You know the best thing about tThe “editing” merit badge? It is surely the sense of accomplishment you so rightfully feel when you’ve earned it. Who knew there was so much to be gained by cutting your words down to only include the ones those that are really, truly needed? and adding those you should’ve included.
Part of the merit badges for writers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.
“Be right there after I finish this page” actually means:
A) I’ll be right there after I finish this page.
B) Just give me a few minutes.
C) If I’m not there in a couple hours, don’t panic. I’ll realize eventually. I apologize in advance.
If you answered A, you’re a very precise person. If you answered B, you value flexibility within reasonable limits. If you answered C, well… at least you earned the “losing track of time” merit badge.
Part of the merit badges for readers & writers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.
You’ve earned the “taste-tester” merit badge by always being ready to sample something you haven’t read before.
New genre?
Yum!
Debut author?
Delicious!
Experimental retelling of Snow White set in space and entirely made up of limericks?
Well, you spit that one out in your napkin when no one was looking. But you don’t regret trying it.
Part of the merit badges for readers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.
It used to be so easy to earn the “three-dimensional characters” merit badge. All you had to do was attach a red pen to a blue pen and start writing.
Unfortunately, due to advancements in 3D technology, it’s rare to find a slush pile reader who uses red/blue glasses anymore.
So you’ll have to do things the hard way and actually invent characters with depth and realism and all that junk. At least until James Cameron’s rumored digital 3D pencil becomes available.
Part of the merit badges for writers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.
You caught a brilliant idea in the wild. It’s a real beauty. You’re quite proud—as you should be!
What are the next steps in earning your “idea trapping” merit badge?
Part of the merit badges for writers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.
Editing for length.
Sometimes regular editing isn’t enough.
Sometimes your word count can only be calculated by computers at NASA.
Sometimes you need to mass murder your darlings.
The “editing for length” merit badge is for those times.
—
Reminder: Check back this weekend for the monthly badge recap & blognouncements!
Part of the merit badges for writers series. The badge may be posted on your site or blog. Tell us why you’ve earned (or will never earn) it in the comments.