If you are a writer involved
in a group of like-minded crazies, I'm sure you've sent a message similar to
the one I sent a few weeks ago to my inner circle:
I need a reader.
It was a simple
request and was met with a response from my friend and author David Rawding:
Sure. Page for page?
And that's how it began. I sent him 30 pages, he sent me 30.
Then it became an episode of Writers Gone Wild as we delved into a week of
editing---marathon style. In a week, we both did a fairly in depth evaluation
of each other's novel, forsaking sleep, food, showers and work. Not really, but
it took all of our spare time. And it was well worth it.
 |
| Hanging out with David Rawding |
David and I have very different writing styles and our strengths
are in different areas. However, our editing style is very similar, and that is
where the real fun came in to play. Neither of us are much for writing 'good
job!' all over a page. We're both thick
skinned and prefer helpful comments to empty compliments. To- the-point, at
times harsh and at other times, pure comedy.
His comments from one particular scene were brutal. It didn't need to be there, and the actions
of my protag made no sense. Yes, my friend made fun of me. Yes, I deserved it.
Yes, I was able to laugh about it-- so hard that tears filled my eyes.
You see, I love the editing process. I want to know what
works and what doesn't, what needs more description or less, and what is
downright wrong about a scene. I take comments and suggestions very
seriously and use them to make my work stronger. But it can be a tedious
process devoid of humor, so it helps to have someone who can lighten things up
a bit--Even if it's me they are making fun of.
Afterall, being able to laugh at yourself is a great trait to
have. And hopefully, it will keep my readers from laughing at me later.
Check out David Rawding's website at www.davidrawding.com and read about his manuscript, Taking on Water.
7 comments:
Great post, Kelly, and so very true. Beta readers and editors are essential to the process. In the end, they are the gatekeepers and our safety nets to ensure we're not disappointing our end readers. Often times, we get only one shot with an audience, so making our work good, better, best is truly important. Always informative to stop by. Thanks again! :-)
Thanks, Tim. I don't know what I would do without readers/editors. It seems writers get so close to the work that it's difficult at times to see the little things. Can't see the trees for the forest.
That's the type of editing people pay lots of money for and have to wait months for feedback. Although, I doubt any editor would be comfortable writing the "comments" we threw back and forth at our poor characters' sake haha. "Tag me in, Lance!"
But comments like that are so much more fun! Let's both write another book just so we can do that again. :)
Hi Kelly,
Great post, as always!
Jen
Thanks, Jen.
Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really
gives me an insight on this topic.
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