EDITING YOUR NOVEL ✨📖 what to do when you're stuck

[@HeartBreathings]

Who else is stuck in the editing trenches with me? How's it going for you? Let me know in the comments what you're currently working on!

[@thewritingrealm]

I am writing the 1st draft of 5th book in my sci-fi fantasy series. I know what happens but for some reason it’s it coming out right. I am making progress- but I am constantly feeling as if I am stuck. It’s not flowing 😢

[@aliahwelch4064]

It’s *technically* editing, but I’m on draft #2 of my paranormal fiction romance! It’s…. Rough. Brain doesn’t want to cooperate!

[@christysank7705]

@@thewritingrealm writing my first book, but do have hard time with Grammar and spelling!

[@S.P.Witchell]

I've just finished up my third revision of my first novel. It's over 99k words (again) I stripped my first two chapters down completely and ripped up the middle, now it's almost good! It's like not even the same story now. A little disheartening at first but it's for the best I have to believe it.

[@powerplaypress]

Omg, the piano reference 😂 I remember doing that!!

[@daisymoonsavage5040]

Thank you for this. I swear so often you know where I am in my journey because you post a video of exactly what I need. Thank you for all of your help over the years ❤

[@shadowswept1474]

What I often do when I get stuck is to write poems. It takes me back to the fun of writing, because I get to play with words. It's also a great way to scratch the writer itch of starting something new without getting distracted by a new story. Sometimes the poem is one I imagine my character might write.

[@VikkiB1]

This is SOOOOOOO timely - have JUST written "The End" on my very first novel!

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow congrats!!!

[@TheDreamPedlar]

Hii Sarra! I'm yet to finish watching this video but I just wanted to share that whenever you put up a new video, it brings such a feeling of joy in my heart! You've shared over these past few months how the edits for TDOVS have been very difficult; how amazing of you to take a pain-point and transform it into a beautiful work of art like this video! ❤ Since you asked for feedback on moving to a weekend posting schedule, I just wanted to say please do what works best for you. I'm rarely able to make it live to your Coffee Chats as well but I always watch the replays at leisure, and I keep coming to both your channels throughout the week for inspiration. Thank you for spreading so much joy and acceptance of our vulnerabilities. May all this beauty and abundance come back to you too multi-fold! 🤗

[@suzisaintjames]

I'm not a writer, but this video helped me, thanks! It said review your project. Write down it's problems... if you don't know where the problems are... take lots of notes, break your project down into chunks and look at it from different angles. Solve the problems that you can and ponder the others with larger time chunks so you don't have to re-start the process over and over again. ... It doesn't have to be perfect, just good enough for someone to buy it. And write down why! Why are you writing this story/project. What will happen when it's finished? Who is it for? 💖🌞🌵😷

[@AntiNovelist]

"Avoiding the part that most needs the work" -- UGGHHHH, its the SarrCann crystal ball, lookin RIGHT into my process. You are really raising the bar and tackling the hard stuff. I am holding you and YOUR success in my prayers!! GO get em!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! We can do this!

[@elizabethdelafield7533]

Watching Heart Breathings videos helps me when I am in the duldroms! And I am serious about that. I go back and watch old videos and different favorites. I find your encouragement and your perseverance in difficult writing times to be helpful. I think I can do this, too. These bad moments will pass. There's good things on the horizon.

[@kittythomasbooks]

The book 2k to 10k has some great points on editing big picture down to smaller picture.

[@kittythomasbooks]

This is where I am. Not editing, just... stuck on a couple of scenes to finish a novella that readers have been waiting on. re: your posting schedule question... do what's best for you, I'll be here to watch (wow that sounded like stalker talk lol).

[@jimmccleery9394]

Ugh this is exactly where I am right now. I definitely need editing tips help critiques beta readers but still need to polish it up first. I’ve been working on my book for awhile now. Thanks so much for this video.

[@naiguimat]

Omg, just what I needed, I am editing my novel and I feel like I can't get it right. Thank you for the video Sarra!

[@authorannettepalmer]

Editing my latest book has been dragging so much. I love the story, but it’s just been taking a while to get through all the edits I want/need to make. I’m a panster and drafting is always easier for me than editing, but I just keep reminding myself that it’s all part of the publishing process. Love your videos! Always look forward to them ❤

[@StaceyVee427]

This is so what I needed today! I am stuck right now. I'm working on my edits from NaNo novel. I finished a Reverse Outline, which is so helpful. But today is one of those days...

[@ghostyplans]

I’m cheering for you and TDOVS!!! Sending all the love and support your way!!! ❤❤❤

[@ashleyemma4954]

I often find when I start telling my husband about problems in my story, by the end of me explaining it, I answer all my own questions!! And yes, I am also editing my novel with my amazing content editor's help. Her husband is a retired homicide detective and she's a lawyer, so they help me with the police aspects of my crime stories!

[@woodlandlady7011]

Hey, Sarra! You have uncanny timing. I'm at the point in my edits where I wanted to throw the book in the fire as I can't find the problem with it. Now with your tips, which I've written down, and added your video to my saved Sarra folder to view again, I can get back to searching for that one thing I know is wrong. You must be psychic to know I needed this help. Best of luck with Vanessa Shaw. You've got this!

[@ingridprivette6543]

Sarra, this vid is so timely for me. I’ve been sitting on 5-6 rough drafts for months now, and unable to pick one yo edit and stick with it long enough to finish one. Perfectionism and shiny object syndrome got me good 😊 😂

[@HeartBreathings]

You're not alone!

[@suzisaintjames]

Perfectionism is hard to avoid, but Sarra said something that touched me deeply: is it good enough that someone would want to buy it. (It doesn't have to be perfect.) Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷.

[@s.l.perrin5424]

This is exactly the video I needed at the time I needed it. I appreciate all your tips, and encouragement to face my difficult edits.

[@bethcox3226]

I am really enjoying these long videos! No need to apologize. Thanks for all the tips! I plan to self publish my first novel this year and editing is really getting me down.

[@LyGamezz]

Im working on my space opera romance novel I drafted in Nano last year. I was struggling with the beginning [ still am really] because its so vital for the journey my MC. I decided earlier this week to just skip it after watching a older editing video you made. I did make a overview in plottr, because I am a discovery writer its all chaos. This helps I must say. I am just gonna rewrite the middle and end that I have [ roughly 32k ] and I think the beginning will make sense the further I get down the line. I have to admit though that I did start a new story last night mainly because I need to write a scene in this novel that is important [ talk about procrastination] I love that you said, give the new shiny a deadline and I did. I am allowing myself to work on it untill sunday, than monday I am back on my space opera... TIA for the great video

[@nancy_weis]

Uh, I support skipping the beginning! I rewrote 2 of the first chapters last year for two month and still wasn't super happy. I continued editing and suddenly at around 30K everything fell in place. Now at 75K, still haven't changed the beginning. Will do that last in case of any other epiphany in the final chapters, and to be honest, rewriting the beginning now sometimes feels to be a reward to keep editing 😂

[@jenller]

Love your long videos!

[@PolkadotSparrow]

You're like an author's little angel😇 I can't thank you enough for the timing of this video. Tip 6 & 7!!! I can't wait to try them! Because my book 1 editing was so extensive, I get easily discouraged with my book 2 rough draft because I know I'm just going to have to fix so much of it later. I'm grateful you didn't cut the video short because I needed to hear every one of your suggestions on how to push through. You always share exactly what I need to hear. You're amazing, Sarra❤

[@HeartBreathings]

So happy it was helpful!

[@RhosynGoodfellow]

Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly the advice I need right now 💜

[@daltoksugikichi8997]

Thank you so much for this video. This is exactly what I needed to hear this week even! I appreciate you making videos like this!😄

[@anjakuemski]

While watching this video I had an epiphany regarding the problem I was facing with my current editing. So thank you!!! 😄

[@vCoralSandsv]

I'm literally in the middle of editing/ rewriting my book. This vid is so timely! Thanks for posting!

[@annevoshol8936]

Oh wow, being called out by pt 6, the 'practicing the beginning part'! Thanks, the advice will get me over that 'same mistake' point in the book that just doesn't get untangled.

[@laurahalonen6781]

You are so awesome! With your helpful energy and videos I started last nanowrimo my first book about a topic that I love; growing a garden and getting to see nature's abundance (it is hard to grasp abundance if you have not experienced it in your own life. But seeds just multiply! That is a concrete experience). I now have a rough draft and I have been going through all the things I wrote thinking what to do with all this text...that does not seem to connect to each other!? I want to thank you for all the ideas and the lovely words: take what will fit your work. You don't have to do it like someone else. (I feel like this is as important as the instruction: "remember to breath" in my yoga class 🤣 it is quite obvious, but still you need to be reminded!) I will read parts of my book out loud to my friends! This way I can go forward! Thank you! You are spreading lovely book seeds all around the globe with this channel! You cannot even imagine the impact ♥️ I cannot wait to tell you when my book is ready!

[@marialeeper-uj8mr]

I so got stuck in that loop of starting over. I didn’t think of starting from the end

[@didyoujust7810]

I feel this. I'm in the developmental editing phase and some parts are joyful, but it is a real slog sometimes. Especially when asked by others, "when is it going to be done?" My first draft isn't so messy but it's a constant battle of 'do I show this to anyone yet?' when it feels so unfinished. It's so hard to take an objective look at it, like I'm trying to stand and see it from above but I keep falling off the damn cliff. I'm getting there though, it's been 3 years now since concept and planning.

[@tashagaines8458]

This is so timely! I’m editing what I wrote during NaNo and it can be daunting sometimes. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@HeartBreathings]

You've got this!

[@gintzudai2979]

Your writing videos are always so interesting and helpful.❤ Not to mention, you always manage to dig up some new writing "gadget" for us. That 3x5 Index Card Holder is going right in my Amazon shopping cart! Thanks for making these.🙏

[@mandiconnell3311]

So needed this! Helped me to see certain parts that need help, rather than scrapping the whole thing

[@AmandaChamorita]

Right here with you! Needed this

[@PipKennedyAuthors]

Me! Thank you, Sarra! I am almost finished with my sports romance novel - I felt physically lighter at the end of this video. I have 90K words written so far, but I've really been struggling with this last 15%. I get overwhelmed every time I think about the "eagle eye view". I'm going to try several of your ideas, starting with the scene cards. I feel excited again - thank you!

[@thewritingrealm]

Thank you! I really needed this!

[@ImmortalMomentsArt]

t=738 This is great advice! For art it is suggested to use a mirror if you are having issues with finding the balance or what is a problem in a picture. You hold it up to a mirror and you will often see the issue right off. (For digital you just flip horizontal) you can also hold it upside down (either in the mirror or not) (Or flip vertical) and it lets you look at the "mass" and not the details. You can turn the picture black and white (If digital) and that can sometimes show you where you don't have enough contrast. You can step back far away from your desk/easel, (or make the image thumbnail size) and that can help you to see flaws, as well. And maybe you get someone else to look at it who is trustworthy and they can point out issues for you. So, all of the things you were talking about with changing plot styles, etc, resonated with me the same way as this.

[@maureenp2248]

This was so helpful!!

[@SusanRing-bi2um]

Yes, me too. I have to live in my story for awhile to be done with it especially if it's taken awhile and I've sat on it for too long!!

[@JimmieHammel]

I realized today that I hadn't seen one of your vids in my feed this year, so I came looking and found this video. Soooo relevant for me rn. ❤❤❤ I turned the bell on so I wouldn't miss any more vids in the future.

[@HeartBreathings]

Welcome back and thank you!!

[@manalmardawi2654]

This is just in time, editing my first novel have two unfinished, because well I was stuck. 😂 Now I know what my next step is. ❤❤Thanks

[@brynnpaulin]

I can't even tell you how timely this is. I have been sitting on a mss for 2 years (TWO YEARS!!!!) that just seems too monumental to fix. Just this week, I decided I had to do the finish work and get it out there. And my mind immediately shut down with the "How, though??? It's too much."

[@nancyevergreen7530]

I'm just going to pause this to say; THANK YOU. Im new to your channel, but I've watched your video on how to outline your novel, three times now. I'm currently sitting at the library, working on the outline (again) and getting stuck on act two (again). I've been working on my first novel for almost two years, and after writing over 170,000 words of this portal fantasy, I realized it needed an entire re-write. I tried editing it to death, but there's just no saving it. It started out as a standalone, but I realized pretty quickly that it was much bigger than I originally anticipated and it is actually a 4 book series (potentially more). For months, I've contemplated giving up. For months, I kept feeling like it was never going to come together. I started thinking that if I couldn't even get the first book to make sense, how did I have a hope of pulling together an entire series?! I've felt like such an utter failure at my first attempt at writing, I almost gave up. So, thank you. Thank you for showing how to plot and outline and make things as connected as possible, but also for saying that it doesn't always happen...and that's okay!

[@HeartBreathings]

I'm so happy you found this channel and that it's helped you in some way. Thank you for your comment!

[@lyzzybelle]

"Creativity and sticking with a project to completion...". That resonated with me so much. I have great ideas, but I really need to work on my follow-through. I used to say, "I am going to give myself a little grace.", but I think that is just me excusing my poor work ethic. If I want to make my writing dreams come to fruition, then i have to work at it, even when I don't feel like it. I just heard a story about Jerry Seinfield. Here’s how Isaac described the interaction with Seinfeld… "He said the way to be a better comic was to create better jokes and the way to create better jokes was to write every day. He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. “After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.” So whether I write 50...500...or 5,000 words, I am just going to keep that chain going. And, when I get to the editing phase, I am going to take the same approach.

[@michym80]

I absolutely loved your intro! So beautifully done. And like all your videos do, you give me the motivation/desire to keep going with my writing.

[@tabbycat2497]

I am currently in the "it's taking too long" space, so thank you for speaking to that and encouraging me to keep showing up. I appreciate your content so much. Keep up the good work!

[@saritaschaffter9276]

This video was super helpful as I was stuck on editing. Now it’s clear what I have to do.

[@stephaniedeese5347]

Needed this! I'm a beginner. So helpful to understand this up front. Thank you!

[@EBFoster]

This is perfectly timed. ❤ You always say the exact thing I need to hear.

[@LesandaMooreAuthor]

Another amazing masterclass!

[@rhondablackhurst6421]

After hearing so much about TDVS, I can't wait for it to be published. I want to read it! 🙂

[@Cat-jn2fz]

Great video. I love the clips of you working of your book.

[@eloramooncp]

This was SO helpful!

[@thelvey1]

I sometimes remind myself that by finishing this book, I'm teaching my kids that they too can do hard things. Maybe they'll learn it, maybe they won't, but that does motivate me when i feel like the process is both impossible and unimportant.

[@ronwynallen9876]

You have given me a numbers of ideas to use and find what works for me. I have 3 first drafts to edit, sigh. Let you know how it goes 😊

[@nancy_weis]

Yes, stuck in editing 👋 I'm progressing constantly, but it's so much slower than expected, even when doing all the writing sessions I planned to do. First novel to finish... I told too many people, who now want to read it, to give up now 😂

[@HeartBreathings]

Haha yes! Must finish! You can do it!

[@cassiemerson7789]

The other day I tried to put together an editing game plan for what will be my third draft of a story. It's a mess, I hesitate to even call it a draft it feels so messy. The timing of this is perfect

[@SMMapleAuthor]

Things making sense when you say them out loud, even if you just say it aloud to yourself, is a concept in Computer Science called the Rubber Duck Method! Explain your code (or story) to a rubber duck you keep on your desk, and you'll figure out the issue as you say it out loud! My partner keeps rubber ducks all over our office and it's so fun 😆

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh that's fun! I'll have to ask George if he's heard this!

[@Ohemaamary]

I’m in the self editing phase of my book and I can say it’s going alright but I am gonna invest in a editor not sure when but I’m excited for how my book will be in the end.

[@HeartBreathings]

You're doing great!

[@richardn3387]

I like Katytastic's 27-chapter structure. If not to plot, to see how to get unstuck. I find some structures like STC to be too thin. I might need a "Doubt and Switchback" which could be a character going back to a place of comfort or falling into the arms of an ex. I like a big structure so I can fill in the points a story needs, leave a bunch blank. The next story will have a different mix.

[@hawkivory]

This is full of great ideas!

[@creativewritingmadness]

Hopefully now I can fully edit my novel

[@d.l.7864]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@suzisaintjames]

Whenever I think about how it's going to feel when this is done, I panic because I think about all the time I spend on this project and when it's over, I think: now what? There's a big void in my life! Yes, it's out in the world, but I've spent how many years working on the baby, now what? Yes, there are hundreds of things on my someday maybe list, but I still panic at the unknown. Could I be procrastinating or even sabotaging the end because of these fears? 💖🌞🌵😷

[@ronwynallen9876]

Most authors suggest getting on with your next project after your book is out there. Maybe as you edit , when you need a break start the organizing for your next one. Do research, do character studies, figure out action points you want in it etc. For my first attempt, I had setting, names of characters, and what action could occur on land sea and air

[@HeartBreathings]

I definitely relate to this Suzi! It can be a feeling of "this has been such a big part of my life". I wonder if there's some kind of fun transitioning activity you could do to say goodbye and move on? I'm feeling this with my last book in my series coming up!

[@suzisaintjames]

@@HeartBreathings I think parents feel this when their kids are about to leave the nest. They've had to chase kids all of their lives, now what? I want something that I'm really looking forward to fill that void. But I'm not sure more "kids" is the answer. Maybe that's why people keep adding books, like a prequel and a sequel, etc. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@christysank7705]

this is so cool and i'm writing my first book but not sure what to do?

[@HeartBreathings]

If you feel drawn to figuring out story structure you might enjoy my preptober playlist or my how to plot a novel series here on KZbin!

[@christysank7705]

@@HeartBreathings thanks

[@76kilosofshade81]

I just finished draft 2 of book 4. 250K words. 😮 She needs a rest. But I am ❤❤ #9 for plotting for the next book in the series which has been tempting me for the last 2-3 weeks. 😅

[@pagesofkelly]

Wow❤That intro 🎉

[@dandscisco1971]

So, you edit your own books for publication? I can't hire an editor because of a lack of funding. Which is why I do a lot of self help advice from seasoned authors. You are very helpful and I thank you for posting your tutorials. 😊

[@HeartBreathings]

I didn't hire an editor for my first 3 books when I started self publishing because I just didn't have the money. I learned as much as I could, like you're doing, and I got together with writer friends as critique partners to get feedback. When I started making money, I went back and had the earlier books edited and then have used an editor ever since. But when you're starting out, you can do a ton with self editing and swaps and beta readers if you're on a budget.

[@roxiecotton101]

Can you talk about the different kind of edits you need for a non fiction book? Please.

[@AuthorJNKayla]

I have been stuck with writing my fae romantasy series book 2 and while my book 1 is in beta read and I feel like it’s probably one of the problems

[@klarissa3773]

love your videos! do you have any recommendations on where new writers can seek constructive feedback?

[@HeartBreathings]

Are you looking more for a critique partner, beta reader, writing group? Or a professional editor? If you're looking for a group or partner, come join my discord server or the Heart Breathings Writing Community Facebook group! They are both linked in the description and you can post to find people willing to swap chapters!

[@klarissa3773]

@@HeartBreathings oh nice! thanks! I love discord. At this point I only have three rough chapters, so I'm really just looking for some general feedback from others in the community, but beta readers could be something I want in the future. My friends offered to read it, but they don't write or read much themselves, so I was looking for something a little deeper 😅

[@catherinecooke7931]

I hate editing with a passion. I have to get a team in to help me because by the time I’m making the third pass through I just can’t take it anymore 😂

[@DreamStudioCompany-Mark]

can you help me with marketing my book

[@HeartBreathings]

I have a class that will run again in August called Publish & Thrive where we go into marketing in a detailed way if you want to join my mailing list to find out more. You can also check out the playlist I have here like my self publishing tips, how I sold half a million books self publishing and more for info on how I organically sold my books kzbin.info/aero/PLg6zjsQP4PwdKPNXs0hicgT_qfkiX84XW

[@LeahWriter]

Sarra, when you're writing dual time lines, is it similar to writing with flashbacks, or is that different?

[@blasterbooks9282]

Yeah I know especially when you dislexic 😂 😂

[@TheEbonyMystique]

I'm so glad I came back to this video. 🩵

[@eldercoar]

I'm currently editing my new book Orion: Oasis. Yes, it's a hard process, but I have to stick with it. I just can't wait till it's done. So I can get working on the sequel.