After one year, I’m exhausted yet satisfied that I’ve given my best effort before handing over my fiction manuscript to a professional editor. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read my work but the number of major revisions now stands at ten.
Looking back, each revision had a very specific focus. I spent hundreds of hours reading books between revisions -- classics, contemporary fiction and non-fiction books about writing -- each time collecting a new perspective that helped me to identify areas for improvement. I found reading to be a comfort at the end of a marathon editing session -- sometimes going back through the manuscript multiple times. At the end of each session, I struggled with the urge to continue my work despite my mental exhaustion. Reading books helped me to focus my mind on something other than my story, allowing time to recharge while considering the wisdom and advice of those who have far greater experience.
Now, I believe I’ve done all that I can do without outside help. I’ll try to rest while my mind paces like an expectant father, knowing the result will only require more work. By that time, I hope to have a fresh perspective and a willingness to accept the broader suggestions of a seasoned professional.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Another step closer, yet still so far away
Alternating between reading and editing, I have now completed Revision Eight of my fiction manuscript, Box of Dreams. It is not really a unique part of my process to continuously rewrite sections. Ernest Hemingway rewrote sections of his stories many times before allowing anyone to read them. I know first hand the embarrassment of presenting a piece before it is time. A writer should accept the editing stage as an opportunity to work through every angle, sometimes reading stories hundreds of times before declaring it suitable for public scrutiny.
As a former project manager, I see parallels to the planning and execution stages. Creating architectural drawings is perfectly analogous to the process of creating an outline for a story. This is the stage in which principles are applied to ensure the pieces will go together to produce something aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. To me, writing the first draft is like erecting the steel framework for a building, it defines the outer parameters but the work is far from over. Bar joists and decking are laid between the structural members and concrete floors are poured before ducting and metal stud walls are installed. The list of details continues until the project is complete.
Similarly, creating a story begins with nothing more than a few ideas. As the ideas are further developed, changes are necessary to maintain consistency. The basics of writing help to establish a story that is hopefully plausible and intriguing. Yet, the writer continues to define each part of a story in sufficient detail to satisfy the reader. It continues until the story jumps from the page into the mind of the reader without drawing attention to the fundamental parts. It is like looking at a beautiful building without regard for the steel that is hidden beneath. We can hopefully appreciate it as a whole when it is done.
I have reached a point of saturation in which I can no longer see potential issues. This is not new. I have experienced it seven times previously. Each edit requires time to relax, separating myself from the work so that I may look at it with a fresh perspective, perhaps weeks from now. However, this time, I will seek the advice of an editor to help me understand how the story is perceived. It is also an opportunity to improve on style.
Luckily, I have short stories that must be edited before the submission deadline of April 15th. It will keep me busy for a few weeks and then I will go back and make any necessary changes to my manuscript before approaching agents and publishers with the best that I have to offer and hopefully move to the next phase, marketing, with a whole new list of issues with which to contend.
As a former project manager, I see parallels to the planning and execution stages. Creating architectural drawings is perfectly analogous to the process of creating an outline for a story. This is the stage in which principles are applied to ensure the pieces will go together to produce something aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. To me, writing the first draft is like erecting the steel framework for a building, it defines the outer parameters but the work is far from over. Bar joists and decking are laid between the structural members and concrete floors are poured before ducting and metal stud walls are installed. The list of details continues until the project is complete.
Similarly, creating a story begins with nothing more than a few ideas. As the ideas are further developed, changes are necessary to maintain consistency. The basics of writing help to establish a story that is hopefully plausible and intriguing. Yet, the writer continues to define each part of a story in sufficient detail to satisfy the reader. It continues until the story jumps from the page into the mind of the reader without drawing attention to the fundamental parts. It is like looking at a beautiful building without regard for the steel that is hidden beneath. We can hopefully appreciate it as a whole when it is done.
I have reached a point of saturation in which I can no longer see potential issues. This is not new. I have experienced it seven times previously. Each edit requires time to relax, separating myself from the work so that I may look at it with a fresh perspective, perhaps weeks from now. However, this time, I will seek the advice of an editor to help me understand how the story is perceived. It is also an opportunity to improve on style.
Luckily, I have short stories that must be edited before the submission deadline of April 15th. It will keep me busy for a few weeks and then I will go back and make any necessary changes to my manuscript before approaching agents and publishers with the best that I have to offer and hopefully move to the next phase, marketing, with a whole new list of issues with which to contend.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
On submissions and revisions
I have officially submitted the additional chapters for the non-fiction book proposal. Waiting is not something that I do particularly well, so I look for other projects to keep my mind busy. Luckily, I am ready to work on Revision 7 of my fiction manuscript.
Writers vary widely in their approach to writing a novel. Some spend years outlining a story while others allow the story to unfold as they are writing. My process is really a little of both. That is, I allow myself a great amount of freedom during the conceptual stages, letting the story develop along with the characters. Then, I create a general outline that helps me to establish a consistent story arc. But, I also allow myself sufficient freedom during the writing process.
The result is a draft story that has a beginning, a middle and an ending, allowing me to see the potential impact of the story and where it needs work. During this initial process, I find it necessary to write some descriptions where I would much rather have dialog or action. It is a reminder to rewrite sections that show rather than tell. In the short term, I am able to continue the flow of the story without interruption, knowing that I must revise the draft.
Each revision is an attempt to insert needed elements, but it is a slow process. The balance between getting the story out versus outlining every detail is a personal preference. I am comfortable with my approach, but it is tailored to my personality. Likewise, other writers must find what works best for them.
When does this process end? It ends when I have done all that I can do to move a story forward. From that point, it either goes to a professional editor or it is submitted to agents depending on my confidence level. The threshold for acceptance is very high in today's market, so a submission should catch and hold the attention of a publisher.
Writers vary widely in their approach to writing a novel. Some spend years outlining a story while others allow the story to unfold as they are writing. My process is really a little of both. That is, I allow myself a great amount of freedom during the conceptual stages, letting the story develop along with the characters. Then, I create a general outline that helps me to establish a consistent story arc. But, I also allow myself sufficient freedom during the writing process.
The result is a draft story that has a beginning, a middle and an ending, allowing me to see the potential impact of the story and where it needs work. During this initial process, I find it necessary to write some descriptions where I would much rather have dialog or action. It is a reminder to rewrite sections that show rather than tell. In the short term, I am able to continue the flow of the story without interruption, knowing that I must revise the draft.
Each revision is an attempt to insert needed elements, but it is a slow process. The balance between getting the story out versus outlining every detail is a personal preference. I am comfortable with my approach, but it is tailored to my personality. Likewise, other writers must find what works best for them.
When does this process end? It ends when I have done all that I can do to move a story forward. From that point, it either goes to a professional editor or it is submitted to agents depending on my confidence level. The threshold for acceptance is very high in today's market, so a submission should catch and hold the attention of a publisher.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Hats off to the prose
I have a whole new appreciation for professional writers. Journalists do not have the luxury of sitting on a piece for months until the mood strikes. They produce quality work with regularity.
I intentionally placed pressure on myself to write new chapters for "Writing Between the Nodes", my non-fiction book proposal. I wanted the experience of creating and editing a volume of work within set boundaries. Although it is far from the daily grind of a newspaper columnist or reporter, writing on a deadline is far different than writing at one's leisure.
In the first week, I wrote a draft Introduction along with six draft chapters. In the following two weeks, I drafted two additional chapters and edited five previously drafted chapters. The last few days have been devoted to the Introduction, which oddly, caused the most trouble for me as referenced in my previous post.
So what did I learn? First of all, writing is hard work. There is a mental fatigue that lingers well after completing an ambitious assignment. But, there is a sense of satisfaction and a very strange urge to "get up and do it again", following Jackson Browne's tag line with a slight twist.
For me, it was a different sensation than completing a fiction manuscript, or a major edit of a manuscript. There is a certain finality with a manuscript, not knowing if you will return for another edit. And again for me, there is a short period of depression following a large project. I had a similar experience as a project manager. It's hard to explain, but it is like part of you is missing.
This project is somehow different. Perhaps it is knowing it may not be over. That will, of course, depend on my ability to convince a publisher that I have a marketable idea. There is no post project melancholy. But, although I feel satisfied at having completed an interim task, there is also no great feeling of accomplishment. It is held in limbo, waiting for some indication that my work was on target. Perhaps then I might break out the Welch's grape juice. Champagne would be nice, but the stepwise progression of a book proposal does not rise to the level of Moet Chandon. That level of celebration is reserved for a larger goal.
I can honestly say there were moments when I'd lost my way. I succumbed briefly to self doubt, wondering if it would result in catastrophe. I questioned the writer's "voice" I had used to prepare the initial chapters and fell headlong into a rendition of Ben Stein there for a while. I can thank my writer's group for helping me to "snap out of it". I always envision Cher slapping a young Nicolas Cage for some reason when I think of that line.
Then, I could no longer read my work objectively. I must admit, that was a little scary. It seemed like I was writing just to put words on a page. Was it the early onset of Alzheimer's? I don't think so. I think it was writer's fatigue. What was I talking about? Hmmmmm.....it'll come back to me. I hope.
I intentionally placed pressure on myself to write new chapters for "Writing Between the Nodes", my non-fiction book proposal. I wanted the experience of creating and editing a volume of work within set boundaries. Although it is far from the daily grind of a newspaper columnist or reporter, writing on a deadline is far different than writing at one's leisure.
In the first week, I wrote a draft Introduction along with six draft chapters. In the following two weeks, I drafted two additional chapters and edited five previously drafted chapters. The last few days have been devoted to the Introduction, which oddly, caused the most trouble for me as referenced in my previous post.
So what did I learn? First of all, writing is hard work. There is a mental fatigue that lingers well after completing an ambitious assignment. But, there is a sense of satisfaction and a very strange urge to "get up and do it again", following Jackson Browne's tag line with a slight twist.
For me, it was a different sensation than completing a fiction manuscript, or a major edit of a manuscript. There is a certain finality with a manuscript, not knowing if you will return for another edit. And again for me, there is a short period of depression following a large project. I had a similar experience as a project manager. It's hard to explain, but it is like part of you is missing.
This project is somehow different. Perhaps it is knowing it may not be over. That will, of course, depend on my ability to convince a publisher that I have a marketable idea. There is no post project melancholy. But, although I feel satisfied at having completed an interim task, there is also no great feeling of accomplishment. It is held in limbo, waiting for some indication that my work was on target. Perhaps then I might break out the Welch's grape juice. Champagne would be nice, but the stepwise progression of a book proposal does not rise to the level of Moet Chandon. That level of celebration is reserved for a larger goal.
I can honestly say there were moments when I'd lost my way. I succumbed briefly to self doubt, wondering if it would result in catastrophe. I questioned the writer's "voice" I had used to prepare the initial chapters and fell headlong into a rendition of Ben Stein there for a while. I can thank my writer's group for helping me to "snap out of it". I always envision Cher slapping a young Nicolas Cage for some reason when I think of that line.
Then, I could no longer read my work objectively. I must admit, that was a little scary. It seemed like I was writing just to put words on a page. Was it the early onset of Alzheimer's? I don't think so. I think it was writer's fatigue. What was I talking about? Hmmmmm.....it'll come back to me. I hope.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Peculiar Blindness
I thought things were going very well, at least, until now.
I attended my writer's group last night with a newly written introduction for my proposed book. I thought the introduction would help the reader understand both my purpose and my thought process. Easy stuff, right? Wrong! I simply failed to see the glaring issues until it was too late.
The comments from my group were justifiably critical regarding style, voice and redundancy. While it may come as a surprise to some, writer's must seek unbiased feedback for their work, or risk falling under some hypnotic trance.
Oddly, I realized some of the issues at the last minute. I usually look over my work one last time while the group reads. Holy Cow! I began to see the redundancies. I could actually "hear" the deadpan voice of that teacher on The Wonder Years, except he was blathering on about writing and engineering. No, that was MY voice! I was the one delivering lifeless drivel, not content to say it once, but to repeat it over and over.
I had read the piece several times. I had a marathon day yesterday editing four chapters that I had hoped to submit this week. I even edited the introduction. What happened?
I simply could not see my errors while in the comfort of my office.
What I need is an excuse. Let's see.....hmmmmm. That's it! The sun was in my eyes! Nah, they'll never buy that. Perhaps they'll believe I have devoted too much time writing and editing and that I am suffering from some form of editor's blindness. That sounds much better, I'm going with that one.
All kidding aside, I really could not see the mistakes but I think there may be a clue to what is actually happening. If I am able to see the errors in the class, then why couldn't I see them beforehand? I think I have a form of writer's laziness. But wait a minute! I have written fifteen thousand words, read the material multiple times and I have already made corrections. Laziness?!!!! That's absurd!
Not so fast. It is a FORM of laziness. It is laziness of the brain and the eyes.
Luckily, I am not the only one to experience this malady. It is actually quite common, but it seems very new to me. This is why writers are encouraged to present their written materials for objective criticism. As for my pride, I think it will recover. We can all use a good dose of humility from time to time. Hopefully, I will learn from this experience. Maybe I should drink a Red Bull before editing. Maybe I should hire a professional editor.
I attended my writer's group last night with a newly written introduction for my proposed book. I thought the introduction would help the reader understand both my purpose and my thought process. Easy stuff, right? Wrong! I simply failed to see the glaring issues until it was too late.
The comments from my group were justifiably critical regarding style, voice and redundancy. While it may come as a surprise to some, writer's must seek unbiased feedback for their work, or risk falling under some hypnotic trance.
Oddly, I realized some of the issues at the last minute. I usually look over my work one last time while the group reads. Holy Cow! I began to see the redundancies. I could actually "hear" the deadpan voice of that teacher on The Wonder Years, except he was blathering on about writing and engineering. No, that was MY voice! I was the one delivering lifeless drivel, not content to say it once, but to repeat it over and over.
I had read the piece several times. I had a marathon day yesterday editing four chapters that I had hoped to submit this week. I even edited the introduction. What happened?
I simply could not see my errors while in the comfort of my office.
What I need is an excuse. Let's see.....hmmmmm. That's it! The sun was in my eyes! Nah, they'll never buy that. Perhaps they'll believe I have devoted too much time writing and editing and that I am suffering from some form of editor's blindness. That sounds much better, I'm going with that one.
All kidding aside, I really could not see the mistakes but I think there may be a clue to what is actually happening. If I am able to see the errors in the class, then why couldn't I see them beforehand? I think I have a form of writer's laziness. But wait a minute! I have written fifteen thousand words, read the material multiple times and I have already made corrections. Laziness?!!!! That's absurd!
Not so fast. It is a FORM of laziness. It is laziness of the brain and the eyes.
Luckily, I am not the only one to experience this malady. It is actually quite common, but it seems very new to me. This is why writers are encouraged to present their written materials for objective criticism. As for my pride, I think it will recover. We can all use a good dose of humility from time to time. Hopefully, I will learn from this experience. Maybe I should drink a Red Bull before editing. Maybe I should hire a professional editor.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Writing builds character
Writing is an unconventional way to learn about any topic, but it can be motivational because a writer must research areas of particular weakness to avoid embarrassment. This is not a new concept. Anyone who has written a term paper should confirm that it works, following any respectable level of diligence.
I recently wrote everything I knew about character development, but found it necessary to verify facts. This learning process is extraordinarily effective as it not only tests my ability to write on the topic but also uncovers some potential misconceptions. It is a process of learning by doing (having the gall to write a book in the first place) and then another process of retracing the steps to evaluate what works and what does not work.
Perhaps more benefit is in the need to expand a topic beyond my own sphere of understanding and/or experience. For example, I must research the topic of character development to present a comprehensive view. It provides an opportunity to fully explore what I know and what I do not know.
My adventure into character development began a few weeks ago when I drafted a new chapter for my book proposal. I went back several times to edit my work, adding necessary transitions but also checking my facts. I am more confident now that most of what I wrote was in good company among far greater practitioners than myself. But, I must also supplement what I know with areas that I do not know to provide a more balanced viewpoint. Again, this is extraordinarily valuable as I discover areas of weakness and then feverishly work to make up for my deficiencies. Now I know the material well enough to pass the test.
I recently wrote everything I knew about character development, but found it necessary to verify facts. This learning process is extraordinarily effective as it not only tests my ability to write on the topic but also uncovers some potential misconceptions. It is a process of learning by doing (having the gall to write a book in the first place) and then another process of retracing the steps to evaluate what works and what does not work.
Perhaps more benefit is in the need to expand a topic beyond my own sphere of understanding and/or experience. For example, I must research the topic of character development to present a comprehensive view. It provides an opportunity to fully explore what I know and what I do not know.
My adventure into character development began a few weeks ago when I drafted a new chapter for my book proposal. I went back several times to edit my work, adding necessary transitions but also checking my facts. I am more confident now that most of what I wrote was in good company among far greater practitioners than myself. But, I must also supplement what I know with areas that I do not know to provide a more balanced viewpoint. Again, this is extraordinarily valuable as I discover areas of weakness and then feverishly work to make up for my deficiencies. Now I know the material well enough to pass the test.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Consultation with Book Doctor, David Sterry
I enjoyed my conversation with David Sterry yesterday. He was very accommodating and provided some extraordinarily insightful comments regarding my pitch AND possibilities for my fiction manuscript.
I agreed to send a copy of my manuscript to him after completing Revision Six. I believe my story is still a little flat in places and in need of yet another edit. Writing is hard work, in case anyone has any doubts.
David is an actor with an amazing list of credits. He is also an author of 12 books whose most recent book made the cover of the Sunday New York Times Book Review. His wife, Arielle Eckstut, is an agent at large with the Levine Greenberg Agency, author of 7 books and successful co-founder of Little Miss Matched.
I have read their book, The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. It is a comprehensive manual for aspiring authors with answers to many questions.
I agreed to send a copy of my manuscript to him after completing Revision Six. I believe my story is still a little flat in places and in need of yet another edit. Writing is hard work, in case anyone has any doubts.
David is an actor with an amazing list of credits. He is also an author of 12 books whose most recent book made the cover of the Sunday New York Times Book Review. His wife, Arielle Eckstut, is an agent at large with the Levine Greenberg Agency, author of 7 books and successful co-founder of Little Miss Matched.
I have read their book, The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. It is a comprehensive manual for aspiring authors with answers to many questions.
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