tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post9013704794441786800..comments2023-04-27T10:10:36.337-05:00Comments on Adventure Awaits: Editing: What if I'm Making it Worse?Tracey Dyckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-58565836928573647942016-08-05T22:04:47.605-05:002016-08-05T22:04:47.605-05:00Going back to the prequel when writing the sequel,...Going back to the prequel when writing the sequel, for me, either results in "Ugh, what is this mess?" or "Oooh, I'd forgotten about that part--it's pretty fantastic." That never being finished is the funny thing about art. It's not like the more left-brained tasks that have a definite mark of completion, you just reach a point where you decide to stop working on it. I've had those thoughts MANY times in regard to The Prophet's Quest. :P<br /><br />(But you're writing SITC! Eeek!)<br /><br />He really said that? That IS very comforting! I guess even the greats were never completely satisfied with their work. But it probably means growth, which is good.<br /><br />Plotting walks are the best! ^_^Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-83974923639575464272016-08-05T11:42:02.094-05:002016-08-05T11:42:02.094-05:00This is something I've been thinking about, be...This is something I've been thinking about, because even, like, opening TCATT to check a detail for SITC or something, I'll be changing words here and there and rereading stuff and getting stressed and it IS stressful because you know that in one way you will never be finished. There's always more you can do and always stuff you can improve and it's hard actually to shut the lid and say, it's done. I'm moving on. <br /><br />Years after publishing Rings Tolkien said, "Now, if I reread it, there are parts of LotR that I find tolerable."<br /><br />... I take comfort from that!<br /><br />Going for walks is good. You start to hash stuff out in your head and work through knots. (I love plotting walks!)Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08057480293595295502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-49819677901956172682016-07-21T20:47:22.533-05:002016-07-21T20:47:22.533-05:00It's a struggle for everyone at one point or a...It's a struggle for everyone at one point or another. Glad you enjoyed! :)Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-69387548378376346562016-07-21T11:47:57.498-05:002016-07-21T11:47:57.498-05:00Oh, that's right! I think I remember that. Tha...Oh, that's right! I think I remember that. That's awesome. ^_^ And yesh, lots of gorgeous tapestries around here!Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-34363149627415286752016-07-20T10:29:33.051-05:002016-07-20T10:29:33.051-05:00Editing is one thing I struggle immensely with. Bl...Editing is one thing I struggle immensely with. Bless this post!Skye Hofferthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02385765274513034927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-70619939276493990242016-07-19T11:01:40.159-05:002016-07-19T11:01:40.159-05:00Heehee, my hiding behind tapestries is a thing tha...Heehee, my hiding behind tapestries is a thing that started when I was reading Lauri's original novella version of Burning Thorns, and I kept making comments like "MEEP. *hides behind tapestry* because of it being in a castle and having all sorts of STUFF going on... :P So I still do that and sometimes forget. XD But yeah, Adventure Awaits TOTALLY has tapestries. *nods* *goes to hide from editing again*Deborah O'Carrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969896655321575875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-37913347259223958392016-07-18T21:57:15.331-05:002016-07-18T21:57:15.331-05:00Short projects are a fun way to keep the writing m...Short projects are a fun way to keep the writing muscles flexible while waiting on the larger stories. Great idea!<br /><br />Ohhhh, do I ever relate to that struggle! It's even worse when you've majorly changed a story more than once, and your brain keeps going back to the old version that you've known for so long. They really do become like facts in your head. :P<br /><br />It's plugging along, and my enthusiasm comes and goes in fits and starts. But it's progress! Hope your rewriting is going well too! <3Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-42902323506243875842016-07-18T21:54:28.039-05:002016-07-18T21:54:28.039-05:00Oh, fun stuff! Sometimes it's awfully tricky t...Oh, fun stuff! Sometimes it's awfully tricky to decide whether to go back and make changes when you hit a wall during drafting, or whether to press on as if you've already changed things, and leave it for editing... But you're right, it's all the process of discovery.<br /><br />That would be hilarious to read over later, I'm sure! "The meadow glistened in the morning light. Dewdrops sparkled in the rising sun. The rising sun scattered diamonds across the meadow." (That's what I'm imagining, anyway. XD) But then you have ready-made options to choose from when you're editing.<br /><br />Thanks, Ashley, and same to you!Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-32510193534660112792016-07-18T21:50:50.578-05:002016-07-18T21:50:50.578-05:00Different fears for different writers. :) And some...Different fears for different writers. :) And sometimes for different stories, too. With some, I adore the drafting process and editing is a chore, and with others it's the opposite.<br /><br />Yes, saving old drafts is a must. Changing the POV sounds like a big task--kudos for taking the plunge, even if it didn't work out as intended!<br /><br />Glad it was helpful, Tori! ^_^Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-43868196178880784612016-07-18T21:48:56.559-05:002016-07-18T21:48:56.559-05:00Thanks, Lucy! ^_^Thanks, Lucy! ^_^Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-33834894431023446622016-07-18T21:48:31.115-05:002016-07-18T21:48:31.115-05:00Thank you!Thank you!Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-90764114643615800562016-07-18T21:48:14.985-05:002016-07-18T21:48:14.985-05:00Thank you, Anna! Ooh, transcribing? Did you write ...Thank you, Anna! Ooh, transcribing? Did you write the first draft by hand?<br /><br />Sometimes it takes several different ideas/plans before you hit upon the one that fits and pulls it all together. I'm glad your editing is going well for you! It's one of those things that can be a headache or an absolute thrill. ^_^<br /><br />I LOVE IT when a separate creative project sparks just the idea I need for another one. So fun!<br /><br />Happy editing, Anna!Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-57248003082630400412016-07-18T21:45:19.139-05:002016-07-18T21:45:19.139-05:00*hugs you back*
Make as many copies--or rather, d...*hugs you back*<br /><br />Make as many copies--or rather, do as many rounds of edits--as you need! I can tell you it's definitely worth it. :D<br /><br />I actually hadn't thought of that quote in relation to writing until I put together this post. It's so encouraging to remember that the wrong turns are not a waste of time! And doughnuts are always a good way to celebrate. ;)<br />Yes, I've read a number of her books, besides following her blog for years. Ella Enchanted, Fairest, Ever, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, and also some of her short ones like Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep. Oh, and her two writing books as well! (I'm partway through Writer to Writer.) Do you have a favorite of hers?<br /><br />It IS great advice! Time away helps you get some distance and perspective that you can't find otherwise. :)<br /><br />I hadn't thought of "art is fluid" in that particular light, but I definitely relate to that choppy feeling some edits bring to a story. Especially when you're changing major events, it's difficult to smooth things over in the rest of the book to keep it consistent and well paced.<br /><br />I'M HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT! Thanks again for the post inspiration! <3Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-28695326833693227502016-07-18T21:38:24.283-05:002016-07-18T21:38:24.283-05:00That's an excellent analogy, and one I sure ca...That's an excellent analogy, and one I sure can identify with! Especially when I'm editing with wordcount restraints in mind, it can feel like I'm lopping off all the wrong parts, and the whole hedge gets to be lopsided and half bald. Or that's what it feels like.<br /><br />Oh, you use Scrivener? I hear some writers absolutely love it, but I think I'm (currently, anyway) too content with my current homemade systems to consider getting it. ANYWAY. RABBIT TRAIL.<br /><br />Ugh, yes, our own subjectivity is so hard to get around. Fresh eyes are hugely helpful when we hit a wall with that! So is time away.<br /><br />Glad it was helpful! :DTracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-86152419680732937052016-07-18T21:29:13.770-05:002016-07-18T21:29:13.770-05:00You are awesome.
That is all.
(WAY TO MAKE MY DA...You are awesome.<br /><br />That is all.<br /><br />(WAY TO MAKE MY DAY, GIRL. <3 And if now's not the time to think of editing, don't. Now's not really the time for me either, so I'm trying to find my inner editor's off switch. *hides under tapestry with you* Ooh, when did Adventure Awaits get tapestries on the walls? I like it. XD)Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-13599099944909317502016-07-18T21:27:32.248-05:002016-07-18T21:27:32.248-05:00But at least they're THERE, mixed up or not. A...But at least they're THERE, mixed up or not. At least you have them to fall back on if you need them. :)<br /><br />It does indeed! Especially when you see the story begin to strengthen and tighten because of those changes. That's always thrilling.Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-39045782497009020812016-07-18T21:25:57.376-05:002016-07-18T21:25:57.376-05:00(As long as it's not *Mr.* Gold. Heh. Random O...(As long as it's not *Mr.* Gold. Heh. Random OUAT reference.)<br /><br />Fresh eyes are so so so helpful! I absolutely treasure getting feedback from people who haven't imprinted my story on their eyeballs like I have, because they find new angles, affirm what I'm doing right, and point out what I'm doing wrong. <3<br /><br />Me too! I have a whole folder of outdated drafts, and several others docs kicking around that haven't been properly filed yet. :)<br /><br />Yes, exactly! I'm slowly learning that myself--that not everything I've written/will write is going to be "publishable," but that doesn't make them any less important. They're stepping stones. I love how much you've grown with your Colors of a Dragon Scale! (And as messy as you always insist they are...I'm still burning with curiosity to read them one day. Ha. XD)<br /><br />I feel like I stole that "art is fluid" line from somewhere, to be honest... My brain sucks ideas and things from the world around me, mixes it into a subconscious soup, and then when something bobs to the surface, I think, "Oh look! What a brilliant, original idea!" XD<br />But I digress. CHRISTINE, YOUR EDITING SKILLS ARE AWESOMESAUCE. *lookin' at you, Burning Thorns* And I totally agree that editing can be fun. With certain stories, I find editing more fun than drafting. o.o<br /><br />I'm so glad you enjoyed!Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-25146964731126723422016-07-18T21:16:41.825-05:002016-07-18T21:16:41.825-05:00Thank you, Emily! I'm glad you found it helpfu...Thank you, Emily! I'm glad you found it helpful.Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-45490212913307739162016-07-18T20:40:01.556-05:002016-07-18T20:40:01.556-05:00Excellent post! All your tips were super applicabl...Excellent post! All your tips were super applicable as I am currently trying to rewrite some short stories from the past two years while my WIP stews a while longer in my brain. The last time I did any serious editing, I found that one of my biggest problems was keeping track of which scenes I had eliminated or added and what details I had changed from the previous drafts. Especially since it was a story I'd been working on for a long time, some of the details that I needed to change had become like facts in my head and I kept forgetting I'd changed them.<br />Hope your drafting is going well! :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-43171319223463268482016-07-18T14:17:11.709-05:002016-07-18T14:17:11.709-05:00Love this post! I'm near to embarking on the e...Love this post! I'm near to embarking on the editing process, and things have been playing in my head about how it's going to be, what needs to go, what needs to stay, what about major changes. I actually had to change some huge plot events around while first drafting multiple times. It felt like I was wasting my time as I kept hitting a dead end and realizing I'd have to change things. But in reality I was still discovering my story. I was getting to know the novel and what would make it work. Sometimes that can only come through a little trial and error so in the long run it wasn't a waste of time at all. <br /><br />I like what you say about working with the wording. Sometimes I write three different ways to say the same thing on the same page so that later I can go back and pick which one works best. It makes for a long and confusing first draft though. So I'm a little apprehensive about editing. The choosing between what fits and what doesn't!<br /><br />Great post! Happy editing!a.n.g.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03667996517318905980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-71448489332969371912016-07-18T13:20:40.255-05:002016-07-18T13:20:40.255-05:00This is some really good advice. I hadn't thou...This is some really good advice. I hadn't thought of making editing worse as a defined fear. I've had a bit of that fear, but not as pressing as others. I always save my old drafts. It really helps. Recently, I rewrote a draft and I changed the POV. I didn't like it, but I still have the old POV to switch back to. Thanks for the advice!<br /><br />storitorigrace.blogspot.com<br />Victoria Grace Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01849013182543674707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-53047775288409891512016-07-18T11:32:41.559-05:002016-07-18T11:32:41.559-05:00This post is splendiferous! I'll have to remem...This post is splendiferous! I'll have to remember it. :)Megan the Nutmeghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13978560952822239158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-90083917496152043022016-07-18T08:48:04.561-05:002016-07-18T08:48:04.561-05:00Loved this!Loved this!Jenellehttp://jenelleschmidt.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-60617970214636045992016-07-17T23:20:54.170-05:002016-07-17T23:20:54.170-05:00Really good thoughts. I'm in the middle of rew...Really good thoughts. I'm in the middle of rewriting/transcribing my first novel. But I started the rewriting process in my head long before I finished the first draft. So I've certainly thought of the implications of changes. Then I realize it still isn't going to lead to a proper ending and I change the whole thing again. Right now I'm sure the story is getting better. This draft is certainly more consistent and I think that my characters emotions and motivations make a lot more sense. <br />I'm certainly intending to keep track of all my changes. An agreed one letting things sit. I finally figured out the driving element of the story while I was working on something else.Brie Donninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02143675481045319013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620960568844915525.post-78245637034191899172016-07-17T13:46:13.646-05:002016-07-17T13:46:13.646-05:00I NEEDED THIS POST (and you wrote it in response t...I NEEDED THIS POST (and you wrote it in response to my comment, so I guess that makes sense XD. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! *hugs you*).<br /><br />Saving drafts. I SO agree with that. I've got two copies of the novella I'm working on right now, but I have a feeling that more are coming :D. <br /><br />I love the Edison quote! That's SO what happens to writers. We try a MILLION different things and when the last one FINALLY works we throw a huge party and don't write for a month and buy ourselves doughnuts XD. And, just sayin', Gail Carson Levine writes really good books. Have you read any of them? <br /><br />I've heard lots of people say that when you finish writing a first draft, let it sit for six weeks before picking it up again and editing. I always scorned that advice (Pfft, how am I going to wait SIX WEEKS to work on my story again?) until I realized IT WORKS. You can pick up so many more things after not reading it for a few weeks. <br /><br />'Art is fluid' YESH! That's one of the things I try to keep in my edited drafts (and one of the things I have the hardest time with); I feel like my edited drafts aren't as fluid and well-paced as my first drafts are. I'm working on it XD. <br /><br />Wonderful post, Tracey! THANK YOU FOR THIS!! Good luck with your editing! Savannah Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16668452024211579085noreply@blogger.com