I've been revising my novel, The Ransomed Returning. I should finish up in the next couple days. It's an exciting time, I think. I like revising. But here's how my routine usually goes:First, In the morning I type up all the changes I made the day before. I love my book! I love the changes! I love my freakin' awesome betas!
Next, I print out the chapters I want to work on that day. I pull up the critiques and make notes on the printout of all the comments and suggestions from the betas. Depression sets in. This book stinks. I'll never be able to fix it. I might as well just save time and delete the whole thing right now. (Okay, I'm exaggerating. A little. I have to admit it was worse with the earlier chapters than it has been with the later ones.)
I get over myself and get to work. I like what I'm doing. Revising is fun. It makes the story so much better. Pretty soon...I love my book! I love the changes!
I LOVE my freakin' awesome betas!
Then I have to work on the next few chapters...
So, I guess you could say it's going well. Do you have revising ups and downs? Or is it just me?
22 comments:
It's definitely not just you. I go back and forth when I revise/rewrite/edit anything I do. Sometimes I love it and think this is great. Other times, I think it is all crap and I'm wasting time on something that'll never work out. The best thing to do is breath, think, and wait until the low passes and try to remember the highs of when I love my book. Good luck continuing to revise.
I'm glad revising is going well! And I'm glad to be a loved beta. :) I definitely have this stinks/this is amazing moments in my revising. I go up and down a lot! 'Tis the nature of revising, I guess.
Good luck as you finish this up! It's a fabulous story, and I hope it finds a fabulous home!
I'm exactly the same. Ups and downs are all a part of revising. But, I wouldn't be able to get anywhere without my critique group and betas. Glad your revisions are going well.
I so live that rollercoaster...like RIGHT NOW!
Good beta readers! They always, always help a work to reach the next level.
My fear is I'll never get off the revision treadmill. I hope that each edit makes the story better (because I'm certainly learning a lot), but my heck. Will it ever be done?
Not just you...just sent the latest Aston novel off to my own fabulous beta readers, after long bouts of highs and lows.
We'll see what happens when it comes back from them all. In the meantime, off to the other projects...
It's not just you. I'm almost hyperventilating at this point!
Ugg, hate revising. I can revise 'til the cows come home and then still see more to revise. :)
Thanks, Cheree. It's nice to know we're all in the same boat.
Terry, you're so right! Count yourself among the awesome betas, because I really appreciate your help on this one.
Donna, I know what you mean. It's easy to keep finding things to fix. At some point you just have to declare yourself done.
Todd, when I told my guys that I had the next Aston West novel to read (neener, neener) they were appropriately jealous. I'm looking forward to it. Count yourself among the awesome betas too, because I'm diving into Renegade as soon as I'm done with this, which should be today.
I'm kind of weird, Cindy. I actually like revising. Though it is easy to get discouraged.
Thanks for your comments and encouragement all. I love my blog readers!
I've been revising too. Hate that love-hate relationships with words. But it is kind of nice when I turn the page and think (for now) it's better than it was before. (After all, I did once think it was good didn't I?)
Oh yes do I have revising ups and downs. It's like the worst roller coaster ever. :) I think we all go through that. But it's awesome that you have a great routine. And betas ARE great.
Haha :) Great post. I'm just beginning a new project, so I'm jealous of the stage your at. I love the actual writing, but having a finished product is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your revision ideas!
Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
There's definitely a point you reach when you want to scream NO MORE FRICKEN REVISING!!!! Or is that just me :)
demitrialunetta.blogspot.com
I have revising ups and downs as well. I usually freak out to myself for a minute, and then sit down and fix it. Usually inspiration hits pretty quick, but sometimes it takes a while if it's something about the plot itself, or several scenes that don't fit. I really do love revising though. It makes me happy knowing the book is getting better. :) Happy revising!!
It's not just you, Demitria. I feel that way too. Luckily, today I am done!
Oh Angie! You are so lucky to almost be done! Congrats!!!! (I'm a little jealous)
I like certain phases of revision. I don't like the major reworking/rewriting stuff, but for me, putting in more historical details and small things like that is lots of fun. Good luck with your edits!
I love revising. It has always been easier for me to revise then to write. I know what I want things to sound like after the fact..so bring on the revising I say!
Good Luck!
Thanks Stacie and Gina. I appreciate you stopping by!
Hi Angie - On revising and editing, I think it is a good thing to keep wanting to make changes. If one ever gets to the point that they are 100% satisfied with what they wrote, then where do you go from there. It leaves you wanting to still do more, write more, that is what keeps us going. It also leaves us hoping that the reader will want to read and look for more to read from you. Good luck with your manuscript, I am excited for you. I am looking forward to following your journey. - Maeve
Thanks, Maeve. I appreciate the comment. It is good to always be working to get better and do more.
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