The joy of editing

Once Eros and Psyche were sorted (physically speaking of course, because personality wise they were far from it), it was time to start writing.

The very first draft was finished relatively fast (it was some time around last Christmas probably) and, let’s be honest, it sucked. Of course, back then we used to think it was alright –as far as first drafts go. We were well aware it would most definitely change at some point (because first drafts are meant to change), but we had yet to realise what exactly wasn’t sitting well with us.

That was the case for quite some time, so let's fast forward to April ’13, because that's when we had an epiphany (hallelujah!) and realised what was wrong with it. 

Eirini was visiting Athens for a couple of days and we figured it would be best if she stayed over at my place, since that would allow us plenty of time to work on things.

Of course ‘work’ actually translated into us spending an entire weekend talking about all topics imaginable, with intervals of talking about our project too, but we had no idea it would turn out this way.

I think that was probably the first time we actually realised how in tune we really were. I highly doubt many people would be all excited and launch into editing at two in the morning, but we did so without even batting an eye; and, before you even consider asking, no, we were not drunk, far from it (if you must know, we were drinking tea, nursing sore throats from talking too much :p ).

As we were going over it, we realised what was off; while the text and the flow were fine, they weren’t what we were aiming for.  “That’s not us” was all it took and we ended up crossing out about half and making quite a few changes to the remaining half (please feel free to imagine two overly excited five-year-olds :p ). And we had a good laugh making fun of the first draft too (“What was I thinking when I wrote that?”), which always makes things better.

Editing can (and should) be quite cruel; so don’t grow too attached to your first draft, because you'll end up changing most of it. And if you’re working with other people, keep in mind that their opinion matters too; that’s what being part of a team is all about. :)

Lastly, please allow me to apologise for the lack of pictures in this post; Eirini has been spoiling us all with her wonderful art, and now it seems like something's missing! :p 

We'll be making up for it in the next post though, when we'll talk about overcoming obstacles!