WIP Day - Round Two Begins

Ding ding ding!

Round One: DONE!

That's right.  This last week I got my bum in gear and finished round one of LJ's edit.  Then I sat back, took a deep breath, and dove into Round Two.  No breaks for me.

I have had some questions on how I am going about editing this thing.  Like I have told some of you, every author approaches editing their MS in a different way.  My own editing style is still evolving and changing with every book.  Still, I thought it would be fun to let you know about the rounds I have done so far, in this crazy thing I call book editing.

Round One:  The Read-Thru

I  let my MS sit for at least a month.  I have tried to not think about it (too much) and have eaten lots and lots of chocolate.  This round then consists of reading through the entire story.  I don't edit (unless I see something that just bugs me so much that I cannot handle it.)  Instead, I take notes of each chapter.  I write down what happens, thoughts to remember, moments to change.  Everything gets written down, with good old pen and paper.

Round Two:  The Tear-Down

I start this round with something I love doing.  Remember those notes I took?  Well, I gather my index cards, and chapter by chapter I write out the scenes that take place.  Then I clear a space on my wall, and cover it with my book.  Being able to see my book spread out before me is amazing.  I can see the flow of the chapters, the balance (or unbalance), and it helps me as I progress further into editing.  Not to mention it is just so dang pretty.

After that, I eat more chocolate and force my bum in the chair.  This is the long round.  In this round, I go chapter by chapter and tear it apart.  I rewrite sections, add and subtract, bang my head on the desk and eat more chocolate.  This is where I really start to create the story.  And no doubt this may take the longest out of all the rounds.

That is where I am at right now.  

My notes are scribbled.  My wall is covered.  And LJ is waiting to be hacked away at.  I am excited.  And nervous.  And already exhausted.  But it is happening!  My goal is to be finished with this round by the end of February.  Sooner maybe, if I can keep my bum in gear.

And once I get it done, I will get to tell you about one of my favorite rounds.  Round Three.  Oh man.

See?  Isn't it just too pretty?

Are you editing?  Just writing?  Do share!

Happy Writing!