A Process of Revision

Thinking back to my first introduction to critique groups, which was through an SCBWI workshop, I had the ridiculous notion I didn't need one. Wow, was I wrong! There are so many things you don't see in your own work. I've decided that's because you're too busy admiring it. I have a fabulous critique group, none of whom are reluctant to tell me my story drags in places, the voice is off, I left a storyline hanging, or the tension needs to be ratcheted up a notch (or ten). As hard as those things are to hear when you've spent a zillion hours writing and re-reading your work, I find my reviewers are usually (almost always) right.

That's not to say it makes revisions easier. In fact, I never delve into major revisions before going to the gym and letting all the impossible changes I need to make sink into my tired and depressed brain. Time on the treadmill seems to stir up ideas. Then I'm ready to tackle what to me is the most difficult part of writing -- the first revision. If you look at the mass of critiques from the various members of your critique group, it looks daunting. I've decided that a writer must have come up with the notion that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. It applies to revisions, too. (I haven't actually eaten any of my manuscripts, but the thought has occurred to me a few times.) My revision technique is this: I use a master copy of my manuscript and copy everyone's comments/suggestions onto it, then I start going through it. When there are huge story changes needed, I do it in a brand new file. It makes me feel more free to create rather than try to make it fit in with what I've already written. I can later copy and paste into the original manuscript and go back and make any changes that need to be done to make it work.

Then, of course, there's more re-reading, re-reviewing and revisions, but to me, it helps to have a process down so when I leave a meeting in which my work has been reviewed, I know once the shock wears off, I'll be ready to forge ahead.