Write First, Edit Later

Continuation of the series "How Do You Write Novels?"...

#8.      Finish before you edit

This seems very upfront and easy, but for many writers it’s difficult to do. I’ll admit it, I’m one of them. I like to go back and edit while I’m writing. But for beginners, it can be a very difficult, and hard on your writing as a whole.

For one, when you have to keep going back to change things, it’s easier to forget where you are in your story, and it’s harder to keep everything straight.

For two, if you have to keep going back to fix even the most minor of things, it can distract from the ultimate goal of getting the work done. (yes, writing is work)

With that in mind, the best advice that I can give you is that you write everything first, and then go back and change all the things that need changing. Keep another file (or notebook, or folder…) of all the things you’ve decided to change along the way, so when you get to the end you know where to begin with your edits.

Now, for minor edits, like changing a person’s hair color or changing their middle name, I say go for it and change it while you’re writing. Things like that don’t generally take a lot of time, and the ever useful ctrl+f comes in handy. I’ve been known to do that, many, many times.

But I don’t recommend that you do this to start out with. If you’re new to writing, then just make a note of where you’ve decided to make the change, and what the change is. Then when you go back and do your edits, you’ll already have a flag reminding you to change Sally’s hair so it’s mauve and not emerald green.

Don’t forget, it’s important to keep track of your writing, and what you’re doing with it. I highly suggest programs like Scrivener, where you can take note of everything that happens in a specific scene, so if something does need to be changed on short notice, and you find that you must change it right now, you can find the place without much difficultly.

Have a good weekend everyone! I hope you’re having fun with my contest! I’m excited to be running it, and I’m looking forward to sending the winners their prizes!

{Rani D.} 

p.s. here are the rules to that contest, in case you haven’t seen it:

Enter to win a signed hardcover edition of “Telekinetic”, along with a surprise gift from me!

Write a comprehensive positive review of Rani Divine’s “Telekinetic: Book I of the Advanced Saga” on any well-known site or forum that accepts book reviews. Reviews written between January 1, 2014 and May 1, 2014 are eligible to be entered into a drawing to receive a signed hardcover edition of the book, along with a surprise gift from Rani!

Three winners will be announced on June 1, 2014.

Rules: Reviews must be positive and comprehensive, may contain a short synopsis of the book, and must be copied and sent via Facebook message to Rani Divine on or before May 1, 2014. All entry messages must contain a link to the review. All reviews not posted on Amazon or other sites where purchase is available must include links to the book on both Amazon and Xlibris. Additionally, reviews must not make mention of the contest or winnings. All reviews sent between March 13, 2014 and May 1, 2014 will be eligible to win.

Winners will be chosen by Rani and the staff of RAD Writing, LLC.