The Sad Process of Editing, Part 1

So, I've started editing a manuscript of mine and thought that it would be appropriate to share my thoughts about some things that happen while editing.

1. Done, you've finished word vomiting. Now what? Either: 1, just stop for the day and go watch TV, or 2, start editing.
...it's been two weeks and I've edited a paragraph, grr. Well, maybe you should print it out and start editing, or force yourself to do at least one page, or wait it out until you feel the urge to do it. If you can't get into it after a while, though, consider the idea that it might just not be worth it if you are so unmotivated.

I like to print out my manuscript and use colorful flair pens to make notes with, then once I'm done with a section I put all of the changes into the computer. If they are change conversation, or something like that, changes I choose to make a note and then fix them on the computer.

Any way that you do it, though, is the correct way to edit (unless you are doing it while word vomiting, that is wrong)

2. You're so close to another thousand in your word count, but then you come across a huge section that must be deleted. First, you think 'I can't delete this!' then, 'but I have to', then 'no!', but eventually the editor in you will press backspace. It will hurt, deeply. I just had to delete 1,700 words with one press of the button, just power through it and you will come out on top.

3. If you are that concerned about word count maybe consider that the piece isn't finished yet, but if it is then just think to yourself 'it will be okay. I've actually gained word count while editing and have deleted huge chunks of the story, making it a million times better.

How To Make Yourself Seem Like a Car Person

5 ways:

1. Say that you've watched every episode of Top Gear UK (and do so)
2. Know all of the really expensive car companies (more than just Lamborghini and Ferrari)
3. Tell everyone that talks about cars that American ones are terrible
4. Be correct when you tell your whole group of friends what the fastest car in the world is (it's not a                 Veyron)
5. ALL of the names of car companies must be in your brain, not every car, but all of the car companies

10 Reasons Why I Love Before I Fall

before i fall by Lauren Oliver
(No, I did not forget to capitalize)

1. You don't love her
2. 7 times is just the correct number of times to relive your death
3. She is a bully, and she is friends with all bully
4. Roses
5. Those three words just before she dies
6. Saving Juliette's life
7. Clothing
8. Hazelnut coffee
9. The woods behind her house
10. Breaking up with her gross boyfriend

10 Reasons Why I Didn't Love The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

1. It's another strong female protagonist
2. Hazel?
3. I'm sick of cancer books
4. I don't understand the title
5. She just goes over to his house, no more than 1 question asked?
6. Okay? Okay.
7. Augustus is the one that dies? At least it's not Hazel because otherwise it would be worse.
8. Cigarettes? It's a metaphor, well no one really cares.
9. The literal heart of Jesus
10. She's too thin

It was well written, and I can see why people loved it, but I didn't so don't argue.

10 Reasons Why I Love 17 First Kisses

17 First Kisses by Rachel Allen

1. Soccer
2. Her best friend is male
3. She's got 3 female friends
4. Tampon in the nose
5. Luke turning out to be a jerk (spoiler, sorry)
6. Redneck Riviera (it just sounds so terrible)
7. The way that it is a chapter and then a story about one of her kisses
8. Sam used to be fat but is now in shape (I just think it gives us all hope)
9. Timothy (it's sad, but it added depth)
10. A photographer for a mom

10 Reasons Why I Love Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

1. Lena runs
2. Meeting Alex at sunset, sort of
3. Pairing (it's just weird)
4. Partying is illegal
5. Their house that they love
6. The messed up family of Lena's
7. Invalids
8. Sheep
9. The cure (it just seems terrible)
10. Escaping (sorry, spoiler)

10 Reasons Why I love The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

1. Archery
2. Survival
3. Katniss being awesome
4. Tracker jackers
5. Foxface
6. Thresh being nice to Katniss after she was nice to Rue
7. Cato being so evil
8. The capital
9. Training for it sounds so cool
10. Effie