Page by Page

By Jessica Lynn

My chapters return to me with ink marks that slash and dash through sentences, slice down paragraphs, and litter the margins with a plethora of symbols.

When I sent my very first chapter to my editor, I knew the critiques would be necessary, and I prepared myself for the worst. But what I did not expect, was the sheer joy that touched my soul when I saw my book's pages graded like a high school writing project.

The pen marks screamed progress! 

I can't tell you how freeing it is for me to see that pen's influence on my work. It's like casting my chapters into a fire pit, yet instead of burning into ash, they are being refined, hardened, and perfected into material more solid than ever before. Now I truly understand how one can say "The pen is sharper than the sword." I would even be so bold to say that I am being sharpened by the pen. And I could not be more honored or thankful!

What is your perspective when offering your work up to someone's critical eye? Do you shrink away, fearful of negative feedback? Or do you excitedly await the helpful information you know will shape you into a better writer?

So much of our progress depends upon our ability to treat writing like an experiment. Find out what does and doesn't work, take that information, then apply it. And I encourage you not to feel overwhelmed by what you don't know. It can seem daunting at times. I know I've let myself feel disheartened by how much still lies before me. But honestly, there's no need!

A helpful tip I've learned is to just take the editing process one chapter at a time. And when you see those corrections, smile. You're becoming the writer you wish to be, page by page!