There comes a time when something that has got on your nerves for a while just has to be sorted. Today, after a depressing day yesterday, I was in the right mood to sort out boxes of 'stuff' left in one corner of the bedroom a year ago when we moved here. I attacked the problem, sorted it, and then went on to sort out the bathroom. It was hard work but the feeling of satisfaction at a job well done inspired me to make a start on the kitchen tomorrow....at least that's how I feel tonight.
That feeling of satisfaction made me think about the nagging doubts and feelings I have had recently on my editing of 'Written In Stone'. I sat and thought the problem through and after a while realised that if I wanted to clean up and edit my work, I would have to use better tools and devise a better way to put into practice what I am being taught..
Tonight I will be going through all the E mails sent to me since I started the editing and extract examples of mistakes and corrections. A listing will then be posted on the wall above my computer. The next time I pat myself on the head, thinking I have finished a chapter, I will look up at the list. Then I will go through the work again....the next day.
A lot of writers are too eager to send an MS off without letting it sit for a few weeks, or months, before sending it to an agent. It always suprises me when I have picked up some work after several weeks and found how many corrections have to be made. There are pleasent suprises too. "Wow, did I really write that?" I'd be interested to know how many writers have had that experience.
So tonight will be a long session into the wee hours with lots of tea. If I can feel that moment of satisfaction when I'm finished, I'll be ready to go forward. I also know from past experience that continually looking at the lists will eventually cure me of most things I am doing wrong.
Maybe I might get so excited, I'll forget about the kitchen.
That feeling of satisfaction made me think about the nagging doubts and feelings I have had recently on my editing of 'Written In Stone'. I sat and thought the problem through and after a while realised that if I wanted to clean up and edit my work, I would have to use better tools and devise a better way to put into practice what I am being taught..
Tonight I will be going through all the E mails sent to me since I started the editing and extract examples of mistakes and corrections. A listing will then be posted on the wall above my computer. The next time I pat myself on the head, thinking I have finished a chapter, I will look up at the list. Then I will go through the work again....the next day.
A lot of writers are too eager to send an MS off without letting it sit for a few weeks, or months, before sending it to an agent. It always suprises me when I have picked up some work after several weeks and found how many corrections have to be made. There are pleasent suprises too. "Wow, did I really write that?" I'd be interested to know how many writers have had that experience.
So tonight will be a long session into the wee hours with lots of tea. If I can feel that moment of satisfaction when I'm finished, I'll be ready to go forward. I also know from past experience that continually looking at the lists will eventually cure me of most things I am doing wrong.
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