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A sculptor understands that what's chiseled shares both creation and destruction. Remove a little of this to unearth a little of that. A judge and jury understands that the search for truth wades through an often meticulous process that enlists both emphasis and elimination. A miner digs deep to find a vein that produces the best wealth and chips away at the raw material, a diamond in the rough, to allow its refinement and true value.

Writers assume many roles. We begin as a creator. Ideas emerge, expressions take form, and the blank canvas stirs with excitement and intentions. The creation begins to reveal itself as we observe it. Then the critic steps in, much like a surgeon, cutting away what isn't necessary and preserving that which is.

Editing is an integral part of writing. The free flow puts it down on the page, but editing scans the material with a meticulous eye, considering economy of language, word choice, clarity, and purpose. The pause from emotion and involvement, a step back, revisits the piece with a fresh view, and allows its growth.

A master of writing is well aware that editing is the final link to perfection. It takes out the garbage, and empties the ashtray. Welcome the editor as you would a best friend, but remember not to invite them onto the stage during the performance. They're only here to take a bow as the curtain closes. The performance itself is the work of the artist. The editor only shares the recognition, and is happy to do so, as it earns its smile with the applause.

Learn more about this author, Elena Ryder.
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