by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch
Editing is the best and worst part of writing, at least in my opinion. What makes it harder is that writing is SO subjective. But there are certain ways to improve a story through edits that are pretty universal, and when multiple people give you similar feedback, it’s time to seize their advice.
- Never be afraid to kill your darlings.
Sometimes, we write chapters and scenes that should never see the light of day. While fun, they may not contribute to the rest of the story. I’m struggling with that right now, too. I’ve had multiple people encourage me to start the story with my chapter two, which means some rewriting and getting rid of some of the parts of this story that I love. But sometimes you have to walk the line between the pieces you love and creating the story readers will love. But don’t trash those paragraphs, scenes, or chapters completely. You never know when you may need to grab a line or use the paragraph in another story. And the extra chapter may just make fun content for your newsletter list.
- Edit with your head.
Most of us write with our hearts. At least I do. I turn off my inner critique and just get the story on the page. I have my story flow, but I let the story move where it wants to and needs to in the moment. I’m a classic overthinker, but that will kill a story. I have to write with my heart. But when I edit? That requires me to set my emotions aside and look at the story critically so that I can make it the best it can be. I need to edit with my logic. What works? What doesn’t?
- Pray and operate with discernment.
Discernment isn’t an excuse to be defensive. Trust me…when it comes to my writing, I usually have to sit on feedback for a couple of days before I can handle it objectively. More and more, I am praying that the Lord will give me His words and not mine as I write and that I would write a story that brings enjoyment, encouragement, and even challenge to readers…and to myself. That doesn’t mean that my drafts are anointed. It just means that I want the Lord to be part of this process.
As editors and friends provide feedback, I have to sift through the recommendations to do what is best for the story. Sometimes the suggestion is correct but the way to execute it is not (like when something would be unnatural for my character to do or say). This is where I work to stay true to the story while making the needed improvements to make the story shine.
Editing can be challenging, but it turns our stories into masterpieces. Don’t be afraid to do the work to make your book all it can be while maintaining the integrity of the story. I’m in the trenches now, doing it with you. Trust me. You’ve got this.
Recent college graduate Kaylan Richards has spent her entire life following a plan. Go to school. Get good grades. Do what you love. Love what you do. Only what Kaylan loves requires a sought after internship. She doesn’t want to wait. She wants to help people now. And on the eve of her decision to leave her life-long plans behind, the man she wants to forget walks back into her life. Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never dreamed he would love a woman more than he loves serving his country. Now he’s finally ready to win her heart, but this time she’s the one who wants to leave for the most poverty-stricken country in the western hemisphere. And it’s his turn to watch her go. It’s the worst earthquake Haiti has ever seen. Kaylan is trapped in the aftermath, and Nick is a world away on a mission to catch a terrorist. As they find their way back to one another, Kaylan and Nick must learn that love grown in the midst of tragedy can truly conquer all. But only if they have the courage to fight for it.
Kariss Lynch writes contemporary romance about characters with big dreams, adventurous hearts, and enduring hope. She is the author of the Heart of a Warrior series and loves to encourage her readers to have courage. In her free time, she hangs out with her family and friends, explores the great outdoors, and tries not to plot five stories at once. Connect with her at karisslynch.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads.