check in day 12

[lilly_c]

How is the writing going?

Poll #30909

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 9

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Today I

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wrote
7 (77.8%)

edited
3 (33.3%)

posted
2 (22.2%)

researched
1 (11.1%)

planned
1 (11.1%)

sent to beta
0 (0.0%)

had a cheeky break
2 (22.2%)

dealt with life
0 (0.0%)

Discussion: editing. How much do you edit before you post? Do you work with a beta?

Comments

[blackiceboba]

I at least try to go through and catch any errors that are glaring to me. I am trying to get better about asking for a beta because at least in my current fandom, I know several people who are willing to do it. My issues spring up when I write in a fandom where I don't know anyone.

[frogfarm]

I always do a final check when I think it's ready for posting, but I'm also constantly editing so I've had to learn how to write more than I edit without getting bogged down in editing. I miss having a regular beta but people move on, it happens.

The last two Saturdays I did a page each in longhand, on a story I hadn't touched for three years. That was enough of a jumpstart that I spent the last few days finishing the chapter, and today I'm posting it.

[languajix]

I edit heavily as I write (rereading previous passages before typing anything new to try to keep tone/style consistent, and editing as I do, constantly.)

Once I have a mostly complete draft, I reread again several times, with different goals, editing each round:
-make sure there is a consistent theme/message/plot with a somewhat satisfying conclusion
-make sure every scene contributes something to the overall theme/message/plot
-focus on reading dialogue with character's voices in my head and make sure dialogue feels authentic and natural to them, and that any character development is consistent throughout
-evaluate every scene individually to see if it's strong enough to 'stand on its own,' even if it's short and doesn't have a true beginning-middle-end.
-Final read through of entire thing, trying to figure out what impression a reader might get from it and also notice any remaining egregious grammar/spelling issues (3+ times)

I'm not working with a beta on any of my current projects, but I'm fine with that. For the most part, I think my writing gets enough scrutiny before I post; anything more might send my anxiety straight through the roof. :')