How do you know when to stop editing? When you’ve
got double vision from poring over the thesaurus? Some writers, myself
included, can edit endlessly always seeing another, better, way something can
be written.
If you’re doing a course, or entering a competition
these external deadlines focus your efforts and you’ll burn the midnight oil to
achieve them. But if you’re working to your own schedule, it can be easy to
move any deadline you give yourself back, and back a bit more if needed. And
what’s wrong with that? There is nothing wrong with that at all. Every writer
has their own rhythm and the only criteria should be that you are making
progress and that you are satisfied with the progress you’re making.
It took me a
full week to edit the first chapter of my second strand which was, for the most
part, taken up with turning exposition into dialogue but there was an almost
incessant tweaking going on at the same time. I’m not completely finished with
it yet, although I won’t return to it for a while but I’m pleased that it’s
metamorphosed into a more convincing narrative.
Being able to view your own work with analytical
dispassionate eyes isn't easy but the more critical you can be, the better the
result. I'm finding this aspect of writing is quite positive, because through
the editing process I'm able to to demonstrate my development as a writer.
So how do you know when to stop editing? Well, you do have to make sure there
are no spelling or grammar mistakes but aside from that there are some
straightforward check lists you can tick. Has your character realized the
goals/journey you wanted them to achieve? Have you checked that every sentence
and piece of dialogue contributes to moving the story forward as well as bringing
your characters to life. All of which will involve cutting - which is an
integral aspect of editing. Then put it
aside and move on.
Dappled sun flickers
Dances off shimmering leaves.
Eyes squint in pleasure.
Here are a
couple of websites about writing whose advice helps me in my writing;
And if you
haven’t read Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’,
I would suggest you do.
For all book
lovers out there, I wish you good reading and for those of you who write, good
writing.
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