EDIT

"Editing a documentary is akin to someone handing you a bag of sentences and asking you to write a book." - Travis Swartz

Editing is a marathon.  One of my friends mentioned to me that an editor is the first line of defense between the director's vision and the audience.  It's my job to synthesize the ideas and present them in a way that is accessible to the audience through the proper crafting of the context of the story.  What are the circumstances of the character and his/her world?  How do we creatively integrate that information into the story that grounds the audience and peaks their interest? 

"Context provides the audience entrance into these worlds and our characters' lives.  Once established, we can go about the business of building the emotional landscape necessary for our audience to the story and in turn have film that means something to someone."  - Gary Bayne

What I have learned from this process has been invaluable to my development as a filmmaker.  What I have loved about the process is that I am constantly learning new aspects of my craft and free to experiment in ways that I couldn't before.  It allows me the chance to listen and connect with my characters, so that I can learn, and in turn, give that knowledge to my audience.  Ultimately, it shows you the solitary life of an editor, locked away in a dark room chasing the story that you believe to be out there.