Writing Prompt #17: EDITING WHEN YOU'RE BLEARY-EYED AND DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOOD ANYMORE!

Hi Everyone,

Do you ever get to the point when you’ve read your work so many times that you lose all perspective? Then you start changing things—possibly making it worse—but you can’t even tell?

I’VE BEEN THERE!!

Over the years I’ve learned a few tricks to keep your perspective fresh and your editing skills honed to the end. Consider this your multiple-prompts prompt.

Here goes:

1) Read your work backwards. That’s right! For a novel, start with the last chapter and work your way back to the beginning. The same goes for story and poetry collections. It’s amazing what will jump out at you when you reverse the sequence.

2) Read your work aloud. Listen to its music. The bum notes announce themselves so pay close attention.

3) Change where you read your work. Take your book to the beach, or to a friend’s back porch, or the local library. The new surroundings will invigorate the editing process.

4) Spot check your writing. Drop in randomly and read it aloud. Is it still holding up, phrase by phrase? This is best done when you’re close to finishing (to preserve sanity).

5) Step away from the steaming language. Take a break—a day, a week—whatever you need to refresh. Don’t feel guilty, if you can help it.

What are your tricks to editing while bleary-eyed? Please share!

Abrazos,

Cristina