Rewriting by accident...
(LOS ANGELES, CA)
Question: How do you remember that you had already wrote a paragraph, and you write it again, until you are editing and see the mistake?
Answer: Most of the time, you just hope to catch this type of error in the editing process.
The only other option is to regularly review your work as you write. For instance, you might begin each writing session by reading over what you wrote in the last session, and doing a little editing/revising at that time. Some people don't like doing this, however, because it slows the writing down.
It is probably inevitable that little errors will creep into a manuscript. Sometimes you forget what you wrote earlier and accidentally change a character's eye color or some similar detail later. (It helps to have a separate notebook on such details to refer to.)
Sometimes something is mentioned twice in your manuscript, and when you revise it later, you only revise the first instance and forget about the second. This creates what I call a "ghost of a past version." Sometimes these ghosts refer to old subplots that were abandoned, or plot twists that were changed, characters you meant to do something with and didn't, clues you changed your mind about, etc.
You really need a good editor who can spot continuity errors. You can also get friends to read through your work. Often, they can catch continuity errors you don't because you have a tendency to skim through sections you think you know too well.
Unfortunately, there are certain errors that only you can spot because only you know what's a ghost and what isn't, what you meant to change but forgot to.
It takes many eyes to catch everything.
Comments for Rewriting by accident...
|
||
|
||
|
||
| site search by freefind |
Recent Postings
-
What genre would this be?
Aug 23, 20 11:13 PM
Question: I wrote something but I don't know how to classify it. It's about someone who goes on telling their partner the story of their life and career,
-
Synopsis of nonlinear narrative
Jul 20, 20 10:41 PM
Question: How to write the synopsis of nonlinear narrative? I also have two protoganists (in love with each other but has different story goal). To whom
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
