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(WestSide Books, Oct 2011)
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SkinWalkers: 
editing my manuscript
Yesterday I did almost half of the editing on the edited manuscript I got back from my editor/publisher. Today, it’s going much, much more slowly. I keep distracting, looking over at my computer screen, getting up to see to my dog or my cat. And I’m tired. Maybe I just need to pace myself better, or take a break. (smiling)
I keep delighting in the changes that my editor/publisher made to my manuscript, where I can see it made it stronger, my meanings more clear, or where it made me realize I left something out. And then in other places, I edit the changes so that my own writing voice comes through clearly, and so that it sounds right to me. That’s important to me–to have the words sound right, to flow well. To be as good as I can make them. I edit on paper–I find I catch much more that way. I’ll still have to type in all my changes, once I’m done the paper edit.
But I’m still excited about this book coming out, still excited knowing it’ll be out in September! Thank you, everyone who left me such lovely comments, and who emailed me. You’re all wonderful!
Do you ever find your computer distracts you from your work?
my 
January 28th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Oh… only ALL THE TIME.
I do almost all my writing during a set time during the morning, so it’s usually not too hard to stay away from email, etc., for a couple of hours. But some days are harder than others.
January 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Lisa–it’s great to know I’m not alone! Thanks.
That sounds very smart, to do your writing at a set time.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
My computer never distracts me. Everything else…..yeah.
I LOVE editing! It’s so great to see your story go from good, to great, to fantastic! Good luck, happy writing, and continued success!
January 28th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Good thing your computer doesn’t distract you, Madison. I understand other things distracting you, though.
I love editing, too! Editing, writing, it all feels so good, especially when the words get stronger.
Thanks for your good wishes.
January 31st, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I love editing too once I get past the sinking-stomach feeling and remind myself that it’s something I honestly enjoy doing. I think you should take breaks whether it’s a scrabble game on Facebook (my downfall) or playing with the dog. Small tasks sometimes allow your brain to relax and then focus, help you get into the groove. I look on them as my rituals to get ready to work. And a break away from your MS helps you to refocus. Good luck and many congratulations!
February 1st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I’m glad you like editing, too, Jo. (smiling) And very glad you get past the sinking-stomach feeling!
I very much agree that it’s important to take breaks. I have a tendency to work myself too hard, and then I need time to recover! Taking fun breaks makes it all much better. I love word games, and playing with me dog, too.