Write Now

Revision and self-editing

I have been revising my first novel till I feel like a hack, a has been, a never been, and a never will. It is a new year though and since the breath of life is still between my teeth I have decided to take the bit and get on with it before I die.

It will be an act of love instead of loathing. This page will be updated as I go.

First I want to thank one of the best websites ever for writers

Live Write Thrive: Insights, inspiration, and practical advice for writers  by C. S. Lakin.

She wins the top ten best websites for writers every year. I have used her editorial services. I thank her for saving me from just burying my novel alive in the bottom drawer. She has less ego than the unpublished stars of your local writing group. Her criticism is apt and accurate but she leaves the patient on the table alive and still kicking. Her words do not freeze or kill, she makes you say...Yes.

So what to do.
I have a four hundred page baby that needs to be groomed, brought up write, and kicked the hell out the house so I can write novel number two.

I decided I would print my critique from Ms. Susanne Lakin and make my own notes. The task was only half way through when my Lexmart laser jet printer kicked a cartridge and died.

So, now I need a new printer. I go to buy a new printer. I have a huge project to print and cartridges cost as much as a writing class. I decided since I have had three printers in three years not to go so cheap this time. Something with a tray so I don't have to feed it 30 page at a time which always causes a paper jam. I decide I need to do some consumer research.
I went to a good PC on line magazine and found one mid range that had a five star rating. Good. I  went shopping. Then I had to go back to the article to double check the model number and made the mistake of scanning the comments. Every comment said that they would rather spend five years in purgatory than live with the printer for five minutes. They shouted DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF $%@#$!!!!

So I thought that going for something with a bigger price tag and a PC on line magazine five star recommendation was a fool's errand as the past purchasers sunk the reviewer and the review. I decided on three or four till I finally had to buy one. I await its arrival with anticipation mixed with dread.

Meanwhile I have begun my revision. I know what I need to do. I need to write a novel as perfect as I can make it. I don't want to start all over again, but killing my darlings with love I know what I thought was a final draft is barely a first rough draft. Its my world though and I will bring it to life.