Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Editing is...

We met as a writer's WORDshop yesterday and edited our rough draft of our booklet for hopefully the final time. Now it goes to our artist in residence Mary to work her magic. I asked the seven women at the class today what they were learning from the editing process and here are two of their answers.

Perfection is a process. Poems can always be improved. Individuals have their own style. It's a lot of work. It's nice to have a computer, a compiler, an illustrator and a husband who helps...comments from Wilma (who is very sweet Relief Society President and writes fun and humorous poems.)

My thoughts are to not betray your inner self and the essence of your poem or free verse trying to please some one. I have learned to say the same thing in fewer words. Also to leave something to the imagination of the reader. Let them think about what you might mean and then they will possibly find meaning for themselves. This can be taken to the extreme to the point that no one can possibly fathom what you may be trying to say so that is a caution here. I've read poems that are like that...says Leah (who writes thought provoking poetry full of images.)

It seems to me editing relates to how we live our lives also. What do you think?