The Wild World of Editing
I have been taking an online editing class and while it can be tedious I am actually learning a lot. I am also terrified to write because my grammar and syntax will reveal how I lack the proper use of language. I have become accustomed to writing the way that I think, which, I should note, is encouraged by an editor to a certain degree, but it doesn't mean that you can ignore (or be plain ignorant of) certain rules of language. Just now, it took several minutes to re-read and edit those three sentences. Oh, boy.
That being said, I will forge ahead and try to keep in mind what I have been learning. I'm just amazed at all the things an editor has to stay on top of: parallel construction, expletives, nominals, voice (passive versus active). And that's on top of spelling, grammar, capitalization and number rules. I'm having a hard time keeping it all straight in my mind. But, practice makes perfect, I suppose. Wait, that's a cliche and I should try to avoid those...
Anyways, I have to go. Neil and I are heading to Bend tonight to spend the weekend with my dad and step-mom and I need to finish packing. We're going to meet with our minister tomorrow morning then head out to Brasada Ranch, the resort that we're having the ceremony at (and the resort that my dad manages), to see the newly built club house. It will be nice to finally see the space where Neil and I will be vowing our love and commitment. Ah, how sweet.
Love,
Aislinn
That being said, I will forge ahead and try to keep in mind what I have been learning. I'm just amazed at all the things an editor has to stay on top of: parallel construction, expletives, nominals, voice (passive versus active). And that's on top of spelling, grammar, capitalization and number rules. I'm having a hard time keeping it all straight in my mind. But, practice makes perfect, I suppose. Wait, that's a cliche and I should try to avoid those...
Anyways, I have to go. Neil and I are heading to Bend tonight to spend the weekend with my dad and step-mom and I need to finish packing. We're going to meet with our minister tomorrow morning then head out to Brasada Ranch, the resort that we're having the ceremony at (and the resort that my dad manages), to see the newly built club house. It will be nice to finally see the space where Neil and I will be vowing our love and commitment. Ah, how sweet.
Love,
Aislinn
posted by Aislinn at
7:57 PM
2 Comments:
Aislinn--it's time for you to re-read your favorite authors, especially those who write most economically, with least clutter, and in an active voice. I recommend copying in long hand favorite passages--or passages that most exemplify good writing--to get those habits into your hand. Such exercises will transform your editing. Also start paying attention to how your favorite non-fiction writers form their arguments.
And have fun. Congratulations for taking on this new venture!
Love,
David!
By
David Millstone, at 5:38 AM
Thanks, David.
That's good advice and I will follow it. Right now I only seem to focus on lines that aren't considered good writing. It might be somewhat of a challenge to look for the good and not the bad!
Love,
Ais
By
Aislinn, at 2:29 PM
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