Tuesday, May 31, 2011

FAQ - Housekeeping Questions

Q: I have so many recent copies of my WIP (work in progress) from so many sources, that I am losing track of which one is which. I guess I've never had so many different edits of one manuscript within a short period of time. I have labeled them differently and by date, but I am still having trouble. How do you keep your edits straight? I imagine you run into a similar dilemma once the editor sends you back her copy and you begin a rewrite. I can't decide if a thumb drive or a CD copy of end products at the end of what? A day? A half day? would help. If you have some special insight I'd appreciate the tip.
A: I've never had multiple edits to deal with as my editor is the only one to read my stuff and actually do a line edit.  And once I get that back, I deal with it right away and don't bother saving the previous version. (Except for the time she had me excise a whole subplot -- I did save that version.)

I save to a CD at the end of every writing day -- and now I also use Dropbox -- a free 'cloud ' storage system which allows me to access my WIP from any computer, smart phone, iPad, or  whatever that has Dropbox on it. Pretty cool.  

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Notice that I've added a new writing/book review blog over there on the sidebar. Ellis Vidler does some very good little writing lessons  --  like this one on the difference between foretelling and foreshadowing.

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15 comments:

Reader Wil said...

The open window reminds me of "A Room with a View".

Alan Burnett said...

I was only looking at Dropbox the other day and wondering whether itvwas any good. Thanks for the recommendation, I will get it.

Jean Baardsen said...

I love looking out the windows at your beautiful world!

Unknown said...

Imagine taking out a whole sub-plot. Glad you kept it. Love the open window.. so green and fresh a view.

Vicki Lane said...

That lovely view and those beautiful windows are at a friend's house.

Suz said...

Oh how I miss Love in a Mist...mine disappeared a few years ago and I haven't found any more seeds
I guess I'll have to look on the internet...
I enjoy reading FAQ

Brian Miller said...

nice. thanks for the hit on the writing blog...will check it out...and for the insights on the edit process as well...

Deanna said...

I'm still in love with your scenery.

Ellis Vidler said...

Thanks for mentioning my blog, Vicki.
I want your windows! they remind me of the ones in some old English pubs. Yours has such a gorgeous view and the window itself adds to it.

Stella Jones said...

What's a dropbox? I haven't come across that one yet.

Love your photos.

Thank you for the advice.

I use the date for editing. That seems to work for me.

Barbara Rogers said...

I've learned (the hard way, is there any other in my life?) that having an external hard drive is a great back up system for my photos, which I dearly love in pretty high resolution, thus bigger files. Having spent years organizing both papers, peoples and events, I've got lots of little computer "file folders" within folders. And the nice thing about them is having each one dated when it was last changed. Don't know that much about edited manuscripts.

Thanks Vicki, for letting me know my comments are coming from me (rather than Ms. Anon-y-mouse)

Ditto, love the window framed photos.

Tess Kincaid said...

These housekeeping posts are always incredibly interesting. Thanks, V.

Desiree said...

What a glorious view from your friend's delightfully rustic cottage style window! I could sit gazing upon that scene for hours!

Byron said...

I haven't commented here in ages but thought I'd check in and see how the spring is treating you up in the hill country. Just got your monthly newsletter and it reminded me. Smooches, old friend.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Great idea to backup daily. It's interesting to read your post and discover the ins and outs of writing/editing.



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