Ann on Saturday, oh woe, what do I say? The LadyKillers this week have thoroughly covered the Edit(or) topic, from Mysti's great post on the power of a single word (a word your mother and Miss Manners would approve of), followed by Priscilla's fascinating commentary on editing past and present, then with Terry's confessions about becoming her "own editor," moving on to Staci's parade of editors--from critique group to her Kensington editor--wrapping up with Margaret's excellent 12 Tips for Self-Editing.
(Well now, that previous sentence could certainly use a good edit. And did I REALLY forget the last "e" in "else" on the title?? ;-) )
I guess I could add one more thing to Margaret's tips:
Don't wait until the last minute to draft a deadline-driven project (whether it be a blog post or a technical proposal). Budget in time to let your rough draft breathe and your mind rest. When you come back to it, you'll be able to see it with fresh eyes and catch all those little oopses that can slide right by.
If you don't allow yourself enough time, well, that's where the "or els" comes in...
You always dig up the best videos! The only problem is that I then start clicking on the others in the group, and before you know it, I'm behind a chapter . . .
Posted by: camille minichino | January 26, 2013 at 11:48 AM
HA! I know what you mean. YouTube is a black hole for attention and time... :-) Fun, though!
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 12:17 PM
I am so lucky I do not know how to deal with YouTube! No! No! Don't tell me!
Posted by: Priscilla | January 26, 2013 at 03:14 PM
Ah--that breathing period, or as I call it, the "aha in the shower moments" :)
Great point Ann! Now I know how to avoid making embarassing mistakes like thinking HUAC but typing HVAC.
Posted by: Mysti Berry | January 26, 2013 at 05:11 PM
Funy funy siyns
who was it said, you can never grow broke underestimating the American people?
tee hee
Posted by: rita lakin | January 26, 2013 at 05:15 PM
wonderful! And we all need to take that extra breath, or is it breathe, after rewrites?
Posted by: Pat Morin | January 26, 2013 at 06:26 PM
Priscilla... Better you not go down the YouTube road. I can attest: there is no return! ;-)
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 07:19 PM
This is such a wonderful blog, with talented and creative bloggers. Ann, your words do wonders for my procrastination. Guess I need to get it under control.
Posted by: doris | January 26, 2013 at 07:21 PM
Hi Mysti!
HUAC and HVAC ... Ha!! Well, they both played important roles in the "Cold War," right?? (Sorry! I just... had to!)
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 07:21 PM
Hi Rita!
Not sure, but I guess we generate our share of laffs, right? ;-)
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 07:22 PM
Hi Pat!
Well, whether we take a deep breath or breathe deeply, the result is the same, and it's a moment well spent. :-)
I've often thought I should start a freelance business called ITS IT'S, with the tagline: If you don't know the difference, you need us!
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 07:24 PM
Hello Doris!
Well, procrastination is the national disease, I think. And the Internet has not made it any easier to bring the problem under control.
I'm glad to hear that you enjoy The LadyKillers. We have fun too! And thanks for dropping by and commenting! :-)
Posted by: Ann | January 26, 2013 at 07:26 PM
Good observation about "breathing time" and some really funny signs. I'll bet the SHCOOL one really had someone red-faced.
Posted by: Michael A. Black | January 27, 2013 at 10:50 AM