I’ve just sent my second novel The Twenty One Year Contract to my editor. The process has been interesting. I’ve certainly learned a lot. I’m nervous and excited at the same time.
First of all I used Read Aloud, it helped me ‘hear’ the flow.
Reading the sentences out loud to yourself or to someone else is also a great way of hearing if your work flows. You will definitely stumble if it doesn’t quite read right. The trouble is once you have written it, you are no longer the first time reader. Does that sound strange? Think about it. You’ve been slaving away for weeks, months, years and you know every word, you expect to see things that are not necessarily there. Honestly, we’ve all been there.
Therefore, its important to put it away and read with fresh eyes another day.
Though I’m always amazed at how difficult it is do put my work away without wanting to tinker with it again and again. I’m never satisfied.
Even after my editor did her bit and sent it back for my approval I found there were things I really didn’t like about it. She hasn’t altered it, she has streamlined it, because I write far too much. I think I would be on the lines of War and Peace if she didn’t reign me in.
When I read my debut in a hard copy, within a paperback, the real thing that everyone else would read, there were things I cringed and wanted to hide from, with words like “you could do better” ringing in my ears. I am super critical, but then so are readers and so are writers.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what she thinks, and with the alterations I will do a complete, just read, with ABSOLUTELY no tinkering – well, in theory. With my debut novel (Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox) my editor reminded me I just had to let go. This will be the same no doubt.
I think I should start reading again. I have promised to do some reviews.