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This is my Blog. I'll try to update it with interesting snippets much as I can. Thank you for reading...

Friday 10 December 2010

Edit edit edit

I have finally handed in the first edits of my new novel The Double Shadow to my publisher. Perhaps the best way to describe The Double Shadow is as a family sci-fi saga... ? It's always rather nerve-wracking waiting to find out what your editor thinks about your manuscript edits. What more will she feel should be taken out, what more enhanced?

I think finally I’m growing in confidence enough to know the shape of the novel that I am trying to create. Consequently I am a little less terrified of the lead pencil comments that come plastered in my editor’s tiny handwriting all over the first draft. It would be great if manuscripts were edited on computer so that comments were more decipherable. In the future perhaps they will be.

It was when I worked in theatre as a set designer that I became aware that it’s always good to keep several tricks up your sleeve. So when the audience thinks they’ve seen all there is to offer, you hit them with a big surprise. It is a lesson that I learned visually and now I'm putting it into practice as a writer. I think the main thing when you work with a character or characters is not be frightened to let them rule you. I do believe if you try to control them, you end up with cardboard heroes and villains, when what you really need is the foibles of humanity.

6 comments:

Linda said...

Well done , hope you get the thumbs up
Have a lovely Christmasxx Linda

Madelaine-Lucie said...

I am very excited, cannot actually wait until it is released, well done x
Madelaine

Anonymous said...

YaY!! Congratulations! Can't wait to read it. Is there a tentative release date?

Heather Dixon said...

That technique is very true I think.

I love your writing & prose. And I'm excited for this next book!

Anonymous said...

Hello Sally,
I would love to do a Q&A with you for my blog www.wherethewritercomestowrite.blogspot.com !
I hope you wouldn't mind, I'd really like to ask you some questions about your writing, books, inspiration and publishing process.
I hope that's fine!
Romi.

Nightingale said...

sounds good i loved your books red necklace and silver blade. and speaking of such is there any idea on a script for the movie yet????? ;)