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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Editing Process - When the Real Writing Begins!

I’m in the middle of edits this week on a couple of new releases that will be coming out after the first of the year. During this process I’m reminded of the saying that real writing comes during the editing stage. It’s when your brilliant editors have pointed out all your boo boo’s, and makes those wonderful suggestions that turn your novels into masterpieces. Okay, so I may be walking on the edge of reality here. Some writers hate this process, others whiz right through it. Since I’m fairly new to the game, I find it challenging but rewarding at the same time. It’s a humbling experience. It makes me wish I had paid more attention in English class. But I’m learning, and that’s the main thing. A writer never gets to the point where they can no longer be taught. Just ask your editor! :-) I’ve been fortunate that I’ve landed some great ones with my books. Along with the edits and suggestions they usually throw in a good dose of flattering compliments that help to soften the blow and makes the process so much more enjoyable. Thank you ladies and gentlemen!

Now for a couple of reminders: Authors, if you haven’t participated in Operation eBook Drop yet, venture down a few posts for news about this wonderful project for our brave men and women serving in the armed forces.

Also, if you haven’t entered my Thanksgiving Giveaway, you have until Thanksgiving Day to get your name in the hopper. Two lucky winners will receive a free download of my latest release, Journey to Redemption!

And last but certainly not least, on Monday I’ll be interviewing fellow Desert Breeze author, Stephanie Burkhart. The former army MP, now 911 Dispatcher and author has some fascinating paranormal romance’s she’ll be telling us about. So be sure to drop by!

9 comments:

Ban said...

Not sure I'm gonna look forward to the editing process - as far as corrections of errors goes, I'm in but I fear the idea that an editor will want to rearrange the story to fit their needs not mine. I guess that's necessary if you want to be published though :)
Best of luck on yours!

Ban said...

Anne, don't want to re-post but mine seems to have disappeared ... :(

Mary Beth said...

I agree with Ban, I'm not sure I could handle that. Guess that's why they say writers need tough skin.

DanielleThorne said...

Call me crazy, but I LOVE the editing process. It's the initial groundwork, writing down them bones, that makes me sweat and pull out my hair. It's wonderful fun if you keep it in perspective, to move your manuscript around for a best fit. Crits are never easy to take, even from editors, but working together it can be an enjoyable process.

Anne Patrick said...

Hi Ban & Mary Beth! Thanks so much for your comments.
Years ago, one of my books got some interest from the big H and I was asked if I would be willing to take out one of my characters and then spice up the story. After some careful consideration I chose not to. I have no way of knowing if I had made the changes if it would have furthered my writing career, but I do know that I wouldn't have been happy with the outcome. Looking back and having grown as a writer I can see their point in wanting to eliminate the character, because they played a small and insignificant role. But as far as the other, that was a personal choice that I still stand behind. In saying that I don’t mean to offend those who write for H…hey, I grew up reading a lot of their books…it just isn’t my style. It’s not what I’m led to write in other words. And I firmly believe if you don’t feel comfortable writing a certain way, the likelihood of that book being well received isn’t very good. Look at it this way. Can you see Stephen King writing a comedy?

Anne Patrick said...

Hi Danielle! Very true! And you have to realize, as I stubbornly have, that they usually know better than we do what's going to work and what isn't. Working together, like Danielle says, is the key to turning your mediocre manuscript into a book that will captivate your reader and hopefully bring them back for more.

Irene Jacobson said...

An interesting post, Anne! You keep writing and I'll keep buying:)

LK Hunsaker said...

Hi Anne, thought I'd drop by your blog. I'll have to come back for Steph's interview! Let's hope I remember.

I love the editing process up until the end where it's the little final detail stuff that drives you crazy. At that point, I'm just ready to move on to the next...

;-)

Anne Patrick said...

Thanks for dropping by LK! It was nice visiting with you at the Author Party in the Latte Lounge.

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