I bought a bottle of champagne part-way through writing the first draft of my book last year. So far, I've finished my first draft, I've finished three very serious edits, I've finished and sent it off to peers to read, and I've finished editing again. Have I opened that bottle of champagne?
Filming location for Harry Potter. A beautiful piece of history still alive today.
Every time I read my manuscript again, I always find ways to make it better and things to fix or add. So how do I know when I'm done?
I went and stared for hours, but alas I did not see Nessie. Imagining a monster under the water was better than encountering one in real life.Â
A stronghold and lookout tower. As I stood gazing from below, my imagination roamed over story after story that I created for such a place.Â
Touring some of the sets from Harry Potter inspired my soul. Seeing the behind-the-scenes didn't wreck the movies for me, only made me appreciate the magic more!Â
As I'm editing, and also as I'm getting feedback from others, I've noticed three words that getting rid of significantly improves my writing. Here they are.
A peaceful view. I am so grateful that people had to foresight to preserve these wonderful places so that I have the chance to see them.
Getting back into the grind of writing is difficult for me when I've traveled somewhere that has put my emotional headspace to different use.
An exhibit on expression.Â
Jules Conrad 