Half-way through my paper edit and I think I've got the hang of this editing/re-writing lark. Editing the first story was a baptism of fire - this is what I've taken from it:
I immediately banish those self-critical thoughts that sometimes pop up before I sit down to work in the morning and when I go to bed at night.
And if the FEAR takes hold, I focus on something else rather than picking away at it until I'm reduced to a puddle of anxiety.
I sit down at the same time every day and set a target. If I'm feeling positive the target is ambitious - if I'm nervous about the part I'm editing the target is more modest.
I set a timer to 120 minutes and won't take a break until it beeps...
...but I avoid getting hung up about how many hours I'm working. As long as I hit my target I've had a good day, regardless of how I got there.
I aim to work at least one day of the weekend, but make sure to socialise and relax too.
Friday, April 04, 2008
What I Learned The Hard Way
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13 comments:
Well done on hitting your target.
Paper editing is soo hard - knackering for the hand and very messy.
Have a great weekend:-)
So glad that your doing well and have found what works for you.
The setting the clock thing is a great idea. Although I might use it in reverse i.e when the timer goes off close the computer - NOW!
Have a great weekend
I think having a set amount of time works wonders - and probably how I managed to write more when was working than when I gave up to write!
Editing, though, seems to be a different beast. Or maybe I'm just making excuses. Must take a leaf out of your book, methinks...
That all sounds very sensible and positive. The timer sounds like a brill idea!
This sounds suspiciously sensible to me. I might have to take a leaf out of your book (as it were).
Sounds like it's working, so bloomin' well done :o)
Maz, good luck with your exams!
Lane, my hand is near falling off by the end of it. Hope you're having a great weekend too!
Alix, yeah that's a good idea, setting the clock for breaks too!
Jen, it's actually taken me over a month to get into the swing of editing. It took me ages to figure out what method suited me best.
Helen, thanks! I feel very positive!
Karen, I'm a sensible gal.
Great thinking, great practice Yvonne. You are an inspiration!
What do you do to banish unhelpful thoughts? I find that different things work at different times for me. Right now syrup sandwiches are my friend lol ;).
You so deserve to let your hair down and have a good time to celebrate your editing day.
big, huge, massive hugs
H
xx
Awh thanks Hullabaloo! Your comment made me smile. Syrup sandwiches sound amazing!!! But usually when the negative thoughts creep in I just start thinking about my plans for the weekend, next holiday, etc...something positive and unrelated to writing. Doesn't always work though, but it's always worth a try!
The timing thing... sounds like a great idea, regardless of what area of your life you apply it to. I wonder if that would work with decluttering?
Ariel, strange you should say that, I did some decluttering yesterday - filled two rubbish bags with clothes that I no longer wear. It felt great.
Sounds like a great idea with the timer.
I think relaxing for one day of the weekend to recharge before the following week is a good idea too.
Really enjoying what your saying, my Dad was a proof reader and we learned very quickly when we should be quiet and keep out of the way. however , he was so professional we never knew when he was so busy!
Don't forget beleive in ourselves, we are all confident, beautiful people, and maybe if we don't beleive in ourselves who else will?
Hi Debs, I agree and I'm doing plenty of relaxing right now!
Frankie, welcome, and you're absolutely right - we have to believe in ourselves and know that we are doing the best we can. Negative thinking poisons creativity!
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