Renovation Time

 

The first thing I need you to do before your read another word, is to go back and look at the title of this post. Yes, that's it, the one that says Renovation Time. Do you notice there is a word you don't see. Let me help you. The word is "edit". You know that tedious word that back in high school meant going through what you've written and checking the spelling, grammar, punctuation and all those annoying rules that made so many students writing class. Well good news. There will be none of that today. Today is the day to first congratulate yourself for having come this far, and second to look over what you've written and decide if it matches your original vision. That means adding anything you want that will add to your story, and slashing and burning everything that takes away or detracts. 

Sometimes this means just making a few tweaks, if you were really on a roll  when you wrote your first draft. Other times it involves being ruthless, and brutally honest. Either way, this is a huge step in turning a bunch of ideas into something people will enjoy  one day enjoy reading. 

This is one of the satisfying parts of the writing process. It's like watching that liquid mixture of egg and water magically turn into an omelet in the frying pan. Something is happening here. And pardon the cliche, but nothing is cast in stone. You will probably do this a few times, so enjoy the process.

So for now, put aside the rule book and just read over what you've done and see what works and what doesn't. Remember you are renovating, not editing.

Here is a quote that I suggest you consider, from a man who does know his way around a manuscript.