You know that scene in “Love, Actually” when Colin Firth is working on his novel by the lake? And when Aurelia brings him tea and oopsy daisy — all the pages from his manuscript fly into the lake!
And wouldn’t you know – he forgot to make copies.
That scene is a VITAL LIFE LESSON for all writers. And that’s why I went to Kinko’s yesterday to make a copy of my copy-edited manuscript (copy editor’s notes and now my notes on it). Because the last thing I want to hear is “Oh, it must have gotten lost in Fedex when you send it back!”
I’ve got my trusty copy by my side.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering just how all consuming copy edits are, consider how mine devoured my pencil. It went from this size to that size.
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14 Comments
Well- that is sound advice that I wil remember when (if) I get to that stage–right now my back-up hardware on my computer is my prized possession
Outstanding idea Daisy. Hope you have a safe and sane new Year. You gonna be at MacWorld Expo this year? I seem to remember you owe me a couple of coffees.
I owe you a lot of coffees, Doug!
Christina – I was worried the whole time I was copy editing that something would happen to it since I had to make changes on the ms itself. Good luck with yours!
All I have to say is… That poor pencil. lol! I’ve never seen Love, Actually, but that is great advice.
That would totally be my luck–getting lost in the mail or something equally as crazy. You really know how to use a pencil…lol. I bet it’s glad you’re finished…for now.
Happy New Year, Daisy!!!
Hi Daisy ~
Great advice to be sure! So many I know have lost their hard drive. I keep saying ‘good advice’ but have yet to actually make a copy.
Thanks for the reminder.
Corra
I’m obsessed with copying everything especially because I lost a hard drive and everything on it once. And I’m terrified of fire and write long hand so I squirrel copies of everything paper away and have them stashed in hidden places.
Nisa: You must see Love Actually! One of my top ten all-time faves!
Kim: Yes, my pencil heaved a sigh of relief.
Corra: There’s a saying amongst us tech geeks — a file doesn’t exist til it lives in three places!
A Grey: I’m totally amazed you write long hand!
Oh my word, I LOVE this movie. But yes, an excellent lesson in XEROX. Must back up everything!! Thank you for the reminder. And best wishes for a prosperous 2010!
I just adore this movie! And what a wonderful reminder on the value of Xerox. Must always remeber to keep extra copies everywhere (and yet another in a fire-proof safe….). Hope you have a beautiful, remarkable 2010. I look forward to reading your fabulous book
Oy, after the number of people who had computer harddrive meltdowns during NaNoWriMo, I get nervous every time I go near my computer. I should really dig up that old flash drive and back everything up, right now!…Er, soon!…Er, sometime in the future!…Er…
And here I was thinking that the main lesson of Love Actually was that an accent will help you have an orgy in a country other than your own! Darn. I was obviously taking the wrong lesson away from that movie but I have ascertained that you are stupid if you cheat on Colin Firth
Adele — the British accent is an important lesson too from that movie. British accents are simply delectable!
Steph: Backup, backup, backup!
Carolina — a great 2010 to you too!
Watching that scene AFTER writing a book gives it an entirely new context, no? Ah, there is just so much we can learn from Love, Actually. Truly the gift that keeps on giving.
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