Kelly Abell Books

I know it has been a while since I posted an entry but I've been very busy writing and learning all sorts of editing lessons with my newest book that is set to come out in June.  And you will never guess who I learned these lessons from.  My 15 year old son.  He is quite the visionary and plans to be a movie director and for a teenager he is quite insightful about the movie and book industry.  Very often he reviews my books and gives some very good suggestions.  Well here is what I learned...

I, like most authors, get very excited about what I write.  I love my books and my characters and  I can't wait to share them with my readers.  I really like gettting my books out so people can be as excited about them as I am.  So...because of this I tend to rush the editing process.  I have read other authors say that they allow the manuscript to marinate for a while and then go back to it.  Well little Miss Impatient here didn't want to do that.  Then I ran into a wonderful editor.  His name is Frank and he made me realize that good things come to those who wait.  Now I knew this already but just had blinders on when it came to my own work.  After backing off the rush to get this book out I did just what I should have done and put the book aside.  Let others review it and offer some suggestions.  Just slowed the process down.  And you know what?  I found things that really needed to be changed.  Personality quirks in my characters that weren't consistent.  Errors with military equipment that my son pointed out that I overlooked. Little things that some readers my not have picked up but they were errors still the same. 

I really have learned a valuable lesson.  Slow down and let that cake bake a little longer.  Let the manuscript rest and then go back to it with fresh eyes.  This is nothing new to more experienced writers who have perfected their craft but it was a lesson I wanted to share.  Don't rush a good thing.  Make it the best it can be - Don't work it to death - that's what your editors job is so give them something to do, but give it the time and attention it deserves.  You'll be glad you did.