As I entered this venture I wondered what specific thing I'd be spending the most time doing. I quickly learned the answer. The biggest task I'm facing is dealing with sentences are are too long. While these sentences may be grammatically acceptable, they are unpleasant to read. My task amounts to breaking the sentences down into two or three shorter ones that read much smoother and easier. I've been reminded that complicated writing is not necessarily better writing.
Overall the writing for What We're For has been very good. It's exciting to read various perspectives on a wide variety of issues related to simple church life. The editing process, while tiring at times, has been altogether positive. I'm about one-half done with the first series of edits. I've got until July to turn in the final copy to Jeremy Myers.
I look forward to the publication of the book this autumn some time. An now, the editing continues...
6 comments:
Editing is fun, isn't it! I can only handle an hour or two before my head starts to spin...
Anyway, I am really looking forward to the final project. Thanks for all the hard work you are doing on this project.
Jeremy,
I'm glad you suggested this project. Even though my work hours are putting a strain on it, I'm loving the editing. It's fascinating to look at the different perspectives coming in through the chapters. And yet, there are consistent themes: mutuality, body life, caring for the needy, the importance of the one anothers, etc.
I wonder if some of that (and I get what you are saying) is due to our social media world of Facebook, Twitter and blogs. When I read older works, like from the 1950's, they writing is substantially more complicated and requires more effort. I sometimes really struggle reading older books because I am so used to getting my information in snippets.
Arthur,
Writing styles certainly change over times, right along with languages. I agree that it is difficult to read some of the writings from 50 years ago and prior. In editing, I'm trying to bring the writing in the book to a place where it is enjoyable and relatively easy for anyone to read. It is tough because I don't want to alter too much.
Eric,
I edit laboratory procedures as part of my job. Reeeeal fun. :)
Steve,
That would be difficult!
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