Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Polishing Stone, Sanding Wood

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One of the endless tasks of writing is editing. I actually think that when we start writing, we have no clue just how many times we'll read the same sentences. We get tired of the process long before we finish. One of my very sweet, attentive beta readers was talking to me about the process she's seen my story go through. She's read the entire manuscript twice in the last couple of months. As she made her way through it the second time, she noticed the smoothing and shaping I had done since the first time.

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She mentioned to me that it was almost like I was polishing a surface. Since she's my sister, Thea, she has observed and participated in the same process I have while our family of talented carpenters has shaped and sanded many a linear feet of wood. You start with coarse grit sandpaper and proceed to finer and finer grit as the wood smooths out. A finely sanded piece of wood feels like satin. 

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The same process applies to polishing stones--and stories. We start with a rough pass that looks at story and character arcs. Later, we spend our editing on connecting the pieces smoothly. Then, we proceed to the finest of word choice, sentence patterns, and the final polish on our stories. It takes patience, persistence, and an open heart to change for the better. 

Zan Marie Steadham

My main WIP is nearing its final polishing. It's ready for a class on revision that I'm starting this Friday, August 14, with Barbara Rogan, a wonderful writer, former agent, and editor. Be sure to check out her Next Level Workshops if you feel you need a bit of expert, outside help. 

Zan Marie Steadham
So how do you polish your writing? Do you have any suggestions to share? 

Next Week: Mini Book Reviews! 
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8 comments:

  1. RoseAugust 11, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    Congrats on nearing your final polishing. Enjoy Barbara's workshop. I have heard nothing but praise for them.

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  2. S.P. BowersAugust 11, 2015 at 9:21 PM

    Yep, that's exactly how it's done. And good luck in the workshop. I still look at her lectures and learn from them.

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    1. Zan MarieAugust 12, 2015 at 5:49 AM

      I thought you'd recognize the pattern, Sara! That's good to hear about the workshop. Friday's nearly here. ;-)

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  3. Shannon LawrenceAugust 17, 2015 at 3:12 AM

    I've discovered that post-outlining helps me a lot. I'm a pantser, but after I finish the first draft, I go through to read it in its entirety, outlining important plot points and character introductions as I go. I use this outline to make notes, such as "need to add tension" or "whoops, switched to a Jeep later in the book." It's where I gather my thoughts. Then I go over the outline to fit in things I need to add and work out where to put them. Then I start the plot rewrites. And after that I'll print up the manuscript and red line that puppy! This is the first time I've tried this process, so we'll see how it goes.

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    1. Zan MarieAugust 17, 2015 at 6:53 AM

      I do something similar. I let Scrivener outline it and include the index card notes on each scene. It highlights the inconsistencies and holes well. Good luck!

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  4. Deniz BevanAugust 22, 2015 at 4:07 AM

    Yum. Love seeing your binders and notebooks. Hope the class is going well!

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    Replies
    1. Zan MarieAugust 22, 2015 at 5:30 AM

      Thank, Deniz! The class is blowing my mind in a great way.

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