Editing Song of Jaybird

Whenever I read books on writing, the repeated word is edit, edit, and edit.

Three and half years ago, I began writing and researching for my historical fiction, Song of Jaybird. Advice from authors has helped me with writing, which is writing every day; however, editing should not be ‘writing time,’ reading other books is not part of designated ‘writing time. In my case, researching is not part of actual ‘writing time.’

Write. Edit. Read. Research. Followed by the same, but not always in that order.

In the period of writing Song of Jaybird, I have periodically edited, rewrote, and edited again until I reached the end fifty-three chapters later. Since then, I have edited it more than once. Other writers and historians have read it and, fortunately for me, have pointed out things I missed.

Each time I edit my manuscript, I think I should be done, but when I set it aside and return. Then, Oh! So much more editing is needed. That happened several times these past six months.

I participated in a Master Class with Margaret Atwood. One of the most helpful bits of advice I learned was to print out my manuscript and then use a ruler to guide editing line by line. During recent summer travels, it was a perfect time to try her method.

Now, it is a matter of transposing the written notes and changes, arrows pointing, orange highlight, and scratched-out lines onto my computer document, which gives me another opportunity to recheck. There is more tweaking!

Even though editing may seem like a chore, I’m thankful I can do it. It becomes a privilege because it allows me to embrace the dialogue and descriptions that bring vitality to my characters. I learn more about them and what they have to say.

In Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones, I am encouraged to “embrace imperfections and uncertainties.” Nothing will be perfect, and at some point, I have to say now. It is complete.

 “Revision is the heart of writing. Every page I do is done over seven or eight times.” Patricia Reilly Giff (1835-2021) (Children’s literature)