What No one Tells You About Editing a Novel (Part 2)

A Mosh Pit of Emotions

“I want every girl in the world to pick up a guitar and start screaming.”—Courtney Love

Smells Like Teen Spirit, yes it does

**If you’re new to Mourning Pages, welcome! I am Penny Zang, an author and English professor. My debut novel, Doll Parts, will be published in 2025. You can add it on Goodreads. Thanks for being here!**

Last time on Mourning Pages: Distracting, Joyful Glimmers

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What Kind of Zombie Are You?

That was the original title of this newsletter. Lately, I’m Eyes Burning in Front of My Computer Screen Zombie, but also Lack of Sleep Zombie.

Which means…I’m in my second round of edits for Doll Parts. It’s so so thrilling. It’s what I’ve been manifesting since I was seven. It’s also incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Mostly because of my self-induced middle of the night realization that, oh shit, people are actually going to read this someday so I better make it perfect.

In Part 1 of What No one Tells You About Editing A Novel, I came to some important realizations about editing at this stage. Mostly, I didn’t have have much to say because I needed to get back to those edits and meet my deadline.

What has changed this time around: well, I think I have even less to say. Nothing poetic or insightful at least. I’m using up all my brain energy elsewhere. Apologies from an Editing Zombie.

But since I have always loved reading behind-the-scenes glimpses of how other authors and artists tackle a large project, I’ll share the details currently worth sharing at this stage of edits.

(And even if you aren’t a paid subscriber, you can catch glimpses of my process via social media: Twitter and Instagram/Threads mostly).

But if you are considering becoming a paid subscriber, thank you for that, as well.

Zombie Barbies exist!