Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing.
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
Revising and editing
I planned to title this blog “deep revision,” until I looked up what revising actually means and how it’s different from editing. Revising is about the content while editing is about sentence-level issues and typos. Basically, a deep revision would mean butchering your manuscript and rewriting parts of it. That might happen in the future if I were to find an agent/publisher, but it’s not exactly what I have been doing lately. I’ve been busy “editing.” Lots of it! Good thing I enjoy that part as much as the writing itself.
Surrounded by three labs in the office
Book progress
When I sent my manuscript to beta readers last summer, my biggest request was how to cut the prose: “Which parts could be cut? What’s boring or doesn’t add to the overall story?”
My book was way too long. Deleting a few side stories and anecdotes came recommended, but after incorporating the suggestions fit to improve the work, my word count was still 12,000 above my 95,000-word goal (which is already on the long side for a memoir.) Gulp!
One beta reader suggested cutting most of the dialogue tags and making sure there was no repetition between dialogue, statements, and inner thoughts. I am a wordy person! Good idea, but would that delete thousands of words? Cutting parts out also meant making sure the story still flowed and made sense. This editing round would be a serious one!
So, since we arrived at our current house sit in Albuquerque, NM—which we accepted mainly to work on my memoir (and our camper van)—I have been immersed in it, every weekday, 2-3 chapters amounting to 6-9 hours a day; one chapter would take about 3 hours to scrutinize and adjust.
The last three weeks, I shortened sentences, deleted dialogue tags, and got rid of extra commas and superfluous words, statements, fragments, and paragraphs. I tightened the prose, abolished personal “favorites” that unnecessarily slip into my writing, like all, some, any, although, however, luckily, in order to, which means, … I made sure I used the Oxford comma everywhere and attempted to be consistent with other techniques and language uses, like names and italics.
I weighed the value of every word and sentence, corrected my wrongfully used em-dash, wrote out numbers, cut down on adjectives, and converted passive voice into active voice whenever I noticed. I plugged and chipped away at it until yesterday evening, when I finished editing the epilogue and showed Mark the final word count: 94,977. It was a proud moment!
Albuquerque during the day – seen from our temporary house on the mesa
Of course, many new typos will have snuck in after this surgery and I still have doubts about the title, the chapter lengths, the number of chapters, the use of an introduction, … but I have finally come to a stopping point that I’m happy about. It only took 3.5 years!
What’s next?
No agent has stepped forward yet, which is why I decided to go ahead with these “final edits.” Now I can recommit to the agent/publisher trail with a “completed manuscript.” Let’s hope that “deep revision” will arrive soon!
Albuquerque at night – seen from our temporary house on the mesa
May 1, 2019 at 15:23
I’m sure all your hard work will pay off Liesbet! Looking forward to reading the published version.
May 2, 2019 at 17:02
Thanks, Leslie. While I feel my main task is done now, if – yep, if and not when – a publisher is interested, I’m sure a heavy re-write and more crimping will be needed!
May 1, 2019 at 15:38
Well done meeting your word count target, Liesbet! Each progress, big or small, is taking you closer to your final goal.
May 2, 2019 at 17:03
Thanks for the continued support and encouragement, Natalie. Those are wise words. It’s about the marathon and not the sprint, right? 🙂
May 1, 2019 at 16:07
Nicely done, Liebet! You’re going to get that book published…I just know you will! Those dog splayed all over the floor cracked me up. 🙂
May 2, 2019 at 17:07
These dogs are sweet and quite funny, Jill! The two white ones are my shadows – one even more than the other – which causes some interesting encounters. 🙂 With all the support of my readers – including you – I will certainly get this darn memoir published! 🙂
May 1, 2019 at 16:17
I’ll take some of those words! I am so succinct that I’m often looking to add ideas and words back in! We both seem to need that happy medium. Great job on your editing, and good luck with next steps!
May 2, 2019 at 17:08
Yes, yes, yes, Lexie, take my words! I will never ever have a problem writing enough. I always have to cut down (with articles and books). Based on your blog, you seem like a beautiful and prolific writer to me!
May 1, 2019 at 16:22
Well done on cutting so many words! Sorry that you haven’t had any bites from agents yet 🙁 They don’t know what they’re missing out on.
May 2, 2019 at 17:09
Ha! I hope you’re right, Ellen! I am quite the determined person, though. Soon, I’ll get back to bugging agents, after some other jobs have been taken care of. 🙂
May 1, 2019 at 16:23
You got it under the word count – excellent!
I like editing as well. Even better than writing something in the first place.
May 2, 2019 at 17:11
That’s interesting that you like the editing more than the writing, Alex. I can’t quite pick what I prefer. I think editing gives me more satisfaction, because a word count is tangible, while a story is not.
By the way, that word count is set by myself. I wouldn’t be surprised if an agent, editor, or publisher wants me to somehow shave off another 10K!!
May 1, 2019 at 16:57
Congrats Liesbet,
I get caught in the passive voice/active voice cycle too. Drives me crazy. Are you going to have a celebration? You’ve worked very hard. Cutting words is a difficult task.
I hope you hear from and agent/publisher soon.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed,
Laura
May 2, 2019 at 17:15
Hi Laura! No “official” celebration – my husband and I are not good at celebrations, we didn’t even celebrate one of our anniversaries (we have two, but that’s another story) – but I was going to take a day off work this week and have a special breakfast of french toast today. Unfortunately, two things happened: I am sick with some kind of flu-ish symptoms and some translation and editing work showed up. But… this weekend we will have friends over, so we will have extra fun then!
May 1, 2019 at 16:58
Wow, that is great progress! I’m a big fan of the Oxford comma (from back in my days as a graphic designer for a publishing company) and work hard to write in the active voice (although I’m not always as successful as I’d like). Fingers crossed that you will hear good news from an agent soon.
May 2, 2019 at 17:18
Until recently (well after writing the first draft of this memoir), I had no idea what the Oxford comma was, Janis. So, the use of it was inconsistent throughout the book. I just did as I pleased, or how it felt right in the pace of the chapter. I probably forgot to add some, and missed passive voices. It’s hard to focus on multiple things during one edit. I should proofread the entire thing again soon, but need a break now. These last edits were focused on getting the word count down. Phew!
May 1, 2019 at 17:27
Hi Liesbet, You definitely remind me of the saying “It’s all about the journey, not the outcome” since it is a very long journey for you. I know you will be successful and I look forward to reading your published memoir. I googled “the Oxford Comma.” I found a lot of information online. Now, I, am, truly, confused:)
May 2, 2019 at 17:23
It sure is a long journey. Luckily, most of it is still fun! I think that’s because I sure take long breaks without progress. So, whenever I have the chance to work, every minute needs to be used productively. 🙂
I had no idea until recently what the Oxford comma was. I probably read about it on a writer’s blog and wondered about it for days. It’s actually not a requirement to use, but you have to be consistent either way. And, the explanation of the Oxford comma is quite simple: when “listing” more than two things, a comma has to be placed before the “and” in front of the last item. Apparently the same rule is true for “or” as well. Unless the last two items belong together somehow. I hope that makes sense…
May 1, 2019 at 18:01
Way to go! I struggle to just “edit” because I usually see something that I think needs revision – at least a chapter here or there, anyway.
May 2, 2019 at 17:24
I can see that happen. I think that’s why it’s important to set a specific goal for each round of edits. That being said, I tried to combine a few things during my last round, which might have messed up other subjects I was supposed to keep an eye on! Thanks for swinging by and commenting, Tyrean.
May 1, 2019 at 19:58
Liesbet, all the best with publishing your book which I am sure will be a bestseller!. I’m very impressed with your commitment to finishing it, great stuff.
May 2, 2019 at 17:25
A bestseller!? Wow, Suzanne – you’re topping everyone else’s compliments! 🙂
May 2, 2019 at 22:19
Haha, it wasn’t intentional. By the way, never say never regarding it being a bestseller amongst the travel memoirs 🙂
May 4, 2019 at 08:00
Wouldn’t that be something! But, for now, it has to get published first. 🙂
May 1, 2019 at 22:32
Congratulations, Liesbet – This is an incredible accomplishment!
BTW – I love the sleeping pups in the photos!
May 2, 2019 at 17:26
Thanks, Donna! For the first time, I agree. 🙂 Now, I have to get my act together for the next step. Soon, we will be back in Zesty and that will mess things up again…
May 2, 2019 at 00:07
You have to really want to do this to keep plugging away at it, don’t you? But you’re not far from the end goal now, Liesbet 🙂 🙂 Best of luck to you!
May 2, 2019 at 17:27
Thanks, Jo. This is a much longer road than I anticipated. Of course I don’t always have the possibility (or desire) to immerse myself in the memoir project. Too much else going on in life. I will get there eventually, and I hope you’re right that the end is near…
May 2, 2019 at 04:57
Congratulations Liesbet with getting these edits done, it’s an important part of the process and a milestone worth celebrating! 🎈🎉You can give yourself a big pat on the back and please give those lovely dogs a pat too from all of us here 🤗🐾💖🐾 xxx
May 2, 2019 at 17:28
Thanks, Xenia. No problem to give the three boys a pet. I snuggled with them for a little while in the sun in the green grass this afternoon. The highlight of my day! 🙂 Giving myself a pat is harder (physically and mentally), but I will celebrate this weekend!
May 2, 2019 at 05:51
You have a sharp eye, a dogged (!) persistence, and the pleasure of all these supporters cheering you on. Take a moment to breathe and celebrate, all a part of the process. Yay, Liesbet! 🙂
May 2, 2019 at 17:31
You know, Marian, that sharp eye comes in handier when looking at other people’s work. But, I truly enjoy editing (which is currently one of my paid jobs by the way – for a magazine I used to work for, but not at the rates you shared with me :-(). Thank you for your continued support!
BTW, I had to look up “dogged”. New word of the week. I like it! And, the spelling connection to these four-footers!
May 2, 2019 at 07:57
Congratulations! And you have 23 spare words to play with 😉.
May 2, 2019 at 17:33
Haha! You are funny! But, I actually did think about what to add back in. 🙂
Actually, the biggest “surprise”, or feat, was that this was the outcome after meticulously going through every chapter of the book one time. I didn’t have to make a double-take or dive back in to delete those last 100, 400, or 1500 words! That was the most impressive part, if you ask me.
May 2, 2019 at 22:16
Best of luck with your editing and revising! Sounds like you have a great writing routine.
May 4, 2019 at 08:00
Thanks, Yvonne! The routine is great when we are house sitting (convenience, resources, time, dedication) but disappears when we’re back in our camper van (which is our normal lifestyle). 🙂
May 3, 2019 at 08:54
Liesbet I am so inspired and impressed with yoru dedication. To commit to that kind of daily effort over 3.5 years is extraordinary. I will be hoping to hear that a publisher has come forward and th next step of your dream is realized. Congratulations!
May 4, 2019 at 08:04
Thank you, Sue, for your kind words and for continuing to believe in me! I started this memoir project 3.5 years ago, but the daily efforts only took place during house sits. I’ve had many multiple-month “breaks” in between, which is one of the reasons why it’s taking so long to complete. Whenever I have a chance, I dedicate all my time to the book, but the hiatuses in between have been long and a tad “bothersome” (as in: guilt about not focusing on the book for weeks and months). It’s all self-inflicted, of course, since we choose to live on the road…
May 3, 2019 at 10:11
Excellent job on hitting your editing word goal. I like the editing part. There’s more time to think about a turn of phrase or the right word to convey a meaning without the pressure of just getting the words written. And it’s gratifying to purge the padding. Best to you on finding a publishing home!
May 4, 2019 at 08:07
Hi Lee! Thanks for you visit and for the wise words. You stated exactly how I feel about the editing process. It’s when the scenes and chapters are molded and turned into more satisfying pieces of prose.
May 3, 2019 at 13:32
One of my favorite quotes is “Books aren’t written, they are rewritten.” Michael Crichton
May 5, 2019 at 08:40
That’s a great quote, Juneta! I also feel that a book (my book) gets better as it evolves. Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment!
May 3, 2019 at 21:47
Congrats on finishing this round of edits! It’s always gratifying to hit a target you’ve set for yourself.
May 5, 2019 at 08:42
Isn’t that right, Nick!? Very satisfying, especially since it rarely happens I hit such a target. 🙂 The main reason for that, though, is that I set my goals a tad too high and a tad too ambitious/unrealistic, most of the time.
May 4, 2019 at 10:58
Seriously, Liesbet, you’ve got this! I am so proud of your commitment to this story. I am a wordy person, too. I’ve completed 100 pages of this new draft, a developmental one, and have a little over 34,000 words so far. I am hoping–if only I can keep myself focused–to make this one be THE draft from which I can do sentence level editing and get it ready for beta readers.
You so inspire me, Liesbet. All the luck with your memoir.
May 5, 2019 at 08:35
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Victoria! Well done on the new draft. Your commitment and determination to get it right inspire me! We will both get there, at some point. 🙂
May 4, 2019 at 17:11
Congratulations on hitting your target. 3.5 years is not bad either – I took 13 years to get my debut novel out. I misuse ‘revision’ sometimes, when I mean editing – although, if I’m unsure on chapters and order, that’s revision, or will be.
May 5, 2019 at 08:39
Yeah, the time one takes/needs to write a book is all relevant. I just don’t want my story/adventure to get “outdated” by the time it is published. And, I also keep having new experiences/material to write about every day, hence this project needs to be finished soon.
Good for you, Roland, for making it happen. That’s the end goal – what matters – and you did it!
May 5, 2019 at 16:25
Thanks, Liesbet. Now I need to find the repeat/improve formula.
May 8, 2019 at 10:35
Well, you did it once. You can do it again! Wishing you motivation and determination and creativity.
May 5, 2019 at 18:01
Nice to see pics of you working hard on your revisions, editing etc surrounded by the dogs! I’m sure they send you inspiration as well as support in their own way (Just read your story about Kali–tearjerker–I left a comment). I like your banner of Westy on the move in the desert! Almost 95K words, amazing!
May 8, 2019 at 10:37
Hi Terri,
Thank you for your kind comment and ongoing support. The Kali story is part of my memoir. I still tear up when I reread and rework that chapter. And, it’s my own story!
I have to say that the three big dogs are more a distraction than a help. 🙂 But, I’m getting so much more done at a house than in a camper.
May 6, 2019 at 15:01
Welcome to authordom. Isn’t it fun? Lol 🙂
May 8, 2019 at 10:42
I’m not sure about the fun parts of being an author, Debby! But, writing and editing is still enjoyable (when I commit enough time to it and manage to focus). I think marketing and research will be my low points…
May 8, 2019 at 18:18
I speak for many, writing is the best part. And yes, the part most of us hate most is marketing. I’ve been sorely lacking in that department, lol 🙂
May 10, 2019 at 19:21
Your books, reviews, and charisma speak for themselves, Debby! No marketing necessary. 🙂
May 11, 2019 at 07:55
You are too kind my friend. <3
May 11, 2019 at 11:49
<3
May 7, 2019 at 13:25
Wow, that sounds like a ton of work! Good for you for digging right into it.
I’ve always hated editing, but I think that’s because I used to spend years rewriting and revising the same novel. Now it’s not so bad. A couple of passes per book are manageable.
May 8, 2019 at 10:47
You have gotten the entire process under control, JH. Practice makes perfect, right? 🙂
I’m a tad proud of myself for focusing on my memoir the entire time I was on this house sit (except when actual money was being made translating and editing), but I had to. I now have enough experience that once we hit the road or travel or live on a sailboat, other priorities take over and the book disappears on the back burner for months.
May 14, 2019 at 18:16
Sorry I am late to the party but I was thrilled to read this news in your latest blog post. What a wonderful accomplishment. An agent is in your near future. Can’t wait to see it on the shelves.
May 14, 2019 at 21:03
Nobody’s ever late to my party, Lisa. And, you are definitely always welcome in my life and world. Thank you for believing in me, my friend. I hope you’re right about that agent. Of course, it would help if I took the time (and priority) to actually write a few more agents and submit a reworked book proposal and actually update that book proposal first. 🙂
But, instead, I’m out and about in beautiful scenery and onto the North Rim of the Grand Canyon tomorrow! Tell me, what sounds more exciting to you, working on a memoir or sightseeing/hiking the Grand Canyon. It can’t be just me… 🙂