EDITING TIMERIDERS2
So, today’s the day I begin the two week process of going through the 1st draft manuscript and tidying everything up. Now, many writers I’ve spoken to seem to find this bit the tedious bit, they much prefer the freedom and excitement of tapping out that first draft, and the later tidying-up to be the real chore.
Me? I love doing 2nd draft work. I really do. I love taking a page of rough writing and polishing it, honing it, stripping away the dull bits and knowing what’s left on the page is just the good stuff. A similar thing to painting really….I’m one of these painters that wants the canvas filled very quickly, everything in the composition blocked out roughly and approximately then, going in with a finer brush and putting those lovely little details and flourishes in.
So, I’m now at the little-brush stage. A chance to put those nuances in, those whispered little clues in the background that you’ll think nothing of at first, but realise later were hugely important and were staring you in the face all along!
More than anything, though, it’s at this stage that I learn a little more about my main characters. This is the draft in which they speak to me; reveal their quirks, their insecurities, their worries.
So, here we go then. Coffee’s steaming on my desk. I have my wife’s notes, my editor’s notes….my own mental notes.
Let the work begin….
nb: Just after I published today’s blog, I noticed you can read some of the type on the screen! I’ve just been reading through it…and I think I’ve managed not to reveal any big spoilers there!
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said... Cant read the text its too small...Booooooo!!!
said... It's OK on my screen.
said... Al have you still got that green finger ring!!..LOL
said... Don't Kill Chan! noooooo
said... the fact foster is going to die is sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
said... sooo excited for the next one! i read the first in under a week! i need to slow down with my reading! i have spent so much money on books this month! i think i will started using the library instead of buying books from now on! loved every moment of the book!
said... So have I got this straight. The second book of Time Riders is due out in August 2010 and has something to do with dinosaurs?
said... I saw Timeriders in my local ASDA store, ( I did`nt realise it was in the young adults section), I read the back and thought "This sounds interesting". Four days later I put the book down, I was`nt disappointed. It got into the story straight away, no long tedious openings. I look forward to the next book in the series. I have been reading si-fi since I was 11 years old, I am 59 this year! Good on yer Alex.
said... I saw the ad for the book in a copy of doctor who adventures. I thought this sounds good then i saw it in asda payed for it , then read it in 3 days. Now i am asking how many in the series ? and how many will be out each year? Also will someone be making a tv / film series of them ? Also is Foster Liam? I am asking because of how he say,s goodbye at the end 3 litte words just the way Liam would say them. THANK YOU FOR THE BOOK LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST .
said... Great book. I am sure Liam is Foster. Quite a few hints in the final chapter. Including the 3 little words and the wanting to see NY ... never made it before cos the boat sank !! He 'knows' Maddy will be fine leading the team as he's seen her do it for several years I'm guessing :)
said... I agree with Stu and MARTIN. But you may have ruined for those who did'nt notice.