Manuscript Report: The Big Edit and Recent Reads

 It took me a while but I completed the editor's edits on my latest manuscript. I hope to return it to her in the next few days, but first I want to give it one more read to make sure it flows and there are no holes to swallow readers. 

One change I did make in the story was to change the name of one of the characters because it was similar to another character's name. A few years ago I attended an author's talk about his works and mentioned that he regretted naming primary characters with similar names because it was confusing to readers. 

From my experience, I also found it confusing while writing the novel, especially when the characters were conversing. If I can lose track, it has to be difficult for readers. I certainly don't want to lose them through confusion. 

Back to the editor's edits, she noted a few problems that I fixed and made some recommendations that I considered. I didn't agree with everything, but I appreciate her concern. I believe that she'll understand my reasoning for why it was written the way it is, or was. Editing is a difficult, sometimes thankless job. I'm always thankful when my writing is edited. 

I confess that I don't really enjoy this phase of the editing process. Why? Because I get upset with myself for making stupid and, at times, careless mistakes. They seem to explode on pages when I open the document. There are some that I can't believe are there, thinking that some gremlin must have inserted them after I sent the manuscript to her. If not that, perhaps something saner as forgetting to hit the "save" button after making changes. I don't mind constructive criticism, and that's what I receive from my editor (even if we don't always see eye-to-eye). 

I'm also working with the art director on a cover for the novel, which will be the fifth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I give suggestions and she does all the work. More on that later. 

Before leaving, here are a couple recent reads:

Virginia Smith's romantic thriller involves innocent bystanders who get caught up in the world of drug trafficking and a corrupt politician. Ben and Nikki are former lovers who get pulled into the web of crime. They come across numerous deadly encounters along the way. Some things about their relationship also come to light in this story. The novel also falls under Christian romance as the couple seeks refuge through prayer.

Karen Hudgins mixes murder and art in her entertaining murder mystery. A noted art restorer is slain while examining a Monet painting in her studio. P.I. Diane Phipps is brought in from Florida to assist local law enforcement in the Colorado town to solve the murder that has few clues. But that's Phipps's forte as she delves into the crime that appears at first has no motive or witnesses. Hudgins keeps you guessing until the end.

Until the next time . . .