"Personal" question(s) to John Jarrold

[kaittan]

Ah, I see, thank you.

I shall try to ignore the temptation to start re-writing it again

Kai

[Havlen]

You could always take the break as a chance to do more editing on the manuscript. The better shape it is in the better advice you are likely to get.

[kaittan]

Trouble is knowing when to stop.

I've spent the past three months re-writing and editing to deal with all the comments of people I asked to review the second draft........there comes a point, i think, where you have to say 'this is it' let's see how it flies now.

Kai

[Anne Lyle]

Originally Posted by kaittan

Trouble is knowing when to stop.

True - you don't want to edit the life out of it.

Good luck!

[Havlen]

Originally Posted by kaittan

Trouble is knowing when to stop.

I've spent the past three months re-writing and editing to deal with all the comments of people I asked to review the second draft........there comes a point, i think, where you have to say 'this is it' let's see how it flies now.

That is very true. In fact, I would go further and say that at some point making major changes can hurt the manuscript. I certainly have a too-much-tinkering rule.

But, there are edits, and there are edits. Which is to say, there is editing for story, plot, characterization, etc. And there is editing for grammar, spelling, word choice, etc.

While you can certainly do too much editing for story, plot and characterization, it's tough to do too much editing for grammar, spelling, and word choice.

So, you might take a couple of specific things, perhaps basic things, and make a pass through the manuscript looking for them. I sometimes do this when I want to target something specific like:

Adverbs. Every occurrence of an adverb is an opportunity for a better verb.

That is, of course, pretty basic, but you might take a few basic points and go through the manuscript looking for them. It's sometimes hard to catch everything when you are looking for everything.

I also take targeted passes with more difficult concepts such a dialogue pacing, point of view depth, etc. But I tend to concentrate only on one of those as opposed to rounding together multiple smaller things to look at.

Anyway, that would be my suggestion if you are anxious to tinker. I think most writers have a few bad habits, so if you know what yours are you can do a concentrated pass looking for them.

[kaittan]

One of my biggest problems is description (or lack thereof) of characters.

I hate the 'and he glanced in the mirror to check his brown hair' style of telling people so I sometimes get to the end of a short story and realise that, though the picture is in my head, the reader would have absolutely no idea what the MC looks like. My first attempt at a novel some years ago managed to have a main character that I totally failed to describe for 300+ pages.

But yes, I could have a look through and check the individual words again as opposed to the overall 'big things'.

Cheers

Kai

[Havlen]

Well, the description by looking in the mirror (or other reflective surface) is a big no-no anyways since it was done to death. Though, funny enough, that's how Dan Brown describes his character. (And one reason why I couldn't get into that book -- though I'm sure the story was pretty good if I'd gotten past that stuff).

Honestly, I think the MC's description is sometimes the least important. The reader is going to spend much of their time with the character and will form their own image. I think the only description I give one of my MC's in a comedy I am working on is that he wears jeans and a t-shirt most of the time.

[kaittan]

On the other hand, I've now managed to get in touch with Mr Jarrold, so maybe I'll leave it as it is for now and get his views............before I get cold feet

Kai

[lin robinson]

I kind of wish people wouldn't post here until Mr. Jarrold returns. I keep seeing it as a live thread, only to find it's people posting their opinions in his thread.

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by lin robinson

I kind of wish people wouldn't post here until Mr. Jarrold returns. I keep seeing it as a live thread, only to find it's people posting their opinions in his thread.

Not everyone is necessarily aware of John's situation, Lin; comments are still being made and questions asked. I don't honestly think John would object to others chipping in where they can in his absence.

[Giovanna Clairval]

I've just come here from other Forum.

When JJ comes back, could he --and anyone of the wonderful people here-- answer

a market question?


What is the future of Mythic Fantasy in the UK, Europe and the States? Please remark where I'm placing the centre of the world...

Are new writers (among those who post here or published ones) presently working on MF projects?

[Theleb K]

Originally Posted by Ian Whates

Not everyone is necessarily aware of John's situation, Lin; comments are still being made and questions asked. I don't honestly think John would object to others chipping in where they can in his absence.

I am one of those who is not aware ... I sent him a submission a little while ago and I haven't heard back. Is it a case of 'bad timing' on my part, I wonder?

[lin robinson]

Sounds like it to me. He kindly agreed to look at a novel when I finished it and I just finished it.

What to do... wait..polish the novel up?



Naaaaaaah

[Phil Brown]

Hi folks,

I heard from John Jarrold yesterday, so I can report he is still alive, although he seems to be totally bogged down with work and his health is not completely right either.

I'm sure he's thinking about us and will eventually find the time to come back with his words of wisdom and encouragement.

[Havlen]

Sorry to hear about his health, hope it is nothing serious.

Originally Posted by Theleb K

I am one of those who is not aware ... I sent him a submission a little while ago and I haven't heard back. Is it a case of 'bad timing' on my part, I wonder?

I'm sort of in the same boat only I knew he was taking a leave of absence for the move and just didn't expect the leave of absence to be as long as it was. (I blame it on the pull of Pubs.)