident, visiting in their dreams. Aaron and Elise Bishop and their children, eight year old Amy and ten year old Andrew, spend their sleeping hours traversing across the landscape towards a strange fire in the distance. As they journey, they learn of unusual skills they possess in this slumberland, taking the time to hone them.

Fare thee well, gentle reader. Until next time.