This weekend, I’m going to read over the edits and send “The Devil Within” back to my editor. I must have told myself this about a thousand times as I watched the clock tick by. I didn’t literally or figuratively watch the clock. I mostly spent time with my family, because it was Easter weekend.
I am not religious, but I was raised in the church. Everyone in the south seems to be. When Christmas and Easter come around, it’s a big deal. We had egg hunts galore, including one for my daughter’s daycare where the organizer brought an ice cream truck. Boy, that was popular! We know have candy pouring out of our ears–the dentist will be happy to see us coming soon. And we spent time with our family.
The thing is, my edits are done, but I really want to read through one more time and make sure no more changes need to be made. I’m also a hater of conflict, and there are several suggestions my editor made that I don’t agree with. I’m done procrastinating TODAY. I keep telling myself just to finish the darn editing. After all, the sooner it’s finished the sooner I can move on with edits on my other works.
Having your work edited is so hard mentally. Being a writer means you’re a creator of sorts. You create a world for your characters to live in, and when someone shoots that all down or doesn’t understand where you’re coming from. It can be quite hard to accept. It’s all part of being a writer though. Whoever said writing was easy? No one ever.
I’m glad I put editing on the back burner this weekend though, because I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my three growing kids. One day, they’re not going to want to wake up at the crack of dawn to see what the Easter bunny left. One day, Easter egg hunts are going to be things of the past. Until then, I need to enjoy these little moments. I’ll leave you with this little gem from the weekend. I usually try to keep my personal and writing blog separate, but this photo of my middle boy is just priceless. Happy Belated Easter!
Lauren Greene, Author 
It is always nice to have that family time. I tried to fit editing a short story into my day yesterday. It did not happen. It just wouldn’t fit in. I took the hint. 🙂
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I know. Sometimes it’s good to just let it be and come back to it when there’s not so much going on!
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We had a great and busy Easter weekend also, with no time for writing. Since I have generally been a genealogical blog post writer, I am used to having family pictures, because the blog is about family. I loved seeing the picture of your son. As to the editing, everytime someone who is helping edit doesn’t “get” what I’m trying to create, I find my defensiveness rising, LOL, which is silly, since we ask for help. Whew, this writing is hard. I don’t want some editor telling me what I should write, bah! LOL Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone. Helen
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I just read your blog, and my little one in that picture is named Liam too! Helen–I’ve heard a lot of folks get defensive when the editor gets their claws on their work. It’s hard to let go of that control. I’m learning every day.
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Glad you had a nice Easter with your family. Easter is the one holiday we never enjoyed from an Easter Egg Hunt/Bunny point of view as my sons have food allergies and are allergic to eggs, dairy and nuts. Family time is always nice though!
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Oh my gracious , I can’t believe your son and my grandson are both Liams! Our Liam is actually a nickname for William. Both of his paternal grandparents were William. They had a Bill, and a Will already, so Liam it was! Thanks for sharing that. Helen
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I know! It’s not such a common name in the South. We loved it, and it went well with our other son’s name.
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He’s so cute! I took a video of my 3yo trying to open her egg beating it with a wooden spoon!
Yes editing is damn hard! Keep going!!! You’re doing good!
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Thanks Franny! Kids are so funny. I love watching them grow and explore.
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Good for you for taking a break. The edits will still be there 🙂
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I should have written on Sunday as well, but I didn’t. I drank wine and watched Star Trek reruns with my husband instead. 🙂
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He is so cute. Holy cow the candy and treats in daycare and school. I swear I don’t remember having parties at school being quite so extravagant. My kids lose interest before they even finish their hauls from all these events.
I hope the edits aren’t too painful.
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My kids are candy-aholics. They would eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner if they could! Thanks–I’m working through them.
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Lauren, love the photo and the tale of time spent with family rather than facing the confrontational issue. I am dreading anyone editing my writing. I was so possessive and sensitive over my (life coaching) website during the writing process, I am sure I will be an absolute nightmare!
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Having someone edit your stuff is so hard. It took me 30 years to let anyone look at my work, so I knew I would have problems with it. I’ve heard it gets easier though.
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