Yes, this is an important question. I’ve known people who claim that the writing is what’s important, and editing for style and grammar is an unnecessary detail. “What’s important is that the message gets across,” they ask. “Everything else is fiddly-bits,” they claim.
I can’t even begin to address how wrong this is. Wait, that’s not true. I can TOTALLY begin to express how important editing is.
Okay, let’s start here:
You live in a volcano. But it’s not just some random volcano. It’s a paradise island with a volcano in the center. And this isn’t just a garden-variety volcano. Oh, no.
It has all the amenities! Media centers, living quarters for hundreds, elevators, brushed metal finishes EVERYWHERE, all of the modern amenities, a fleet of weaponized helicopters, yachts with secret speed boats carried inside of them like a mother and child, and advanced scientific equipment.
Unrealistic? Okay.
Suppose you are the supernatural personification of evil. You have the horns, the giant bat wings, the fire licking out of your eye sockets, and the attitude. You can pose as a beautiful human when you want to, and often do to lead people astray. But your all-consuming anger doesn’t keep you from enjoying your sardonic view of life and your charming ways.
People like you and want to be like you. You can charm people when you want to, but even when your evil plans are revealed, you have a plan B, C, D, and so on through YYY. Only a deus ex machina can stop you.
And even when you are stopped, no one will ever forget you.
What is not to like about being evil?
Ever have a writing exercise turn into something so fun that it blossoms into a larger story?
I did. And therein lies a problem.
Let’s honestly admit something that has been left unsaid for too long: glossaries are put there for idiots.
At least that what it seems like. Does any book really need an explanation of the words and acronyms at the end of the book?
Wait, some actually do?
There are two types of appendixes that come to mind.
The first kind is fairly useless and harmless, a vestigial remnant that is still there but not necessary. However, if it gets swollen it can kill.
The second kind is a body part.
Yes, Sci-fi and Fantasy lovers, I am talking about your gross, weird body.
The BIGGEST minutiae 