On Structural Edits & the joys Co-Authoring
How I let go and learned to enjoy collaboration
Firstly. PLEASE do go and pre-order my book The Sweetest Revenge. US readers, you can go here. And UK readers, please can you request at your local indie.
My next book, out with Putnam in 2024 is called THE BITTER SWEET. I am loving writing this book. It is about food and wine, and a woman finding her passion: the two things I love to write about, and write about best. This is a real return to The Summer Job in terms of themes, more mature than my last two novels and I'm very excited to see where it goes.
The structural edits landed last week, and after a new outline, I’m back in, killing all my darlings without a second thought. A murderous witch, watching the blood of my toil seep through the floor, cackling into my nineteenth coffee.
I was speaking with my creative mentor, Katy, this week about editing and how much I adore it now. My editor is so good at figuring out what the hell I’m trying to say, and I welcome the relinquishing of some of the responsibility, frankly. I’ve always worked better in a creative team. When I started out in advertising all writers are paired with an art director. In TV writers so rarely write alone. Why should authors be any different?
In fact, I am currently working with another writer on a crime novel, and it has been revolutionary. She is a screenwriter, for one, and works completely differently to me. I’ve been humbled by her planning and outlining skills, and her knack at nailing down character motivation. And she’s been amazed by my ability to... I don’t know… write quickly and trust that some of the answers will come? (Is that even a skill?)
Anyway, why, authors, are we so intent on toiling away alone on a project when we can draw on the skills and experience of - not just editors - but also other writers? Why are more of us not writing as teams? I get that it’s easier for some, or there’s the desire to have your voice heard etc, but if you’re a proudly commercial, strictly-here-to-entertain type of author, why shouldn’t you collaborate? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
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QUICK BITES
What I’m reading: I just finished Yellowface and I don’t know where to put my thoughts. If you’re in the industry you have to read this book. If you’re not, and you have, please tell me what you made of it!
What I’m reading next: Same Time Next Summer from Anabelle Monaghan (available almost everywhere)
What I’m watching: I am absolutely amped for the return of The Bear, my TV series of 2022. I hope they can hold the magic of the first series.
What I’m cooking: If you’ve never made focaccia, please do not fear it. It is SO easy and you’ll wow everyone with this amazing overnight, no-knead recipe.
What I’m drinking: This Rose from Sicily.
What I’m inspired by: This delightful floral art by Emma Bass - go buy some now!
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Lizzy xxx