Edited the middle third of Book 7 of "The Demonata" today. What I like most about the editing process is that it's so QUICK!!!!    :-)    I actually think speedy editing is quite crucial to the way that I write. When I do a first draft, I've no idea what the book will actually feel like when it is read -- because I'm doing it 10 pages per day, over a number of weeks, I can't see the overall picture; it's impossible to know if the book works as a whole. When I come to the editing process I try to place myself in the reader's position. By editing quickly, it's almost as if I'm reading the book, which gives me a good idea of what parts work and which don't. At certain stages of the editing process I have to take my time -- e.g. if I have to re-write certain scenes, or add new material. But I always like to fit in at least 2 or 3 really swift edits along the way, so that I can judge the pace of the book.

I'm pretty pleased with how the middle currently reads. I find the middle sections the trickiest part of most books -- it's where the action can bog down. There's one chapter which is probably a bit too slow as it stands, but I can work on that further down the road. Mostly it's nice and tight, with lots going on -- the way that I like it!!!!