This past Saturday, I finished the first draft of my latest original story. Whenever I finish a story, one question commonly arises: What will you do, now?
There is the temptation to flounder, to panic. But I have a plan.
I’m going to edit this story.
I enjoy the intoxicating freedom of free writing, but there’s a part of me that enjoys editing even more. It’s easier, in some ways, to fix ideas that are already on the page. The story exists in at least a basic form. So, while it can take a lot of concentrated work to adjust plots, dialogue, event progression, even characters, I’m not starting from scratch. I’m just making it better.
I have fond memories of editing my last original story, Number Seven and the Life Left Behind. I printed up the manuscript, walked over to our University library, and settled into one of the quiet study spaces over several lunch breaks, just me, my pages, and my correcting pen. I’m looking forward to doing the same with this story, which is still working under the tentative title House of Ghosts and Strays.
Before I go into full editing mode, though, I’m going to take a break. It’s important for me to take a break from a story every now and then. It’s especially important for me to break between finishing a draft and diving into editing.
Writing requires a specific set of skills related to forming ideas and putting them down on the page. Plot threads and characters can run wild. It’s fun! Editing requires a different skill set, though. It demands focus and critical thinking.
Now, don’t let anyone discourage you: A first draft can be good. It can even be great. But even the greatest first draft will benefit from review and revision.
The more distance you can put between yourself and the feelings of protection you have for your first draft baby, the better off you’ll be when it comes to editing. You’ll be able to see things more clearly, understand when and where some parts need to change. You’ll also be able to better understand when things don’t need to change. That’s equally important because – and trust me on this – after you’ve been in the edit phase for a while, there is a part of you that will despise your story. And that’s totally normal.
For now, though, I’m still deeply in love with this story and its characters and their world. I hope that others will fall in love with them someday, too. After the story’s been edited, of course.
TNT!
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