03-21-2024, 09:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-21-2024, 09:21 AM by Tiger the Lion.)
A few things I keep in my toolbox on the subject of editing...
1. Never delete a first draft. Just don't.
2. Adding to a poem (that you care about) will almost always feel like an awkward sequel.
3. Subtracting from a poem (that you care about) will almost always feel like a loss.
4. There are more intelligent, objective insights on poetry here at the Pigpen than a public library.
5. Always be grateful for those insights. Even if you don't use them for an edit now, keep them in the damn toolbox.
6. There's no hurry. Do not edit to appease the crits you may get- sometimes a simple thank you and some time and space is more prudent.
1. Never delete a first draft. Just don't.
2. Adding to a poem (that you care about) will almost always feel like an awkward sequel.
3. Subtracting from a poem (that you care about) will almost always feel like a loss.
4. There are more intelligent, objective insights on poetry here at the Pigpen than a public library.
5. Always be grateful for those insights. Even if you don't use them for an edit now, keep them in the damn toolbox.
6. There's no hurry. Do not edit to appease the crits you may get- sometimes a simple thank you and some time and space is more prudent.