[stylist] Editing while writing

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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> 
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