Editing Progress

I figured it would be good to make an editing log. It's good to read back and see how much things change or do no change.

So here's what I've done so far.

1- The Great Save (Done)

I made multiple copies of my first draft documents and saved them in a few different places. No more empty USBs.

2- The Re-name Game (Done)

I renamed my files as Draft2_1, etc. Felt nice to have a visible sign that I was working on a second draft.

Of course I felt so accomplished that I didn't actually open any of the files until a good while later.

3- The Ruthless Re-read (In progress)

While re-reading, I've been deleting quite a bit of content, striking through large parts that I'm not sure about and updating the chapter summaries on my master outline document

The one thing that I've cut out that had made a visible difference in my word count: 'seemed to'. I don't know why I'm so fond of using it, but I used it a lot. And I've made it my duty to cut it out whenever possible.

Other than that, I've come across repetition of certain plot elements, lost track of important characters in scenes and am constantly wondering what day/time it is in story. Those are just a few small things that need fixing. There's also character voice, plot stuff and my biggest weakness-descriptions that needs to be refined.

Am I overwhelmed by everything I have to do? Yes, definitely. Because I've just started.

But I'm working on it.

Polar

Naruto in the Wizarding World

A prompt that came in through the ask box ages ago. I wasn't completely sure how to fill it, so have a quick snapshot format for this.

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1.

“But I don't want to go shopping,” Naruto whined. “It's so boring. Can't we do anything else?”

“I promise to keep the shopping trip as short as possible. We just need to get a few things before we can go to the other places I have planned.” Harry lifted the innocuous looking figurine of a brown owl. “For now, make sure that you don't let go of this.”

Though still annoyed at the thought of even a little shopping, Naruto moved to Harry's side and got a good grip on the owl figurine.

Harry smiled and activated the portkey.

Naruto's thrill from the portkey travel evaporated as he eyed the Leaky Cauldron's dingy interior as they stepped out of the portkey arrival point.

Even though he was disguised, Harry greeted Tom with a polite wave and a nod and directed a bored looking Naruto through the pub and to the back where the brick wall was.

Harry tapped the bricks but kept his eyes on Naruto, grinning at the sheer amount of awe on his cousin's face.

Behind the Scenes (Part 2)

Here's a sequel to this mad idea as a celebration of Itachi's birthday today.

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“Do you really want to do this?” Kisame asked, hoping his partner to change his mind if he repeated the question multiple time. 

Itachi shot him a look, the same annoyed look as before. A look that said that nothing could change his mind. 

At least, Kisame thought that was what the look said. For all he knew, the look could be Itachi's way of telling Kisame that he was close to death at the younger ninja's hand. 

“But this is...” Kisame struggled for the right words. “This isn't the sort of place for us. We stand out even without the Akatsuki cloaks.”

Itachi turned away from him to look straight ahead. 

Kisame hunched down with a sigh, wishing he was shorter so he wouldn't tower over everyone in the slow moving line. The youngsters, most of them female, fidgeted in the line with an impatient energy that made Kisame antsy. 

He had to stop himself multiple times from drawing Sameheda out of pure frustration at the sheer grating noise levels from the others in line. 

He didn't doubt if he did something outrageous, Itachi would make him pay. He'd probably make Kisame watch that accursed movie again. 

Even though he knew that the line was moving, Kisame was still surprised when they reached the front in less than half an hour. He was even more surprised when the actor from the movie straightened with recognition. 

Updated Fanfiction Goals

I've finally crossed off all of my previous fanfiction goals. And even though I finished them in May instead of the end of March I had hoped for, at least they're done and over with.

I finished my AtO Draft, uploaded DtE completely and also some possible new summaries for AtO that I'm trying to decide between.

This means it's time for new goals. Goals that I'm hoping to finish by end of August but won't be too disappointed if it takes me till December.

1. Rough Edit AtO

This means taking out the things that I already know don't go anywhere in the draft and smooth over the gaps.

Like certain Orochimaru-esque things that don't actually feature Orochimaru? And some world building things that I don't care to have in the story anymore.

2. Add more chapters to Diverging Paths.

I want to reach at least 6 chapters on ffnet with this with something other than Alternate Jobs. Editing chapters for this is a nice and relaxing sort of writing distraction. And more than that, it also gives me a better understanding of different characters.

3. Upload a Fairy tail story

I have had this story draft written and forgotten for about a year. It needs a bit of polishing but I want to upload it and forget about it.

4. Make AtO 15 upload ready

Serious editing on AtO 15 can only happen after the rough edit, because there are future plot things I need to consider. I thought writing out the draft would help me decide on how I wanted to take things, but no, it's just made me more unsure.

So, that's a lot of editing goals for the next 3? months.

Wish me luck,

Polar