So, yesterday morning I completed the 5th draft of my novel. The idea which was born in June 2007 has been refined since November 2008. Each time I complete an edit I believe that this is the finished piece of work, but after the third one I realised this was a bit silly, because after a few months I go back and read everything with a fresh eye. It’s then I am able to spot the areas I need to improve on.
At the moment I am quite happy with it. This particular version was focussed on trying to get rid of words that are not part of the storylines. I am partial to slapping on the descriptive text like someone slapping their make-up on for a Kiss concert. It’s brushed on thickly. So I have tried to review each sentence checking to see if it flows well in pace and that the reader isn’t being detracted by melodramatic descriptions. I still haven’t managed to record it and play it back to myself, mostly because I can’t stand my own voice. I guess the Paddington's Shadow audiobook will have to wait.
So is this the final edit? I don’t think so. Coldbrain recommended that I read On Writing by Stephen King so I bought it and have wanted to read it for ages now. I’m pretty sure after reading that book I’ll have loads of ideas. Or maybe I won’t.
I have created a blog http://odetothebrute.blogspot.com/ where I have upload my novel and I am looking for any feedback, good or bad as this will help me improve it further.
As for now, I’m going to finish off my bottle of Nastro Azzurro in peace.
