Who’s Shaping Your Story?

Several clicks of my fingers reach my ears before my thumb presses the space bar. Any pressed key triggers the announcement of the previous letter or word. Alphabet keys announce its corresponding letter while the space bar announces its previous word.

Kate, my screen reader’s voice, will also recite my storyline by line, page by page, or word by word…depending on which keyboard command was selected. This is how I write using screen reader software…the method necessary due to my blindness.

No matter how long or short, these words will need editing. Not because I’m blind, but because I’m an author. It won’t need to be edited once, nor twice, but numerous times by myself, peers, and professionals, before being worthy of publication. While my task of editing has additional steps, the process is the same for all authors.

There are several types of editors, each one checking for some of the following:

• typos
• spelling and grammar errors
• whether or not the sentences flow together
• repetition and rambling
• clarity and consistency of details
• fact-finding
• character development
• depth of content
• story structure

To begin a story, I spit words out to get a thought on paper without reading for clarity. Next, I attempt to cut out unnecessary words. I ask myself,

“Am I showing instead of telling?”
“Are there stronger verbs I can show?”
“Do I have enough examples? Too many?”

After being somewhat satisfied, I let it sit, before going back with fresh eyes to do it all over again. If it’s a blog, I send it to my husband to edit. If it’s for publication elsewhere, I send it to my Christian online editing group. After that, I have to pull out the cash to hire a specialized professional.

It’s not easy for them to convey what I need to correct. Lots of trial and error has transpired with the differences in my special technology. A perfected system has not been completely developed yet, but we get the job done. They deserve extra rewards for their patience and endurance working with me. They make my stories more meaningful, powerful, and easy to read.

Receiving constructive criticism hurts initially, but once past this, the benefits emerge. Not only is skilled editing welcomed, but desired. Isn’t this true in life? I know I’m equally thankful for the “editors” in my life…my friends, family, co-workers, leaders, and God’s Himself.

Everyone has a story. Each person who has influenced you is helping write, or shape, your story. They are your editors if you allow them to be. You may think your life doesn’t need editing so you don’t get close to others. You may not have any close enough to trust at this time, or aren’t teachable. Maybe you have a couple who you listen to but have turned away others because it hurt too much.

My parents were my first editors with their rules, groundings, praise, and words of criticism. All done to strengthen my character in preparation for the real world. They made me think. Discomfort drove me to make better decisions in adulthood, preventing my spouse from having to correct so much.

“Don’t interrupt when others are talking”
“Why did you make that choice?” and “What could you do differently?”
“It’s good to learn how to fix things and to ask questions so…”

Other editors in my life were teachers, youth leaders, best friends that told me I talked too much, or later my children, who were more than eager to share how poor my manners were when eating. My husband has been the toughest and best editor of all, both in life and in my writing.

Are the editors in your life story only able to do spellchecks and check for typos? Are they able to correct grammar, or can they make helpful suggestions to make your story shine? In other words, can they only point out your furniture doesn’t match, or can they tell you conversations are cut off and dominated by you? Would you accept advice on how to improve your marriage or your walk with Christ?

It is imperative to understand your book is being read by several someones. The question is how people will respond. We can have a short book, rough around the edges, or an interesting novel, full of action, fullness, and inspiration. It all depends on who we allow to do the editing in our lives, and how much we pay attention to them. What kind of reviews will you want? It’s up to you. Good editors make a huge difference in your story. Consider surrounding yourself with skilled editors.

Is anyone brave enough to share how editors have helped edit their life story? If so, go for it in the comments below.

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© 2019, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.