I am my first editor, and I don’t really like the job. I like being the writer of my own work, but it is not really my best work until I edit, edit, edit. I work very well at home in my office when I am my own boss researching, writing, commenting, and networking. But it seems like an invasion of my creative space to bring in the editor.
Yesterday I spent the day visiting coffee shops, having lunch with a creative colleague, and walking in the rain. I found myself at the coffee shop amidst the people and noise happily editing the Introduction to my book. It was much easier to put on the “editor” hat and be objective about the writing when I was in an unfamiliar place. I felt like I was editing someone else’s work.
I have always known that walking and talking to interesting people was energizing, but I didn’t know I could be so motivated to edit if I got out of my office and into less familiar territory. I like my first editor, I just don’t necessarily want her working with me in my office.
