Wed 28 Jan 2009
motivation?
Posted by echan76 under Books & Authors
Sarah M asked:
I have this story written since 3 years ago, its 50-something A4 pages long, but I cant seem to get the motivation to edit it… how do you go about editing stories?
I have this story written since 3 years ago, its 50-something A4 pages long, but I cant seem to get the motivation to edit it… how do you go about editing stories?
As we are different, we have different motivation, but I’ll tell you what John Grisham told once:
“I woke up daily at 5:00am and work on my book for 3 straight hours, then I went to my job from 9:00am to 9:00pm. I slept and went over and over the same routine.
My motivation was that as I work harder and harder, I knew that someday my book would show me the same gratitude equals the effort I create it”.
Try having some friends and family read the story and give thier imput. If it is just you you can read it over a thousand times and not see changes that need to be made. Others will notice the things that don’t fit in place. I’m not saying let them rewrite your story, but get imput on the slow parts and the good parts. Take their notes and get to work creating your book.
Good Luck!
DON’T let your friends or family try to edit or check over your work, unless they have professional experience in writing or editing. It’s the worst thing that could happen. They will have prejudices and either let you think it’s great when it isn’t, or rubbish when it has potential.
The editing process that YOU need to involve yourself in, is to remove excess descriptive words (makes it sound naff), make sure that anything you started has been finished (no loose ends of plots), and that you’ve polished it until it shines.
Three years is a good length of time to be away from your work and now you’ll really be able to read through it with fresh eyes. That’s the advice always given to writers. You have everything to gain by looking at it now. Don’t be surprised if you want to rewrite long passages. It always happens. We all grow, and to be able to criticize your own work is invaluable.
To get a more professional view, try joining one of the on-line writer’s circles. They will all offer the opportunity to have your work critiqued. You’ll be able to join in the forums, ask questions, and even offer your own views on other people’s work - give it a try.
Good luck with your project.
Anthony James Barnett, author of WITHOUT REPROACH
You should read this blog regularly
If you are lacking motivation, then its for you..
Its good
good luck