Thoughts on Revision, by V

Revision is another fitting topic for me this week. I'm deep in the trenches of revising my novel for my editor. Six weeks ago, I had no idea what to expect from an editorial letter. I only knew it would force me to elevate my writing. Push me to bring my "A" game.

Here's what I'm learning about the A Game:

There are no short cuts. None. Sorry.

Prepare to answer to everything in your manuscript. Yes. Everything.

Prepare to revise the first line of each chapter. A lot.

Prepare to revise the last line of each chapter. A lot.

Prepare to revise everything in between. You know what I'm going to say here, right?

Be open to reimagining a whole character. Yes, an entire character.

Know the geography of your world or story. Especially if you are writing a journey/quest novel. Maps are good. Maps are really good.

Be able to answer where and when every single scene happens. Make friends with poster board and post it notes. Look at 3M as a partner corporation.

What are your characters wearing? How are they feeling? What do they want in every scene? What are the pictures you're painting for the reader in that scene? Know these things for every scene. Know them thoroughly for every scene. But these are obvious, right? Right?

Be aware of whether you're using a word too often. Weed those out. Vary your language. Vary your characters' dialogue. Vary gestures and images. Use all the senses. Vary vary vary unless you're using symbols or iconic images. Then pace pace pace so it's not too little and not too much. So it's just right. Got it?

Own it. This is your story. Wear it. Break it in. Know it like your own skin.

And when you get close... really close like I am now to checking these off, know that you've done your job. You've written a novel.