Evaluating Your Writing

AKA Step Away From the Manuscript

After that first rush of getting a story out of my head and onto the laptop, working out the rest of the details is often less thrilling. But eventually it’s all on the page, or in the file.

east meets west

Then it’s time to put that story away – out of sight, and as much as possible, out of mind.

Not because I’m not happy with it. And definitely not because I’m finished with it.

I put it away to gain distance and objectivity.

It’s much easier to see the flaws in the story from a few days away. A week is even better.

The typos and awkward sentences stand up. The repetitious words are obviously repetitive.

So once you’ve finished your first draft, step away from the manuscript. Put it to the side and celebrate your accomplishment. Catch up on all of the things that you didn’t do while you were dancing with your writing muse.

The manuscript will still be there when you get back to it, in all of its flawed glory.

Adelle DeWitt: No! I’m beginning to suspect he hasn’t the proper distance.
- Dollhouse, “Gray Hour”, 1.4

Jan 26, 2010

Tags: editing

Categories: writing