Wrote a book

[dark]

So I wrote a book in two weeks, but now that the editing process is here, I find it hard to do so, no clue why.

It is probably that editing feels like work, but writing 400 pages of science fiction is like playing.

Anyone have any advice at editing something? I try to put it in between acting rehearsals and homework (something I don't really have much of anymore) but when I get free time and I want to do the editing, I just stare at my computer and listen to music.

I only find this a problem because I have another book in the series in my head I need to write and 2 other books that don't deal with the same universe. So I keep these science fiction stories all locked up, and sort of noted down on a few pages, but I want to write them but refuse to do so until I finish my editing process of this first one.

 

[own8ge]

What I tend to do, is just to skip it and move on to new things. If I would have finished everything I've started... Geez idk if we humans would still be alive

But yes, finishing up something should be worth the effort. Just make sure your subconsciousness agrees with you on the matter. Then make sure you consciously focus on what you want to do: And voila? (if you want to finish it more than you want to do nothing or to move on, that's when you can.)

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

I'm guessing your disinterest stems from lack of novelty, in which case you may be best served by submitting copies to others for unrestricted input, and then reading through their commentary and making edits and corrections as needed.

Another option is to take a break from it, write something else, and then revisit the prior work for editing once it loses that overtone of boring familiarity.

 

[Jennywocky]

Another option is to take a break from it, write something else, and then revisit the prior work for editing once it loses that overtone of boring familiarity.

Yeah, typically you don't go right back to edit something after you write it. Instead, you can it for a month and work on something else, then go back to it with fresher and more detached eyes.

Writing a book in two weeks (or whatever) is an arduous experience as well, and you need time to rebuild your energy reserves.

I save mere proofing edits for last (like spelling). IN a first edit, I'm more interesting in the foundation and skeleton of the story -- you need to make sure the plot is secure and sensible, and everything actually hangs properly together. Kind of like when you build ANYTHING in this world, you have to get the foundation right and do the cosmetics near the end.

 

[dark]

Thanks, I think it has probably been long enough, was about 4 months ago I finished the book, and school and acting has taken up so much of my time so I am hoping the break I receive soon will let me edit the thing.

I enjoy the story, it never became boring to me, but I am not sure what I should do next, the next story in the series or one of the other two stories. I guess the answer would be, which would I enjoy most. And that I don't yet know. I guess I will find out.

I guess I would say I am in the last editing phase since when writing it, I would always make sure the plot was secure. What I am currently doing is, reading everything and making sure everything is in the right tense and the sentences make sense. If anything ever gets boring (one part of the story in an event chapter that has to give an overview of stuff that is not really vital to the main story but needs to happen so I tried to make it brief because the read does not want to see the characters piss and brush their teeth etc.,) I try to find better verbs and shit to make it more interesting.

I am also going over all the spelling mistakes as well. I used google docs to write the story, and now I am using MS Word to edit it because well, apparently google docs does not catch nearly anything. Neither did LibreOffice or Kingsoft which I used on my android. I really was hoping I could start exclusively using my linux OS since I don't play games anymore, but nope, until I figure out how to make LibreOffice as capable as MS Word in the editing field, I will still require to use boring ole windows. Oh well that is just me ranting though haha.

 

[Jennywocky]

At that point, maybe it'll just help to block off time? Say, "I'll edit for one hour today," and then just make yourself do it, and then you can quit at the appointed time. Chances are, though, if you get immersed, you might want to keep going, and if so, then go ahead.

I find there is a wall typically between me and something before I get immersed, so I'm hesitant to commit... and once I get past the threshold, then I'm motivated and engaged. (Maybe that is why I'm careful with my commitments.)

A bit of work each day will soon get you to the end. Pacing helps.

 

[dark]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense, I have this fear, if you can call it that, of doing anything because I know have things to do, but when I get into some things, like writing this story, I become immersed as you said, and the world around me no longer exists. I think I need to just let myself become immersed, all my homework is done for the semester and finals are next week, psh finals, easy shit (no clue why people fuss over them).

I keep listening to this one song over and over again, I tend to do that, and not sure why, but when I do so, I eventually allow my mind to become immersed into things, I think I could use this to my advantage in writing maybe. I know last night I worked for 2 hours but made sure I set a deadline since I had to wake up early in the morning. I think it is good to have chapters because at the end of a chapter I feel as though I can take a break, but if anyone messes with me during a chapter, may the gods help them.

Going to try and immerse myself again.