Editing

The toughest thing about being a writer is accepting the fact that you have to revise. A LOT. It’s the only way to write well. It’s all fine and dandy to get that great inspirational idea and put it down on paper as fast as possible. That’s just the first step. Revising is what writing is all about–choosing the perfect word or words to express that exact emotion,  idea, phrase, visual. Writers have a lot more in their heads than they put down on paper. That’s why we need critique groups, friends and family who will read our stuff. Once the first draft is finished, the hard work starts. You can’t avoid it. You can’t hope it goes away and somehow the words become great while you’re sacked out on the couch with a bottle of wine. Accept the fact that you can make your writing better. One word at a time if necessary. Don’t be afraid to cut your words without mercy. When you have done everything you can, hire an editor. It will be the best money you have ever spent. It’s impossible to see all the things you need to fix when you have been working on something for days, weeks, years. Choose your editor wisely. One you can trust. One you will listen to. One who understands what you want and knows about the craft and art of writing. Good luck.