Stewing

A couple of weeks ago I finished Chapter 10. This also marks the close of the first ‘act’ of the novel. It’s finished in one sense but it seems more like the beginning of the real work. I intend to leave it to stew for another fortnight while I go away on holiday. When I return I will spend a few weeks editing before moving on to the next ‘act’. Editing is yet another skill in its own right. During my MA and the commencement of this novel, I have improved my ability to read my work objectively and have learnt what my strengths and weaknesses are. For example, I know that I tend to write economically and not fully develop key scenes. This is normally because I feel the need to get something down, as well as a desire to edit long pieces to ensure balance. I have recently come across two interesting web links. The first is from Mslexia http://www.mslexia.co.uk/magazine/features/feature_49.php. This relates directly to editing. The second is a useful post by Emma Darwin on scenes/chapters and how they are linked. http://emmadarwin.typepad.com/thisitchofwriting/2011/09/making-a-scene.html.
The latter is something that I will need to consider when editing. Of course, there is also editing in terms of historical research, continuity etc. It should keep me busy but it reminds me of the advice given by many established authors – if you want to write a novel then get on and write. You can do a great deal with a draft but absolutely nothing with a blank page.