pillow talk :: revisions :: protect your voice

PROTECT YOUR VOICE

When revision suggestions come in from an editor or agent, that's what they are - suggestions.  All the both of you want is to make the book as good as it can be.

Working with a great editor is like brainstorming, throwing ideas at the book to see what'll stick.  I've had some editorial suggestions that have been like a slap across the back of the head.  A total "Duh! Why didn't I think of that!"  Others ideas that have set the creative juices flowing until a comparable alternative has been found.  So long as the inherent problems are addressed that's the main thing.  However you get there doesn't matter, so long as you get there.  And if you can do so in a way that feels like you, that makes it feel still completely your story, then all the better.

Taking a step back, before you even send your manuscript in, if there's something odd, unusual, left of centre that comes out in your writing, and you love it, don't assume your editor won't too.

THE BLONDE BOMBSHELL is known to me as the one about the wicked lift, the flamingo, and the missing bed.  There are movie references galore.  And the POV of a most unexpected character.  Until the final proof edits (the last chance an author has to make any final tiny changes, check typos etc.) I can't be sure they'll all get to stay, but so far so good!  Which gives this writer a buzz, a love of the book, and a big grin as I jump into my revisions some more.

The next part of this Pillow Talk series in revisions will be about character. 

For a more in depth analysis of the manuscript revising process, I'm heading up a workshop at the Romance Writers of Australia conference on the Gold Coast this August entitled REVISIONS: REWRITING, EDITING, PROOF-READING...OH MY!  Conference details at the RWA website here.