A. Marie Silver

A. Marie Silver

Misadventures in Editing: Henry’s Theme Song

Ever wondered what a writer goes through when editing a work-in-progress?  Here’s your chance to find out.  Take a look at some of the conversations I’ve had with my characters while editing my current novel. 

The past few days working with Amethyst were a bit stressful – for both of us.  It’s a sad world we live in when imaginary characters are driven to the point of a melt down.  I can’t fix everything for Amethyst, but today was the day I decided to give her a bit of a break.  We decided that her brother, Henry, needed a theme song – something Amethyst would imagine playing in the background every time he entered the room.

“Oh come on!” Amethyst pleaded. It’s perfect for him.”

“I’m not disputing that, but it’s just…”

“Just what?” Amethyst asked. “Cliche?”

“That and I’m not sure my target audience will understand the reference. The Exorcist is over forty years old.  Do I think it’d be hilarious to have you hearing that every time your brother, a priest, walked into the room? Absolutely. I’m not sure the kids reading this will get it.”

“Who’s your target audience?”

I’ve never been able to answer that question.  And really? Who can? Sure, I can write material that I think young women between the ages of 18 and 30 will like but that isn’t to say that women between the ages of 40 and 60 won’t like it. “Um….women ages 18-100 years.”

Amethyst scratched her head.  “Yeah….you’re gonna want to narrow that down a bit. Anyway, if their parents raised them right, the millennials will get the reference.”

“I’m pretty sure that making your kids watch The Exorcist, isn’t a requirement.”

“It was in my house,” Amethyst said. “Mom and I watched it every Halloween. How about this one?” she asked.

“I like it. Not as much as the first one but it’s definitely a reference the millennials should understand.”

I wonder…. “Hey, Amethyst!”

“Hey, Procrastinator!”

She’s hilarious.  “What do you want for your soundtrack?”

“Me?” She pointed toward her chest.

“Yeah. What do you think people would hear whenever they see you?”

“Hmm.” She pursed her lips while scrolling through my YouTube account.  “I think this is fitting.”

“Seriously?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she said. “Why?”

“Has it ever been suggested to you that you’re a bit of a drama queen?”

And now I’m asking all of you.  What’s your theme song?  Please tell me in the comments!

8 Responses

    1. Absolutely! It was played by those guys who used those instruments that made sounds and stuff. I think it was played during intermission. But that’s just a guess because I was either standing in line at the bathroom or in line at the concession stand during intermission.

    1. Jay, I think you’re probably my second biggest fan. The first being my mother. I know we’ve never met but when I was listening to your theme song I pictured you standing in a doorway, wearing a cape. I hope that’s okay.

  1. A cape is fine with me, but you might want to consider “”A fiery horse with the speed of light, and a cloud of dust!” “Who was that masked man?” Jay Silverheels as Tonto is editing a story for me in the other room. 😉

    1. It occurred to me right after I sent that reply that it was the theme song for the Lone Ranger. At least I think it is, if it’s not, I’m going to be very embarrassed. At least I got the “hero” part right.

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A. Marie Smith

Your short bio telling the story of why you are a writer and the things that you think are important.