I have a question... - Writers Forum

Derwyn · 08-28-2003, 12:07 PM

Hi, I'm new to these forums, and I have a small question. This is mainly just an opinion question, but I just want to see the general norm for people.

Do you usually edit as you write, or do you wait till the end of the story to start the editing process? I'm not talking about basic grammatical and spelling errors, I'm talking about the flow of ideas and events. Myself, I plan to edit big-time at the end, but my story is getting a bit unwieldy and diluted (190 pages right now, I think).

AdamR · 08-28-2003, 12:13 PM

This is a matter of taste and what works best for you. I personally sort of edit as I write. I usually, after the close of a section or chapter go back and see what I could have done or written better. Sometimes, I may come up with a large plot-change that could totally alter the following writing, which is why I don't like to edit at the very end.

Derwyn · 08-28-2003, 12:20 PM

Well the thing with the large plot changes is that I usually keep detailed notes of things I might want to delve into after I finish, but I just do it my way simply because I know that if I start editing before I finish the story, it will prolong the ending greatly.

Elphaba · 08-28-2003, 04:31 PM

I also edit as I go along, usually at the end of my work day; skim through it and fix up mistakes. It saves a lot of editing at the end, but that's not the big reason I do it. Generally, when I'm done with something, I'm *done*, and don't want to look at it for awhile (because there always seems to be *something* that needs fixing...).

Ceridwen · 02-28-2004, 09:49 AM

Wow, I'm here not to add a suggestion but also to know and learn. Reading the advices above me helped. I also have the same question, you see.

DL Ferguson · 02-28-2004, 11:11 AM

I usually edit as I go. While working on a project I go back and re read whatever it is I wrote the day before and take the opportunity to do some re-writing and editing. it's easier that way as it not only gets you back into the flow of the story but it also prevents you from having a honkin' huge block of material to edit.

iggz · 02-28-2004, 01:31 PM

I edit as I go mainly because I'm never satisfied. Whenever I finish writing a certain chapter for instance, I will reread it once to look over grammar, and spelling and stuff like that, then I'll reread it again to see what works and what doesn't work. Adding a word here or there or changing a sentence or two makes a big difference. I go a lot slower that way but when I'm finished going through it over and over I'm finally content with what I have, and can finally move on.

shaggy · 05-06-2004, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derwyn

Do you usually edit as you write, or do you wait till the end of the story to start the editing process? I'm not talking about basic grammatical and spelling errors, I'm talking about the flow of ideas and events.

I tend to write at least 3-5 chapters (in a fast and furious sort of way... LOL) before I start editing. I'd stop and go back and I read everything once through to get a feel of how the story is unfolding for the reader. And then I edit.