[stylist] Editing while writing
LoriStay at aol.com
LoriStay at aol.com
Mon Mar 2 17:39:37 UTC 2009
It depends on the writer! I have to write the whole thing, then go back and
edit. Not true for everyone, I guess.
Lori
In a message dated 3/2/09 1:41:32 AM, fowlers at syix.com writes:
> Jim, its funny, but I do the same thing with my essays. I'll write a
> paragraph or two, and when I run out of steam I'll edit what I've got. Often
> times once I have edited what I have my mind has somehow moved on to the
> next piece and I can write it.
> I spoke of that in my English 1C class, and the instructor said that
> most people couldn't do that, they needed to write the whole thing and then
> edit. I would like to hear what other writers think about this. Can you guys
> edit and write at the same time? Or, do you need to do it separately, and
> never the two shall meet? Let's talk about this.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of James Canaday M.A. N6YR
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:15 PM
> To: NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Suggestions for Novel Writing
>
> dear Chelsea,
> that was a well written explanation of your process.
>
> however some people might do things differently for various reasons. after
> I write a section I like to go back and do some editing and proofing on it
> then, I find it actually helps prepare me to write the next section.
>
> but that's my method.
>
> I hope you get a novel published.
>
> jc
> Jim Canaday M.A.
> Lawrence, KS
>
> At 07:38 PM 3/1/2009, you wrote:
> >Chelsea, You are right! Your first book will be a masterpiece!
> >Judith
> >----- Original Message ----- From: "Chelsea Cook"
> ><astrochem119 at gmail.com>
> >To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 3:36 PM
> >Subject: [stylist] Suggestions for Novel Writing
> >
> >
> >Hi all,
> >
> >We are finishing a unit on process in English and had to compose a set
> >of instructions to the reader. Since this assignment could be creative,
> >I took the liberty of writing down how I go about storytelling. Keep in
> >mind, I am just one person, but I thought I'd share my way with you
> >all. (Lori, anything I forgot or you would like to add, please feel
> >free to do so.) Let me know what you think.
> >Thanks.
> >
> >How to Write a Novel:
> >
> >1. Read. Anything and everything, classic and contemporary, prose and
> >poetry, fact and fiction. This will give you a basis of syntax, style,
> >and structure, and you never know which lines will leap immediately off
> >the page or sink into your subconscious as future ideas. In either
> >case, they will wait for the perfect time and then scream without
> >relent: "Write me! Write me!"
> >
> >2. Observe. Take every new and uncomfortable situation as an
> >adventure for the senses. If you are sitting near the kitchen in a
> >diner, notice the changing smells every second from syrup to mashed
> >potatoes to fish. Listen to how the person working calls out orders.
> >Is the voice male or female? Grown or college age? What is the tone?
> >Is the person polite or obnoxious? These (and all other trinkets of
> >detail you gather) will help shape your characters and worlds later and
> >add clarity and reality to your writing. Pay attention, and you will
> >be rewarded.
> >Note: These two implements are the most important background for the
> >beginning writer. Never stop doing them, even in the other phases of
> >the process. Also note that the next three steps can be done in any
> >order as long as they are all accomplished by the end of the book.
> >
> >3. Find a friend. Think of a character that will suit the type of
> >book (which doesn't have to be labeled yet) you want to write. This
> >character can be based on traits from real life, traits that you have
> >(or would like to), traits and actions completely opposite from yours,
> >or a person whose life you've always wondered about. However, it is
> >almost always guaranteed that the character will carry some part of
> >you, its author and creator.
> >
> >4. Find a way. If your characters don't fall into place yet, fine.
> >That's all right. Create a situation you would like them to get into.
> >Character and plot are so tightly intertwined that by the end of your
> >book, you may have trouble distinguishing which you started with.
> >Sometimes the author is just the translator for the character; during
> >others, the book may be going along at such breakneck speeds that all
> >the writer can do is enjoy the exhilaration, keep the pen moving, and
> >hang on for the ride.
> >
> >5. Find a reason. Maybe you (or your story person) is fascinated or
> >passionate about a particular subject or hobby. If so, make that part
> >(or the whole) development of your book. You never know where crazy,
> >wild, seemingly fruitless and unconnected ideas may lead. Don't
> >dismiss them.
> >
> >6. Organize Ideas. Once you have a character, plot, or premise
> >(remember, any or all will get you started) put ideas together and see
> >what happens. Something may come out of this brainstorm. Write an
> >outline if that is your preferred method, make connections in your head
> >while on a walk or in the shower, keep a notebook everywhere; be
> >comfortable. There is no "right" way, so long as sparks start fires.
> >
> >7. Write readily. Do this whenever, whatever. Don't worry about
> >genre or market yet. Just sit down and compose when time and energy
> >are on your side. If neither are, plan for them to be. Set goals you
> >know you can meet within an expected limit. Write on weekends,
> >mornings, or evenings, whatever block of time works. Flexibility is
> >key, and procrastination is detrimental to your work. If there is an
> >idea inside you, it will have to come out sooner or later. Your book
> >will get finished if you have the passion, willpower, determination,
> >and persistence to do so. Also, don't sweat the small stuff. Writing
> >a novel is not easy. Just soldier on, take a break (without leaving
> >entirely) and remember the purpose of revision.
> >Note: During writing, characters and ideas will float freely through
> >your subconscious. If you feel another novel or story coming on,
> >capture as many details and images in a notebook or file as you can,
> >but concentrate on this project first. By starting too many books,
> >your commitment to each will proportionally diminish and you will never
> >be able to finish any one. Let every character have his or her own
> >time, place, and individualized attention to develop and grow.
> >
> >8. Rest. After your first-draft manuscript is complete, take a
> >reprieve from it. A few weeks or months usually suffices; just enough
> >time for you to wonder what that story of yours was about anyway.
> >Don't reread your book now, no matter how strong the temptation. This
> >distance will give you objectivity later for editing.
> >
> >9. Rewrite (also called revising and editing.) It does not matter
> >which of these two you do first, as long as both are completed and
> >you've read your book. Read through the first draft carefully,
> >changing and reworking areas as needed. After this initial stage, keep
> >cutting and pasting, adjusting and aligning prose until all the scenes
> >and places in your story (big and small) are there for a purpose.
> >Every word matters, especially in suspense works. Read your book
> >aloud; ask for outside opinions. These are not only crucial to your
> >rewrite, but will give you valuable feedback and insights as to the
> >musicality and validity of your story.
> >
> >10. Stop. When you have identified problems in your book but are
> >unable to fix them (or the revisions make things worse) you know your
> >book is done. Stop rewriting. You also know your book is complete
> >when there is no more work left to do in this phase. (Don't get hung
> >up here or you'll keep rewriting forever, and no one wants that.)
> >Readers want to read, after all.
> >
> >11. Revel. You've written a novel! Enjoy the moment. If the world of
> >publishing intrigues you, explore that avenue. If not, take away the
> >personal satisfaction, pleasures, and growth that you have composed an
> >entire novel.
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Writers Division web site:
> >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >
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> >
> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
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> >
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