The Writer and the Sanguinary Editor

When combined well, these two crucial facets of a writer's job can form a great story. Both are essential, however, their opposite objectives make them mortal enemies. For any writer to succeed they must develop, master, and balance the use of each.

This is where you can usually hear me giggle with delight or scream in pain.

*Giggling...

When in my Writing Mode, I’ve learned to unlock the prison bars and set my mind free to imagine whatever I want, to suspend reality, to believe the unbelievable, and to scatter words about like falling leaves in Autumn. I am always impressed with my beautiful writing style, perfect pacing, and deeply moving characterizations. At this point I’m sure that I’ve just written the Greatest Story Ever Told, OR, MAYBE NOT!

Now it’s time to switch to Sanguinary Editor Mode.

*Screaming...

I use the term sanguinary because when editing my work I often highlight in red everything that needs changing. The result is a manuscript that appears to be bleeding. It’s not only the written word that suffers the wounds. I personally feel each slash. Because I know ahead of time just how painful this part of the process is you can imagine how I procrastinate.

I know what you’re thinking. I should quit being such a crybaby and just get on with it. Easier said than done! Sometimes I become emotionally attached to specific words, phrases, or lines. Letting go of these becomes a tug-of-war. Not to mention slashing a whole scene or beating up my favorite character. But every good read must have its own unique rhythm, much like a heartbeat. The reading must flow easily. Every disruptive phrase must be sliced away. Every lengthy description must be tightened. Every sentence of dialog must advance the story. Every author intrusion must disappear. Etc.

The first book in our Atlantis series, SITNALTA (working title), is undergoing this process now. What will emerge as a final manuscript will be a result of the combined process of two writers and two sanguinary editors (The L. K. Sage writing team). THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING…

~Sneak Peek from SITNALTA~

~“Oh,” Semylyn murmured. It was all dark here, too. Even the Channel's rippling light was gone, it stood eerily still, a tall column of seawater rising through the city's seven levels.~

~Though she knew him as the kindest of men, his Defender instincts sometimes frightened her.~

NOTICE: SITNALTA is not yet published. All story elements and quotes are a work in progress.