Tom had a board meeting to go this morning in When you write a book or a story, it’s highly personal. You have poured so much blood, sweat and tears into it. The time spent in the creative process is amazing. Your characters are like children to you. You have created them from scratch and know exactly how you want them to talk, walk, think and behave.
I have to say that editing is a humbling process. You have to not take it personal but approach it with an attitude of they are the professional and know what they are talking about. I know I will learn so much and be a better writer for it in the end. I truly excited to be working with her.
There is an issue of trust that is involved. How do you trust someone you have never worked with before? My editor came highly recommended. The friend who recommended her is some I trust greatly. She is also very experienced in this field of self publishing. What has happened is a transfer of trust. I trust her and she trusts the editor, therefore I trust the editor.
When someone has favor with us, then it’s easy to trust. We value their opinion and honor what they have to say. If they make a suggestion, we know they will not lead us down the wrong path.
This is how I’m approaching this whole matter from a position of trust, openness to learn and improve.
© Nadine Z. 2008
Update on the citywide prayer. Tom was so sick on Friday night with a high fever that we didn’t attend. My understanding is the church they met in had the capacity to hold 900 people, it was nearly full. There were about 800 people that attended. God is good.
29 comments:
Congrats on editing. I'm great at editing other people, but not my own work for the very reason that it is so close. I have to have other people do it. Good luck on that book. I'm still expecting to read it in whole one day!
I hope the editor does right by your manuscript and by you. You're right; trust is so important in this relationship.
I love how you're moving forward with this and with a big leap of faith. That's what it's all about. I know you didn't intend this post to be about "character," but the way you trust this second party is all about character. It speaks for itself. I pray it all works out. You sound so ready and I'm happy for you! :)
Nadine,
First of all, I hope that Tom is feeling much better...it is so hard to be sick--and to be sick away from home--UG!
Secondly, Congrat's on the Giants win! It was a nail-biter...wasn't it!
Editing....on your "baby?????" Ouch! I so appreciate your attitude on this. You are such a grown-up! I'm so immature when it comes to critiquing! I start to sweat, my heart begins to race, and anger wells up from my toes! Just teasing...a little!
I am so with you as it relates to changing something that has come from within your heart and soul. I even get a little edgy when Prof's make a comment on my written assignments! ;)
Although, after spending two+ years in a writing intensive program, I think I've gotten better when reading their lame--I mean--valuable suggestions!
The Literary Analysis class I am taking right now is going to require 3 written projects for peer review--good luck with that! Good thing it is a Distance Education class--I won't be able to strangle anyone!
But seriously, I have benefited from your attitude on this editing thing! And how wise of you to grow your possibilities for publication. I guess it is good to keep your eye, not on the process, but the destination!
How exciting. Blessings over the coming days of editing.
Diane
Wow - you are already working with an editor - how exciting, Nadine. I think you will have a great time. I do understand though about the characters. I am sure that your editor will do a great job.
I am sorry that Tom was so sick that he couldn't go to the prayer meeting. What awesome news though that there were that many in attendance - PTL.
Have a blessed evening.
Congrats! I'm so proud of you for doing it!
Hope Tom is feeling better. Wow 800 people! God is amazing.
Oh Nadine, what a heartfelt post. My dream is to be a writer. My hubby is gently encouraging me to follow this dream. My insecurites hinder me greatly. I don't feel educated enough for this. I will have to expose the secret person of my heart to do it. I am putting myself out there to be judged and oh how I hate human judgement. I am afraid of the change that could come from being a writer - people who love me could be shocked by my thoughts and feelings and never speak to me again....on and on and on.
And you mention trust; that my Sister in Christ, would be hard for me too.
I am praying for you Nadine. I will use you as my witness to follow where the Lord leads. I am praying that He will prosper you through this book and provide a greater grace for you when you need it. Jennifer
Oh Wow! I love your positive attitude and this is so much fun Nadine :D
Hope Tom is better now!
You go girl and let God speak to you as you work through the editing process. I know He will!!!
Susan
You can do it...
I know you can!
Cool! This is good, you are on the way, and I want a signed first edition, of course. And when you are on Oprah, I get to come with you, ok? Helen
Seems like it would be very difficult to allow someone else to edit your words. I don't know if I could do it! I hope it goes well, though.
I know exactly what you mean about writing being such a personal thing... you really do become invested not only in your words, but in the characters you create. You have a great attitude towards the editing process! I'm so excited for you!
Hope Tom is feeling better.
Jane, Pinks & Blues
Yay Giants!!! Yay Nadine!!!
We miss you guys... can't wait to see you. Enjoy your time away from the Tri-cities!
I imagine it is a long process congrats at getting to the editing stage I wish I were there but my book is not done yet I hope Tom is feeling better
Guess what Nadine? When people read your blog they sometimes TAG you, as in TAG, you are it. I hope you will participate. Come over to my site and find out the rules - Jennifer
It is exciting that you are at this point in your writing. But I know it is also rather unnerving! I will be anxious to hear the next chapter in this story.
A GREAT editor u r!
:)
Keshi.
Hi Nadine - I left a comment for you on my blog re your comment on my blog - HAH! Anyway, hop back over when you get a chance. I hope your day is truely blessed - Jennifer
Ditto Helen :]
Hope you guys are feeling better.
Looking forward to seeing you Friday night!
nothing worse then trusting someone so much and then watch it blow up in your face! I think I am nieve this way!
I hope the editing goes well!
i hope Tom is feeling better!
eeps hope Tom is feeling better!
Editing has to be tough, but the end result would be so wonderful. A book, published in your NAME! w00t!
I'll be routing for you!!! Hope your editor has some great ideas to improve and help you out!!
I have writings on the go, though have steped back from them while my kiddos are so little. someday they'll be embraced again..
I hope Tom is feeling better.
I admire your approach to the editing. I'm would struggle mightily with it. But there is a fine balancing act between art and commerical viability. I know you're not you're writing with the goal of money in mind, but if you're going to create something to share with others, you're wise give your work the best chance it can to be seen.
Oops! Too many "you'res" in there. What I meant was: I know you're not writing with the goal of money... yikes. This is why *I'm* not a writer. :-)
Congrats on taking the next step to publishing your book. Love your attitude and that you are teachable.
I can imagine that would be hard to have someone else edit what your vision is... totally hard but I can't wait to read it when it is all done!!
Nadine, thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us! Good for you for taking your "book" to the next level. I'm so proud of you!
Sandy
Good for you to keep plugging away at this. Save an autographed copy for me when it is time to sell the book!
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