Arguably the hardest part of being a writer is editing your work. For me, it’s like having a pile of puzzle pieces and trying to sort them into a coherent image. Or filling in the blank on a Mad Lib. There’s cutting, slicing, and rearranging. I toss aside lines and paragraphs, even whole scenes, that I originally loved. Then I realize that the ending I thought I’d use doesn’t work at all, so I have to reroute the plot down another path.
It’s not nearly as fun as coming up with an idea and drafting it. That’s really where the magic happens. The editing stage is where things get bloody. The ink from the red pen flows down the page. Yes, I like to edit hard copies. There’s something about holding the pages in my hand and marking the page with a pen that makes it feel tangible to me. Probably the same reason I prefer physical books over e-books.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a writer who said they liked editing. I’m sure they exist, but I assume they are like a Bigfoot or a yeti. People claim they exist, some even claim to have seen them, but until I get confirmation I’m going to assume they are a myth.
This isn’t to say I hate editing my own work. I just find it awkward and uncomfortable. I much prefer editing the work of others. In fact, I do a lot of editing for other writers. Books, short stories, articles, press releases…give me a few hours and I’ll give you constructive feedback, find the typos, clean up the grammar.
Part of it is probably due to the fact that I’m too close to my own writing. It’s too intimate. I often find that when editing my own writing I can’t see it properly. With another writer, there’s a disconnect, a distance. With my own work, well, I’m too connected to it. It’s also much easier to find the typos and inconsistencies in the work of someone else than it is in my own. Luckily, my partner has a good eye and doesn’t mind whipping out the red pen when I ask.
This is why some of my stories may take months, even a year or longer, to get to a final form. I tend to work on one for a bit, then set it aside for a while so I can come back to it with fresh eyes. Most of my short stories may only go through two or three drafts, although on some occasions the difference between the first and last draft are like night and day.
Love it or hate it, editing is part of the creative process. There’s no avoiding it. Once the fun part (drafting) is done, then the hard work (editing) has to happen.
At least the finished product is worth the time and effort.
RB
Wow!
Richard, I really liked reading this post
‘Writing Fiction – The Pain of Editing’
You’re a great writer, undoubtedly!
Writing involves a deep personal connection to me as well, making it challenging to view my own work objectively … I haven’t written any fiction though! But I can understand what you’re saying –
I have few drafts of my humble poems, some ideas jotted down, still in my notepad. And my initial drafts also undergo significant transformation from first to final versions … it amazes me also!
I absolutely agree where you said, ‘Once the fun part (drafting) is done, then the hard work (editing) has to happen’ ….
In fiction writing, it’s tougher, I guess- however moving from the fun, creative drafting phase to the rigorous editing process is essential for improving the piece ….
The transition from creative flow to critical analysis is where genuine craftsmanship shines, transforming raw ideas into refined pieces
Just like this post!
Excellent
Thank you so much for the kind words, Roksana! It’s comforting to know that other writers can feel the same apprehension when editing their work.
I like how you put that: “…where true craftsmanship shines…” That’s the key. It’s about crafting our work, shaping it as if it were made out of clay.
Best wishes to you!
Craftsmanship- yes!
You have this
As if ‘Made out of clay!’
Just like pottery
I know how you like pottery. I do pottery in my leisure time. Though I do not yet own the pottery wheel. I would love to own one soon, I hope!
I love giving the clay shapes and then reshaping it all over again- it’s fun!
Excellent post, Richard! It’s humorous, witty and relatable to my writing experiences. Editing and proof-reading my own work is the bane of my existence. I hate typos and missing little words (like a, the, in, on), but I know those oversights sneak in to taunt and haunt me, even after I’ve gone over a post with a fine-toothed comb more than once. I’m too close to it and my brain gets bleary. I also change the endings as I go along.
Thank you for the kind words, my friend! Sounds like we’re in the same boat when it comes to those grammar gremlins taunting and haunting us, even in our dreams! 🙂
Funny how we can try our hardest to spot those little buggers, but there’s always a few that slip under the radar. Grrr….
“Grammar gremlins.” Ha! Perfect description. My grammar gremlins are descendants of Stripe, not Gizmo. 😄
Hello. I write shortish pieces. No books. So, I don’t mind editing them. After I’m satisfied with an article, I hand it over to my wife, who does the final editing.
Agreed, shorter pieces aren’t much of a headache. Once the piece starts hitting a couple of thousand words, well, then the headache kicks in. 🙂
And my partner is my beta reader/proofer/editor, as well! Cheers!
Very true, Richard. You are correct that it is easier to edit somebody else’s work rather than our own.
And I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!