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It’s a strange thing, editing “A Bridge To The Quiet Planet,” my upcoming novel that you only know about if you hear me talking about it constantly. Editing has become a bit of a slog.
This is no fault of my exceptional editor. My editor (who if you want to get an intro, I will do, so you can give her lots of money) did an exceptional job. The problem is I’m kind of tired of reading my book.
I mean, yes, I like the characters. I like the setting. I like the story. It’s a contra-epic of various odd people in a world of magic and mystery dearly not wanting to have a legendary adventure, since lots of stuff dies when those happen.
It’s just you know I’ve seen it a lot. Over and over again. It’s a drag and it’s a bit boring.
Today, however, I realized my editor had given me a way to enjoy it again.
See, by following my editor’s advice, by editing my book, I’m rewriting it. As I rewrite it, it becomes a new book. What happens during the editing process is not just me reviewing, it’s me discovering a new version of my book.
I know the characters better. I enjoy the new prose. I like the revelations I inserted. It is new.
Suddenly, it’s a bit more enjoyable. I mean I won’t lie, editing is work, but realizing I’m finding a new book makes it much easier.
So if you’re tired of editing, remember you’re not just editing – you’re discovering a newer and better book.