Just Rambling

It’s mid-May. Where to begin…

I’m still editing like my life depends on it—which it might, really—but I’ve also picked up another YA dystopian novel I plan to read at some point. I’d never heard of this book before I saw it on the library shelf and it’s not in front of me right now, so I can’t remember the title. It was one of those titles that was meant to easily turn up in a Google search: “The E______”, and that’s all that comes to mind. The Enclave? The Excess? The Extravagance? I’m not sure, but I’ve never had the best memory for names in the first place.

There is a review-blurb for the book that caught my eye, though: “Fans of the Hunger Games will love this.” Heaven help us if authors are mandated to provide the whole, contextualized review with their books, because that blurb smelled a little weird. Plus, after reading the synopsis on the inside cover, I think I already know what the book’s twist is (the mutant creatures to be avoided are impoverished humans, right?).

“But Ben,” I hear you saying because that’s how my superpowers work, “why are you picking up a book you’re all but certain you won’t like?” Answer: because I’m still editing. I need to feel a little better about my own haphazard ramblings, much like the ones you’re reading right here.

OK, the reason is a little less shallow than that. The last time I read a book with too many filler words and adverbs, it inspired me to take a look back at my own work—and rediscover all the filler words and adverbs I was using. Now, though, I need to pray my revisions aren’t being clouded by the Associated Press style I have to use for work.

I do also get pleasantly surprised when I find a dystopian YA novel I like—which makes me want to edit my books more. In conclusion, reading makes me want to edit. I’m going to get right back to that.

Happy May!