More on the writer's process...

[phyncke]

I have finished a story this week. I had Monday off and got that done. My usual process now, when done with a story, is to let it sit some days and then to do set of more objective edits on it. I find that I can be a little more ruthless this way with it while still having the sense of the story. It does help. When I am in first draft phase, I think I am too close to it and somewhat in love with the words, story and language. I essentially take a step back from it and work it a few times to the point where I feel I cannot work it any more. Then I send it off for the editors eye.