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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Internal Editors

I just read a blog written by Brenda Whiteside at www.theromancestudio.blogspot.com .  She writes about authors working with or as editors. Rather than add a comment I thought I’d express my own thoughts on the subject from a different point of view.

I’ve worked as an editor for some eleven years now and as Brenda mentioned, it is a hard job. You really have to know all those little nuances of writing – the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and, something most people don’t think too much about ... sentence structure. Have you ever read a sentence where one word was in the wrong place and it changed the whole meaning of the sentence? It’s pretty much on the same premise as using commas but it can be a lot more hilarious.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to my internal editor, appropriately known as Eddie Books. Eddie knows I like to sprint, that the process keeps me focused when I write. Eddie also knows that by rights, he’s supposed to take a hike during those sprints but he rarely does. People in the know have always said, when you write, you should turn off the internal editor and let the words flow. You can go back later and edit your work.

Eddie rarely, if ever, takes a vacation. He doesn’t believe in doing something a few times if you can do it once or twice. Since he’s been around more years than I care to count (lots more than eleven) we’ve developed a tight relationship. When I write, he automatically steps in and corrects something before I get two words past it. It might be a misspelled word, or something left out. More often it’s a word or two that works better than what I’ve typed. It might take a little more time that way but in the long run it’s a job we’re both proud of. Actually, the process works so smoothly now, it really doesn’t take any time at all. Eddie can point out a problem and before you can say ‘sprint’ it’s fixed.

Internal editing as you go isn’t something everyone can do. It takes a solid knowledge of the English language (or whatever language you write in) learned over many years. It’s something that becomes a part of you and sometimes tends to take over. There are some changes in the language Eddie has to make adjustments for and others he refuses to acknowledge – with good reason. It comes down to a matter of knowing the difference and accepting or rejecting accordingly.

When it comes to editing other authors’ work, Eddie has the uncanny ability of being able to see through the author’s eyes and understand what they’re trying to say. Editors in general don’t always understand where the author is coming from. (I’ve had personal experience with that when my work has gone through the process.) It can be frustrating.

As smart as Eddie is he’s far from being the know-it-all internal editor we’d all love to have. He continues to grow, to evolve...and the only way he can do that is working with others. Every writer has, or should have, an Eddie. Work with him, watch him grow and see how much your writing improves.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Meet Bonnie-Jean Russell

Hi,  I'm Bonnie-Jean Russell. I'm the personal assistant to David McKinley, the current laird of the clan McKinley. When I first took the job I didn't realize how much work it would entail. Not only do I keep track of his personal itinerary, but I also run the tourist business in the castle. Sometimes I fill in when the staff is short-handed. It means every day is busy and I never know what's going to happen.

Take the Portrait Gallery for instance. I sometimes spend my break time there, studying the portraits of David's ancestors. There's even one who could be his twin brother, the resemblance is so strong. Then there's the portal which I discovered quite by accident. Now that was quite an adventure but it was only the beginning of something bigger.

What's it like working for David? At times it can be difficult since he's a rather private person. He sometimes forgets why he hired me. Most of the time he counts on me to run interference so he doesn't have to deal with the tourists that come through the castle almost everyday. I have to remind him on occasion that it's good business to be seen now and again so people don't think he's a bit of fiction.

The one time he doesn't mind mingling is when we hold the annual charity ball. Every year it has a specific theme, and of course, he leaves it up to me to come up with that. Sometimes I wonder how he ever got along without me. This year's ball is proving to be a nail-biter. There are things going on I have no control over and I can only hope the problems will be solved before the ball really gets going.

I could tell you what's going on but I don't want to spoil the adventure. I can tell you that David ends up in a peck of trouble and it isn't easy trying to find a way to free him of it. I've been recording all the things going on and now it's an open book.

You can find out how we solve an old mystery and get tangled up in time. McKinley's Jewel has all the answers.  (Well... Almost.  Candace and Andrew will have something of their own stories to add as well. Can't wait to see that.)

Monday, July 2, 2012

Meet David McKinley

He is clan laird and unlikely hero, but I'll let him tell you what he thinks about things.

My name is David McKinley. Actually, there's more to it but first and last is enough. When my father died a few years ago, I became laird of this branch of the clan and from what I've been told, I'm next in line for clan chieftain since the current chieftain has no heirs. I'm not particularly looking forward to the promotion--if you can call it that--since it will mean being out in public more. I know it would be an honor but given my penchant for privacy...well... The job is not a problem at the moment.

I'm not the sort of man who enjoys being in the public eye. That's why I have a personal assistant, to take care of all that 'public' stuff for me. I do have business meetings and make frequent trips, but I deal strictly with people I've known most of my life. I trust them implicitly. As to the rest of it...

Bonnie-Jean Russell has been my personal assistant almost as long as I've been laird and still, there's little I know about her beyond her abilities to handle her job. Never have I seen a more efficient assistant. She not only keeps track of my itinerary but she keeps the castle tourism business running smoothly. (She has a knack for catching me leaving and manages to cajole me into take pictures with tourists. She says it's good for business. I might question that.) I don't know how she does it but--she does. To my knowledge she has yet to confront a problem she can't solve. I have great admiration for the woman and I know if I'm not careful, said admiration could become something more. And that is a fate I should avoid for all I'm worth because I know it would change my life drastically. I like things just as they are.

At the moment, my dear assistant is looking into a clan...legend...if you will. It's something to do with a pouch of gemstones. Frankly I don't believe the tale but what she does in her spare time is her own business. I do have this nagging feeling that her curiosity is going to have an impact on some things around here.

 I leave it to Bonnie-Jean to relate the tale of whatever she discovers. She's best at that and appears to be on good terms with Marissa. I just hope the whole business doesn't require much involvement on my part. www.spellbynder.webs.com/mckinleysjewel