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.
"Every change will call for others." Absolutely. I just finished a story after I've lost count on how many changes. Every time I read it, I found changes. This is a story I started years ago and ran across it one day when I was sort of cleaning my writing room. Since then it's been through I don't know how many changes, but I'm done now, I hope. I started revision by reading the story, taking notes on things to check. (I have a tendency of repeating myself.)I make changes as I go along. Then go back again and again until I think it's ready for critique. Since I have trouble remembering if I've already said something after so many times reading it, I keep index cards telling what happens in each chapter. I show the setting, the characters, and what they do. Yes, it's lots of work, but the end result is worth it. Good luck with your story. You can do it. Waiting to hear more.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your informative comment, Beverly. It always helps me to hear how others manage their writing lives, particularly those successful with it as you obviously are! Good luck with your story. I look forward to reading the final product one day soon! Thank you for your ongoing support...it is greatly appreciated!!
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