by Rachel D. Russell, @RDRussellWrites
One-hundred and seventeen days from start to finish, I turned in my manuscript. I waited with both eager anticipation and a little anxiety for it to return from the first round of edits.
As I made my way through the entire edited manuscript, I discovered some keys that will help me write better and take this story to the next level.
1.) Those plot holes I wasn’t sure about are still plot holes and it’s time to brainstorm how to plug them. This might be adding a few sentences or rearranging the scene. Tighten up the scene goal at beginning of each scene.
2.) Remember the emotional beats. Sometimes I forget to pace the conversations through actions and reactions. Give your characters time to soak it all in—it’ll give your reader the same opportunity and create the emotional impact you’re hoping for.
3.) If it isn’t working, scrap it. It’s okay to decide something doesn’t work as-is and rework the entire scene. I’m enlisting the help of craft partners to do exactly that (with the support of my editor).
4.) Avoid reader whiplash. Drop in tidbits from the previous scene to remind the reader of what has happened. Use a light hand—it may only be a single thought that carries over. That way, if they put your novel down at the end of a scene (I know it’s hard to imagine, but it can happen sometimes even in the best-written novels), they’ll be reminded of exactly what’s going on.
4.) Be teachable. A good editor will help make the story shine. After I’d been writing nonstop for three and a half months, there were scenes I practically knew by heart. Some favorites, some I wasn’t so sure about. Those fresh eyes on your manuscript will let you know if you’ve been “filling in” with what you know in your mind and failing to put it on the page. Embrace it.
I’m still working through the edits and I’m excited to see how the story is shaping up. The work isn’t done yet.
What lesson have you learned from the editing process?
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Rachel D. Russell writes contemporary inspirational romance focused on forgiveness, redemption, and grace. She’s a member of Oregon Christian Writer and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy. She’s currently writing two novels in the Deep Haven series with Sunrise Publishing. When Rachel’s not cantering her horse down the Oregon beaches, she’s probably interrogating her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent enjoying her active family, including two teens and three keyboard-hogging cats. You can catch up with her at RachelDRussell.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.