Editing in full swing


“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.”
– Elmore Leonard (b. 1925)


Last week was crazy. The kids started school again, and I plunged into editing Flora. I also entered two writing contests, and was able to get two separate critiques on the same WiP. (Which was a very big deal, as they were Flora's first two critiques.) I'm sure you writers out there will agree - that's quite a bit to cram into seven days! (Or maybe that's just me.)

This week I'll continue with the editing process, and hope to be finished by Friday. (Big aspirations I know, but I've learned that the sky won't fall if I'm not able to reach my goal. It doesn't help that I have fifth, sixth and seventh graders now. I'm talking three to four hours, of homework, people. On a nightly basis.) So I probably won't end up finishing this week, but that's okay.

I liked the above quote because I'm doing a lot of cutting to make things sound more realistic, so it sounds like a letter written to a friend, rather than pages upon pages of descriptive words.

Anyway. That's where I'm at, writerly speaking. Just wanted to share.

How about you guys? Have you reached any milestones, or accomplished anything you're proud of the past few days?

Happy Monday!

9 comments:

Nicole said...

Well that sounds like a cram packed week and enjoy the editing process - I love watching it polish up :)

Oh and good luck in the comps

Susie said...

I've stepped up my blogging a bit, and journaled, but no specific project. Glad you're almost there. I want to read your book please so hurry.

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

Awe, thanks Susie! LOL! I wish it was that easy!;)

Meghan Ward said...

I can't say I've reached any milestones lately, but my toddler starts preschool in three weeks! I thought toddlers and babies were a lot of work, but 3-4 hours of homework every night! Well, my mom never helped me with my homework and I did fine, so maybe they'll fare well without me. For now I'll worry about all the Cheerios on the floor.

Anonymous said...

You're almost done, how exiting!! I can't wait for the day that I'm that far along!

Travener said...

All I have accomplished, writing-wise, is to mark the one-year anniversary of my so-far-fruitless quest for an agent and pile up for The Online Man.

But you knew that already. Good luck with the editing.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Milestones? Well, I haven't completely lost it because I'm so far behind on my current manuscript. I think that's something!

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

Petticoat... It will come, sooner than you think! (Though it won't feel like that for a while.)

Meghan, we have dogs, so we don't have to worry about food on the floor;)

Travener, do you need someone to be with you in your wallowing? If so, I'm game, and I can even bring coffee.

L. Diane - that is something! Not losing it is hard sometimes, isn't it?

Jessica L. Brooks (coffeelvnmom) said...

Whoops, and Nicole - thanks, one bit the dust (but I figured it would), and the other one won't be announced for a few weeks!