Hey all,
I've been going through my manuscript (slowly) and at times I'm amazed at how FANTASTIC some scenes are. However, other times I want to take my lap top and throw it across the room to destroy the terribleness that some chapters have turned out to be. I know how important the first few chapters are in a novel - especially in a debut novel! They're supposed to be the hook that makes my readers never want the book to end, yet when I read the fourth and fifth chapters, I was highly unimpressed. They lacked the darkness and action they needed and I know that any reader would roll their eyes and drop my manuscript in a second if I didn't do something about it. Luckily, I've been struck by a muse! Fantastic (and frightening - which is what the chapters call for) ideas are rolling through my head and onto my computer screen.
That's the beauty of editing! You can get ideas that you didn't have before that will make the storyline better and cut the crap that's holding the story back.
Well, time to get back at it!
I know the feeling! I am also slowly working on a manuscript.
ReplyDeleteI noticed in your profile you want to work at a publishing house some day. Have you thought about getting involved with the U of S student newspaper the Sheaf? Volunteering is a great way to get a job there, and working as an editor at a newspaper might give you the kind of experience you need to eventually make it to a publishing house. Think about it! Check out thesheaf.com.
I had no idea that I could volunteer for the Sheaf, but now that I know I can, I'm very excited for the opportunity. Thank you for contacting me and reading my blog! I'm heading over to the Sheaf right now. :)
ReplyDeleteOh sweetheart, you made me laugh. Nothing is going to be perfect the first time round. That is indeed the beauty of revising and editing. That we can take something good (or not so good) and improve on it.
ReplyDeleteTake care not to over do the revisions. Just keep working on it until you've said everything you want to say in a scene.
Good luck.
Jai
Thanks Jai! You always give good advice. As for making you laugh, I'm here to entertain :P
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ReplyDeleteJai