As ReFoReMo winds down and my piles of mentor texts are ready to go back to the library, I am getting back to organizing my writing and WIP files needing major to minor edits. I tend to be more productive at writing the initial draft and completing the minor edits than I am at tackling the major edits and re-writes. How about you? I seem to always think those more intense edits are going to require too big of a block of time than I have at that given moment and, consequently, it goes to the back burner...again...and again...and again... You get the idea!
Anyway, I started a new book today recommended by a writer friend, WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul. I've read only the prologue thus far, but it got me excited about diving into my WIP edits regardless of the amount of re-working needed.
Ms. Paul says in her prologue, "Completing a draft of your story is not the end of the writing process. It is only the beginning. Then you must shape your draft into a publishable manuscript. This is the fun part of writing. This is the time-consuming part of writing. This is what separates the amateur from the professional."
And it is fun. But it is also such work. Hard work. But such rewarding work as well. I have several manuscripts that need more than the short blocks of time I've had (let me correct myself, that I've made) lately, and I am looking forward to jumping in with both feet. Perhaps one of the most daunting reasons I continue to procrastinate is also found in Ms. Paul's words,
"Note that revision is not a one-time thing. Every change will call for others."
So. Very. True! But, that is also how a story is born, so press on and dive in, I will.
I would love to hear how you tackle your revision process if you are willing to share a comment.
