Rewriting and Editing.

I do lots of rewriting.  Lots.  Those who think they don't need to re-write are fooling themselves.  

A friend is going through my draft and sending me emails filled with mistakes in continuity and in details and with questions like, " Why is he talking here? I thought he didn't like to talk while he's driving" and "I still don't have a sense of your character's motivation by the end of this chapter."

I owe her one. I am going to have to figure out a nice thank-you gift to send.  It's not easy for a writer to read though comments like this, especially when they're about a section of writing that you've considered "done" or "mostly done" for a while, but it's absolutely neccessary.  

I've know people who thought the only definition of "editing" is "catching typos," and yes, it can be that.  But that's not the only kind of editing a book needs. When you are the one doing the writing, you simply cannot not see the work clearly.  This is why so many authors and writing teachers recommend that writers, when they're done writing, put the draft aside in a drawer for several weeks (or months) so that it can be looked at with fresh eyes when it's picked up again. 

Even Stephen King re-writes.  

Books that haven't been re-written and edited show it.  (Cough*Twilight*cough.)

Besides, it gives you something to work on when you're stuck on advancing the story forward or when you just can't figure out how to end the book or you're bored or you hate one of your characters and need a break from hanging out with him. 

Comments

[agnusdei1996.wordpress.com]

I love rewriting. . .it was my favorite way to procrastinate on figuring out how to finish a college paper. ;)