Ah, editing. That magical phase of writing where you go from “I’m a literary genius” to “Who wrote this garbage?” faster than you can say “delete key.”
If you’ve ever tried to polish your manuscript, you know that editing is like trying to clean a house after a toddler has had a sugar rush—chaotic, messy, and filled with moments of existential dread.

The Love-Hate Relationship

Editing is like that frenemy you can’t quite shake off. You know you need it in your life, but it also makes you question every life choice that led to this moment.
Here are some of the highlights (or lowlights) of my editing escapades:

Clarity? What’s That?:

You’d think I was writing in hieroglyphics with how often I have to decipher my own thoughts. “What did I mean by ‘the sky was blue’? Did I mean it was cerulean or just… blue?!” Spoiler alert: nobody cares.

Character Development:

My characters are supposed to be relatable, but during editing, they start sounding more like they belong in a soap opera. “Oh, darling, I’ve lost my memory and my will to live!” Thanks for the melodrama, but can we tone it down a notch?

Worldbuilding Woes:

You know that feeling when you think your world is as rich as chocolate cake, only to realize it’s more like a stale cracker? Yeah, that’s me. I spend hours crafting intricate details about my fantasy realm only to find out I forgot the most important part: how it all makes sense.

The Struggles Are Real

Editing is not for the faint of heart. Here’s what I’ve learned about this torturous process:
Self-Doubt: Nothing says “I’m a writer” quite like staring at your manuscript and wondering if you should just become a barista instead. “Hey, can I get a tall latte with extra self-esteem on the side?”

Time Sinkhole:

Editing takes forever. It’s like trying to find your way out of IKEA without buying anything—impossible! You sit down with good intentions and suddenly it’s three hours later, and you’ve only managed to delete one awkward sentence.

Emotional Rollercoaster:

Cutting scenes feels like breaking up with your favorite character. “Sorry, Brad the Brave, but you just don’t fit in this story anymore.” Cue the dramatic music and tears.
Surviving the Editing Gauntlet


So how do I survive this madness? Here are my tried-and-true (and slightly sarcastic) strategies:

Breaks Are Key:

When in doubt, walk away! A little distance helps me remember why I started writing in the first place—or at least gives me time to binge-watch something mindless.

Feedback Frenzy:

Nothing boosts your confidence quite like handing your work over to someone else and saying, “Please don’t hate me.” Beta readers are like emotional support animals for writers—except they can talk back.

Goal Setting:

Set tiny goals so you don’t feel overwhelmed. “Today, I will edit one paragraph!” And then reward yourself with snacks because let’s be real—food is the ultimate motivator.

In conclusion, while editing may feel like a cruel joke played by the universe on unsuspecting writers everywhere, it’s also where the magic happens (eventually).
So here’s to all of us brave souls tackling our manuscripts one sarcastic comment at a time!

Remember: if all else fails, just add more dragons. They make everything better.

ASHLEY FARRIS

Bound Souls