Squirrels in the Crabapple

"She has squirrels in the attic"

someone might say

of me

when I'm deep in a draft

and dizzy in the 'real' world

but outside my window

there are

squirrels in the crabapple

happily munching

on 

blossoms

xx

Editor and Copy Editor

The squirrel is back, really interested in this new book I'm working on.  She sits there for up to ten minutes at a time, several times a day, turning her head this way and that, inching closer to get a better look, not at all afraid when I lift the camera to record her existence.

Several people have asked me to explain (per the last blog entry) the difference between editor and copy editor.  This will have nothing to do with squirrels.  The squirrel photos are merely to show you who is watching me as I am writing this post.

My editor is the one who first sees my newest book (usually my third or fourth draft). She gives me both a general impression and an in-depth analysis, including detailed notes on the book's strengths and weaknesses. She raises questions about large issues of depth and meaning and character. She gives me these comments on the phone, in a detailed letter, and on the manuscript itself.  It is up to me to think through all of her comments, resolve questions and submit revisions.  The editor will continue to oversee the manuscript's development and will coordinate all issues related to design and publication.

The copy-editor (whom I have never met) is someone who sees the manuscript after I've revised it and the editor has officially approved it. The copy-editor scours the manuscript, marking it for consistency of style and format (font, headings, spacing, bold, italic) and for accuracy. She will note discrepancies (different spelling of same name, miscalculation of dates or times or distances) and awkward repetitions or phrasings. It is up to me to resolve the discrepancies and smooth or eliminate the awkward bits.

Not all editors and copy editors work the same way, but this is the way mine work with me. I've had the same editor for the past fourteen years. We've developed a deep understanding of the way each of us thinks and works and this, I think, enriches the work we do together.

Writing Pause for Paws

I'm working on a story.

I'm sitting dutifully at my desk and my fingers are tapping out words.

Out of the corner of my eye, I sense something waving at me.

Squirrel.

Having a picnic on the deck.

Making a bigga mess.

What was I doing
What was I thinking
Where was I . . .?

Storm and Baby Squirrels

Yesterday morning a fierce storm blew through here, shearing the tops of solid, old trees.  Scary, but no damage to people or structures.

Today, when we were investigating the tree damage, we had this hollow hickory taken down, and -

- we heard squeaking.  Out of a knothole, fell these baby squirrels:

We saved a section of the tree and, using sterile gloves, placed the babies back inside. We could hear the mother scolding from nearby, so we know she's aware.

I was going to write this morning, but . . . I got distracted.

Small Critters

 Mini critters seem to be multiplying here.  We're not able to keep real animals inside (because of travel and allergies), so these are stand-ins. I'm not quite sure why, but turtles, squirrels and birds are regarded as lucky in this house.

We'll be immersed in/with grandchildren the next couple weeks, so my blogging may lag behind.  Be well, everyone  . . . and may the good-luck critters be with you . . .

Do you have any good-luck tokens?

Stocking Up

Last year we had a billion (or so) walnuts and hickory nuts; this year very few.  Slim pickings for the squirrels and chipmunks.  First snow is forecast for today, so this guy is doing some late scrounging.