I cannot tell if editing is the hardest or the most rewarding process of writing.
One the one hand, after the long exhausting process of getting a whole story out of my system, having to re-read it and correct it is almost excruciatingly painful. I always hope that I don’t have to make that many changes. These stories are my babies, after all. Every word is tinged in blood, tears and sweat. Having to erase any of them is painful, makes me feel like all my efforts were somehow in vain.
On the other hand, I realize that what I wrote is good, some parts are even better than I remembered. And that keeps me going. And even though change is hard, sometimes just a switch of words makes everything so much better! And the good thing about editing is that after I wrote the first draft maybe during many months, I can re-read it in a shorter time, see like a reader how the story unfolds and if it makes sense. I get to experience is like one of my future readers - and that is priceless!
If you want a comparison, editing is like the final touches of a painting that was just a blurb of colour.
Speaking of colour: I already sent my cover request to the artist who designed the cover of my first book, Alda Vasco. She is working on it now and I cannot wait to see what she has created!
I am now halfway through the editing process, which will be finished by the end of February, at which point I will hand it over to my beta-readers. It’s the first time for me doing this and I’m really excited about the way their feedback will enrich my story.
Stay tuned for more!
Take care and stay healthy!