Thursday, January 19, 2012

Bad Habits

I've got plenty. No, I'm not talking about biting my nails or leaving the cap off the toothpaste. I'm thinking more like tenses, commas and repetition. Last year at this time I had no idea just how hard writing was. I've always had the plots and stories in my head, so I thought all I had to do was write them down. Was I in for a shock. I'm not a complete novice when it comes to writing and editing. I have a degree in journalism, so I've had my fair share of English and writing courses. But even that background couldn't prepare me for the rigors of a PROFESSIONAL EDITOR!


When I got the first round of edits back on my first book I thought maybe I had chosen the wrong profession. I had no idea just how many mistakes I had made. I was in a panic and totally embarrassed. My publisher offered me some really good advice. She basically said no one is perfect and if we can learn to correct one mistake a book we're good. I thought, hell, it's gonna take me twenty books to get this thing figured out.

Run on sentences, POV switches, show don't tell, comma usage, dialogue tags, repetitive words... does it ever end? Yes, it does. With each set of edits I learn something new. My writing does get stronger with each book. And, I think my editors may want to scream a little less when they open my manuscript for the first time (at least I hope they do).

Study your craft and learn from your mistakes. It'll make each attempt at a new manuscript a lot easier. It also makes writing much more fun.

Stay Inspired...

Ella


8 comments:

  1. So, I'm not alone then? :D

    M. A. Stacie
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, M.A. Stacie, you're in good company:) Edits are sobering, aren't they? We love and learn. Good luck!

      Delete
  2. My worst writing habit is the fact that my mind goes faster than my fingers and I have to go back and fill in blanks sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you, Wendy. The last story I wrote, I insisted I had to write the ending first. It wouldn't leave me alone. Luckily for me, I was able to build the story backward:)

      Delete
  3. Oh what a good post - I was UTTERLY MORTIFIED when I got my very first edits back - luckily, and thankfully, there are generous editors willing to spend the time and help us improve - I always remind myself - any critique is only there to improve my writing!
    And boy, I certainly won't make those mistakes again ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, Tabitha. I was mortified too. Sometimes I still am when I get round one back. But, I've been pretty fortunate too. I've had great editors who are very helpful:)

      Delete
  4. I'm happy to know that I am not alone also. I'm in edits for my 1st book and it's overwhelming but I'm learning so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is overwhelming, but wait until you see what you take away from the experience. You'll be glad you went through it. Maybe not today, lol but soon:)

      Delete