One of the absolute most important phases of creating a piece of fiction is editing.
To edit is to change, improve, re-consider, revise, correct, refine. In my experience as a writer, there is no end to editing. When reading to an audience from one of my published books, I will invariably change words or phrases as I read.
First truth of editing:
It’s not that my published material is bad, but there’s always room for improvement.
Second truth of editing:
It hurts. It’s a bit like having someone tell you that although your child is not bad looking, they could use some plastic surgery. Sometimes I have to cut out bits that are special to me but have no effect on the story. Other times I need to change direction, or make dialogue more realistic, or…the possibilities are endless.
As in writing, so in life.
A quote from Nancy Thayer says it well:
“It’s never too late, in fiction or in life, to revise.”
—Nancy Thayer
Just as our stories are always editable, so are our lives.
I don’t know about you, but I constantly run through areas of my life that need tweaking. Not that my life is bad, but there’s always room for improvement. And it often hurts. There are times when I have to apologize for a hasty word, or admit my guilt in judging, or ask the Lord to pick up my wounded heart and set me on the road again.
Thankfully, I am a child of the God who is Redeemer of lost time, Renewer of strength, Restorer of purpose and confidence and passion. Thankfully, He doesn’t give up on me. He will tweak and revise and refine until my dying day…as long as I allow Him access to my soul.
Instead of being good enough, I’d rather be the best I can be, through Christ who strengthens me.
We and our writing are always in need of revision. Great post, Jan.
Right you are, Carolyn.