Editing is hell (love the "slippery devils" analogy). My brain wants to fix commas and verb tense and sentence order for everything and everyone I read - including some of the greats. I'm reading a couple of novels written by a friend who is a brilliant writer. But I want to fix the typos so bad that it makes my head hurt. My job here is to read for plot and character and theme. Not to add commas before her conjunctions. It's hard to stop.
Imagine what I am like with my own work. I'm an overeditor. There should be an overeditors anonymous. To be honest, my obsession with editing comes from the reluctance to finish a project. Because once it's finished, I need to do something with it. And that is scary as hell.
I will think of your advice every time I write now.
Oh Mimi, I don't think there was ever a better compliment than to say, "I think of your advice every time I write now." (I went back and inserted that last comma!) I also fully understand your reluctance to say that this piece is finished NOW , it must leave me and find its own audience. I must say, I've never had any urge to edit finished published work, although sometimes I see a complete boo-boo and think, "Oh-oh, who missed that!" Letting go is not an easy thing to learn, but I think if you hold the little bird loosely in your hand, it will fly when it's ready. Sort of a version of "tough love". Thanks so much for the lovely compliment and being so open about your trials with editing.
Thank you so much Prajna! Yes, there has to come a time in our writing when we step back. We have to let "the baby go and run". Much as we might want to run behind and protect it from oncoming cars, train wrecks, or other disasters that might befall it. Oooh, that letting go!
My writing has definitely changed over the years. I think my words flow more freely, without anxiety and fear of judgement. Kindness on Substack has helped with that. I love the idea my words, my choice, my edit.
For sure, Daisy. It is possible to listen to too many other's opinions. Especially if they don't agree with each other. That way madness goes! I'm not against having work edited, but I can't abide endless rewrites. Maybe I've just gotten lazy in my old age!
Many thanks, as always, Beverley! It's a delicate dance I think. Too much editing can kill not only the freshness of a piece, but the writer enthusiasm for doing it at all. It's a version of "too many cooks spoil the broth". As far as editing a piece that has already been published, I can't think of anything less useful. Unless, of course, it is going to be reprinted, I suppose. But even then, is the "tinkered with" version ever going to satsify?
Editing is hell (love the "slippery devils" analogy). My brain wants to fix commas and verb tense and sentence order for everything and everyone I read - including some of the greats. I'm reading a couple of novels written by a friend who is a brilliant writer. But I want to fix the typos so bad that it makes my head hurt. My job here is to read for plot and character and theme. Not to add commas before her conjunctions. It's hard to stop.
Imagine what I am like with my own work. I'm an overeditor. There should be an overeditors anonymous. To be honest, my obsession with editing comes from the reluctance to finish a project. Because once it's finished, I need to do something with it. And that is scary as hell.
I will think of your advice every time I write now.
Oh Mimi, I don't think there was ever a better compliment than to say, "I think of your advice every time I write now." (I went back and inserted that last comma!) I also fully understand your reluctance to say that this piece is finished NOW , it must leave me and find its own audience. I must say, I've never had any urge to edit finished published work, although sometimes I see a complete boo-boo and think, "Oh-oh, who missed that!" Letting go is not an easy thing to learn, but I think if you hold the little bird loosely in your hand, it will fly when it's ready. Sort of a version of "tough love". Thanks so much for the lovely compliment and being so open about your trials with editing.
The bird is a nice visual. I will practice not squishing the little beast.
Hello Rose, I'm with you. "I have to be willing to say, “That's it. Out into the world with you!”
Keep going, and many good wishes.
Thank you so much Prajna! Yes, there has to come a time in our writing when we step back. We have to let "the baby go and run". Much as we might want to run behind and protect it from oncoming cars, train wrecks, or other disasters that might befall it. Oooh, that letting go!
My writing has definitely changed over the years. I think my words flow more freely, without anxiety and fear of judgement. Kindness on Substack has helped with that. I love the idea my words, my choice, my edit.
For sure, Daisy. It is possible to listen to too many other's opinions. Especially if they don't agree with each other. That way madness goes! I'm not against having work edited, but I can't abide endless rewrites. Maybe I've just gotten lazy in my old age!
What an enthusiastic piece that is Rose and gets your feelings on editing.
Poetry sure needs editing I reckon and sharing too in a group to be sure you’ve been clear with what you attempt to express.
And even after publication a poet can wish a change of words sometimes.
And ploughing through an over written text is draining. So yes to the art of editing.
Experience is a teacher.
And with practice we tighten our style.
Learn what we can omit.
The same in a painting but always a challenge as people see things differently.
It's just important for the art to express your vision with vitality.
You manage that well. Thanks for your thoughts on editing.
Many thanks, as always, Beverley! It's a delicate dance I think. Too much editing can kill not only the freshness of a piece, but the writer enthusiasm for doing it at all. It's a version of "too many cooks spoil the broth". As far as editing a piece that has already been published, I can't think of anything less useful. Unless, of course, it is going to be reprinted, I suppose. But even then, is the "tinkered with" version ever going to satsify?