I finished the original edits of Code Red on September 4th, almost exactly five years after I finished the first draft. My first Alpha reader read it and gave me notes that day (a true rockstar). My second Alpha reader is currently on a second read through. The other people I've sent it to are in various stages or haven't gotten back to me. That's okay. I finished going through Chapter 20 of 32 (Technically 31 plus the epilogue). It's been a bit slow going, I was hoping I'd have the final edits mapped out by now, but alas here I am, still trying to figure it out. I know now that I'll be adding a prologue, and very likely another 10,000+ words to the story. That is as exciting as it is daunting. The process of editing is something I should probably research more. Not because I haven't in the past, but I probably need a refresher. I've considered putting each chapter in the Hemingway app to see how it does. Maybe after I've gotten through my final edits.
I think this is technically my 3rd round of edits. Snapchat memories is useful when trying to remember details from 2017. Initially, I went through the story and made what I can only call "basic" edits. I then printed a copy, that with the help of a friend at the time, was heavily annotated with edits to make on the digital copy. I have to admit I despise typing up something I have physically written, but it's much easier for me to make edits and notice mistakes in a printed copy. It ended up taking me five years to get all of the edits made digitally. I'd like it not to take another 5 this time around. But I am doing these final edits on a printed copy, I've changed my methods some, to make it easier and more organized. Sticky notes are my best friend now.
I'm attached to the book as it is now. Some part of me doesn't want to make massive changes. It is the story I wanted to tell. I'm not a heavily descriptive author, or at least I wasn't when I began writing the book over five years ago. I think that's changed quite a bit in my more recent work. But the number one compliant so far is there isn't enough description. Especially in the first four chapters. I'm convinced I lost some of my edits, because I have some vivid memories of changes I made that aren't in this copy. Thus is the issue with technology, and taking so long to edit. Attachment has to be the biggest struggle I'm having, to edit, I must let go of the original to create a better version. I want to do that, the perfectionist in me requires it. There has to be some balance, between listening to the critiques, and maintaining my image of the story as a whole. There's two more books to write, I know overall how the story will go, ensuring the first book has all that it needs to tell the rest of the story is paramount. My goal currently is the be done with edits before November 5th. I'll have a ways to go in typing, writing, and rewriting. I want to have it done by the end of the year.
I shall return to ripping my hair out over these edits now. Wish me luck.
Taila Out.
No comments:
Post a Comment