The Importance of Editing

[MJ]

So, I hear a lot of people talking about how they write something, are unhappy with it when they read it back, and then scrap whatever it is they wrote.

I think this is such a pity because no one writes a first draft that is a masterpiece and to help demonstrate this I thought I'd give you all a look into the editing process I go through for Edge of Vision. As far as I'm concerned it's the constant editing that I put EoV though that makes it a good piece of writing. So to all those people who throw out something after only the first draft all I have to say is give it a chance! Try a bit of editing and see if you can start working it into something even better.

I'll be putting up a series of PDFs that show the progression of one scene from EoV's third episode** from first draft through to finished product. Remember though, this isn't necessarily a 'how to' guide for editing, it's more to just show you how important is is for me in turning a piece of writing that is so-so into something I'm quite proud of when I read it back

Editing Edge of Vision
The First Edit
Results of the First Edit

**Since the third episode hasn't aired as of yet, this scene could contain some spoilers so read at your own discretion.

[Amin]

Wow. If the Karma points were still around, I'd be giving you one right now. That was incredibly helpful of you!

[Carey]

I used to be guilty of deleting something if it wasn't a masterpiece. Now I keep everything I write, having several different files for each draft of a script.

[MJ]

Amin: Aww, thank you I've still got more to come so I can show you guys the whole editing process I go though, that was just the first part!

Carey: Keeping everything is always a good idea, even plans or just odd little 100 word pieces on a character, etc. I have folders on my computer for each story idea I've come up with and anything, and I mean ANYTHING, I write that's from that story/universe i'll add to the folder, even if I look back on it and think it's horrible!
In fact, I might put up some screen shots for that too

[MJ]

Alright, the second part of my editing process is up! You can find the link to it (under the name: Results of the First Edit) on the first post

[Amin]

You're so deliciously picky. I love it! xD Thanks again.

[MJ]

Oct 10, 2011 6:56:05 GMT -6 Amin said:

You're so deliciously picky. I love it! xD Thanks again.

Yeah... my picky-ness is usually why it takes me so long to get an episode done It's worth it though, makes my writing so much better