I’m getting ready for the final (I hope!) major edit on Contingency. It’s always a tough process, because it means I have to slow down and critically examine every word, every sentence, every paragraph and every scene with emphasis on “critically”. Sometimes that means paring down some things I liked, my favorite lines even, all with an eye to the finished product. Occasionally, I have to fill in things that were missing. I have to ask hard questions- Does this scene advance the plot or is it just ‘there’? Is the POV clear?
Is it tight with no unnecessary words?
My life needs regular editing, too. Have I gotten off-track, wandering aimlessly with no clear purpose? Is my life filled with things that simply add to the clutter without
contributing to the forward progress? Do I have a clear focus on the end product?
I read an article about John Maxwell and his singular focus on the ministry God gave him. In the coming days, I plan to take some time to examine what the purpose of my writing is. What is my mission, my vision? I’ve invested a good deal of time and effort and I’ve definitely seen God’s hands in it, but what is the big picture? Why am I doing this?
What do I intend to accomplish?
See why editing takes so long!