A Level Head Prevails

Last night, for the first time, I understood why writers often work with editors. Merriam-Webster defines “edit” as:

1 a: to prepare (as literary material) for publication or public presentation b: to assemble (as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging c: to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose.

Cutting.

Rearranging.

Alter, adapt, refine…to bring about conformity.

Them’s fightin’ words.

I’ve always been particularly independent about my vision; I felt that if someone else participated in the writing process, it wouldn’t be my vision anymore. Good, bad, or indifferent, I wanted the work to be mine.

Then something unusual happened yesterday. In a fit of desperation, I made the decision to cut a complete chapter from The Rosewood House. It was an early chapter, and I felt that it didn’t have enough tension or suspense to keep the reader’s interest. I liked it a lot—I figured I’d chop it up and sprinkle the pieces elsewhere throughout the book. (Ouch.) But I didn’t have confidence in it as a chapter in its own right. So I went through the fits of renumbering all my chapters, and moved on.

I gave the news to my collaborator, Stacy. Her response? She was shocked. And a bit miffed at me.

“I thought that was one of the best chapters. I really liked it.”

“You didn’t think it was too lighthearted?”

“We were laughing through the whole thing. Besides, they’re at a family reunion in the beginning—it’s supposed to be lighthearted.”

“Uh—so—should I cut it?”

“No.”

I looked at her, and for the first time realized that I was accountable to her. She’s my kid sis. And writing is my forte. However, she is a voracious reader, a good writer (even if she would rather master a spinning heel kick than a simile), and she knows story. She suddenly stepped into the role of editor. Not to cut something out—to make me keep it in. To believe in my writing when I’m too emotionally wrapped up in the work to see it for what it is.

So I have a new viewpoint about editors. And a new respect for my sis.

(Oh yes—and the chapter’s back in the book.)

~~~

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