Over the last few weeks I’ve been hard at
work tormenting myself to death. Yes folks, it’s that time all writers learn to
love and hate; the editing of a novel.
It’s a great feeling to see your words
being crafted into something meaningful and entertaining. Once or twice I’ve
found little passages or a sentence that made me go “fuck yeah” such was the
beauty or power of the words in front of me.
Sadly however, no sweary word has been left
un-muttered at the endless repetitions, unnecessary alliteration or stuff that
is just plain stupid or unbelievable or just shit.
I mean, what the hell was I thinking of
when I wrote some of that nonsense? Where did all the “that’s, then’s, which’s,
who’s and and’s” come from? I certainly (Shit! Just used an adverb. That’ll
need edited out) don’t remember writing them. And don’t get me started on
contractions!
The fact I chose to write without dialogue
tags only makes things harder as I have to craft ways of informing the reader
who’s speaking.
Yes my novel is getting better and
altogether tighter because of this vital and necessary editing. If I’m lucky
enough to get any interest from a publisher or agent, I’m sure that I’ll be
handed a massive batch of suggestions to tighten it further but until that day
(if that day ever comes) then I’m concentrating on getting it as good as I possibly
can.
This editing has now crept into my writing
on every level. After the first round of edits, I wrote a couple of short
stories and I could sense the first draft was technically tighter than (Fuck.
Adverb and alliteration.) any previous first draft. Even stuff I write at work
or Facebook now gets the same attention to detail when it doesn’t need it.
When this edit is complete I will be
handing it over to my wife to proof read. Cue several yards of red ink on each
page and more un-muttered swearing.
So peeps. Am I on the write (You see what I
did there?) track or am I just driving myself insane? All comments welcome.
Future guest posts include
Tom Cain / David Thomas
Stephen Jay Schwartz
What's wrong with adverbs? Alliteration is great. It's a big language...use it
ReplyDeleteI am also stuck in editing hell ... for me, it has been a long process. A very LOOOOONG process. Let me explain, I write Historical fiction based on actual events. So, first edit consisted of "did it happen then, is that right, no, he wasn't there, he was actually dead, he did get executed." That is sorted, with the plot surviving, characters gone, new ones added... So, now I am the words and punctuation edit, which consists of a lot of swearing at unnecessary commas, adverbs, etc etc. so, I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteI reckon you're driving yourself insane, mate. I edit a magazine, and some even say I'm pretty good at editing, but I had to google some of those words up there. Chill out, Graham. Write what you read and read what you write. If a sentence works then leave it, even if it's technically incorrect. Adverbs, contractions, alliteraiton - they all work in their own ways. In my opinion, of course.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for perfection, Graham, forget it mate. You need to get to a place in the process where you're happy to submit it and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteAmong others, Roddy Doyle dispenses with the need for dialogue tags, and, once the reader catches on, it's easy to digest.
Best of luck with the agonising.
This and the synopsis are my least favourite aspects, but they are absolutely necessary. Sounds like you're on the right track, mate, tightening things up. Don't forget to drop the cliches (unless in speech), plus watch for those bitches... repetitions! ;-)
ReplyDelete