Audio Edits

I wasn’t sure what to title this. I’m not even sure if what I am doing has a name. If it does please let me know. Lately, I’ve been dictating my manuscript to my sister. I read it to her and she gives me feed back on the feel, pacing, word choices, and other tweaks that the chapter might need. My eyes are open to all the tiny things that weaken my writing. And, to my fall backs. The repeats of words or sayings. I had no idea a gut could do so much other then digest food. And eyes in novels are all over the place. I love how much I am learning about my writing. I know that I am a writer not an editor. That’s why I have an editor. It doesn’t mean I am not willing to learn more about my craft. I want to be able to take the vibrant world inside my imagination and share it with the world. I can’t do that if the reader isn’t enjoying their experience.

The read aloud has taught me many things. In the number one spot is, laugh. Laugh at the funny miss spellings and the doubles. Laugh when the sentence sounds like it took a ride in a blender. Missing letters can take one word and form another making the impact of the scene flip upside down. Number two, I am learning. I will always be learning. improving means I am evolving as a writer. Number three, it’s okay to write the things I am uncomfortable with. Through the dictation I can tell where I lost confidence in my abilities. Not confidence in the story, but my ability to write the story. And that’s okay.

This is the importance of revisions, beta readers, and editors. I am currently at the beta read of this manuscript. My sister only reads audiobooks and asked me to read it too her. I was reluctant at first. I have to admit it is the best thing I could have done for my writing. Having the computer dictate it was okay, but me actually reading it out loud changed everything. I know what I was aiming for, and when I read it out loud I can hear where the problems are.

I never know what life is going to throw at me. I have had many ups and downs over the years. This was one of those things I feared to do. I am so proud of myself for kicking my fear and letting myself do something that brought me great anxiety. I has helped me become a better writer. And I know I will only get better from here.