It’s no secret. One of my main projects this year is revising my novel. The very same manuscript that I completed during NaNoWriMo 2009 as a NaNoRebel.
I don’t usually make it a habit of talking about works-in-progress. However, when I started this novel, I decided to be a bit more open with my process. In fact, I even started sharing some details of my writing progress on my ewritelife Twitter account a few months ago. Partly because I wanted to give myself a chance to “think out loud”. And, partly because I needed the extra push to bring the manuscript in to completion by declaring what I’m working on.
That move must have been an effective one for me because I finally DID complete a full fictional manuscript. Just when I thought I couldn’t do it again. After all, it has been over 15 years since I last did that!
This time, though, I want to take the novel completion process to the next level. Yes, the revision process. And, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing over the last month every spare moment I’ve got.
Now, I’ve decided that maybe, it might be good to share bits and pieces of my progress on this matter. Again, to give myself a bit of a push. Perhaps, by sharing this with you, I’d be more compelled to get on with revising and finishing my second draft, as I hope to do.
Since I’ve never completely revised a novel before, I decided last month that I needed some help to guide me in my first attempt at a proper manuscript revision. That’s why when I came across Holly Lisle’s How To Revise Your Novel workshop, I decided to sign up. And so far, after 6 lessons (delivered weekly), I’m really pleased that I’m not doing this revision thing completely on my own.
Yes, it feels like the whole thing is going at a snail’s pace at this time. Yes, it seems awkward not to do any actual rewriting in the beginning. And yes, I’m itching “just to get on with it” sometimes.
But then, I’m learning so much.
I’m learning to look at my novel in ways that I probably wouldn’t have, if I was doing this without any guidance. Or maybe, I would’ve seen some of those lessons in the process eventually. But, it probably would take me months and months of frustrating rewriting.
Right now, I can see the weaknesses in my plot (I’ve got too many scenes dedicated to sub-plots!). I can see that I’m not letting my characters do what they need to do to make the story work (I seem to mollycoddle them too much, too afraid to get them in to real messes!). I can see that I need to tighten certain things – and cut off others.
And, being my typical self, I tend to second guess myself way way too much.
On the flip side: I think I’ve got a manuscript worth salvaging. I’m engrossed in the world that I’ve created. Enjoying the stories of the characters in the world. I’m drawing maps of my fantasy world. Sketching my characters. Inventing a language. Brewing back stories and histories. And yes, I’m actually working on something that I really LOVE.
In fact, I love it so much that even if it never gets published, I’m still going to be ecstatic just to get it all finished.
It’s hard work, yes. But, I am so obsessed by the whole thing, I just want to be able to put the stuff that excites me in my head down on paper – and communicate that same excitement and wonder to anyone who might end up reading it. Even if that reader is just me. That’s the challenge.
I wonder how many Studio Notes readers are in the same boat as me? Anyone out there working on their novels – either in the writing or revision process? How do you go about it all?
Kari (3)
Mitch Mitchell (3)
Connie (2)
eds (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Jazzille (1)
macy (1)
Mel W (1)
I just finished the 2nd draft of my novel. It was also my first time revising a long work. For the 2nd draft I concentrated only on pacing and plot. I just wanted to make sure all the plot points were there. I’ve just handed it over to some writer friends to critique. Once I get their feedback, I plan on revising as I see fit, then digging in and polishing every scene and doing an intense line edit. I’m not sure if it’s the best way but we’ll see! Best of luck to you! (Also, I agree with you about telling people your progress, it’s definitely held me accountable in some way)
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Shai Coggins reply on March 1st, 2010:
Melissa: Glad you agree on the accountability aspect. Good luck with your revision. I’ve done mostly analysis/deconstruction and such the last two months. I’m entering the major rewrite/editing process this month, so we’ll see how that goes. No one’s getting a look at my manuscript ’til I finish the second draft at least.
You’re brave for sharing! I wish you well with it! By the way, what’s your book all about? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.
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It’s been a couple of years since I’ve written any stories, much less finished anything. When things slow down for me a bit after school I would like to pick up where I left off or maybe start something new.
I have a hard time waiting until a first draft is complete before I start revising, so I could definitely benefit from a workshop similar to what you are taking. I do look forward to hearing more about your novel and what it’s about!
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Shai Coggins reply on March 1st, 2010:
Hi, Kari. Yes, I agree with you. It can be a bit much to start major projects in the middle of other big projects. But, I’m nuts that way, I think! I usually get my ideas when I’m crazy busy. And, I just can’t concentrate on my tasks unless I work on those ideas somehow.
Anyway, yes, I think finishing a first draft is best before trying to revise/edit. If you keep editing, you never finish. That’s why I never got to finish any manuscripts the last 15+ years. In any case, I hope you find yourself with a project that you love so much, you can’t wait to work on it and finish it too. And yes, I’ll try to share more about the book. It’s still evolving at the moment, so I haven’t gotten in to the details of what it’s all about yet. Hopefully, one of these days!
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I’m in revision mode at the moment (and trying to get *out* of revision mode as soon as possible so I can start writing the next novel… I haven’t quite learned to love editing yet).
If you – or anyone? this is a pretty general offer – would like a second opinion, I’m always happy to read the first few pages of a novel and give any feedback that comes to mind (usually the critical one being, do I now desperately want to read the rest of it!). I used to do plot editing for stage plays, and I kind of miss it… it can be a nice break to think about other people’s ideas for a change.
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Shai Coggins reply on March 1st, 2010:
Rachel – Oh, I can totally empathise! I’m getting impatient with the revision/editing mode. It’s taking so long right now. But, it’s my first proper attempt at it, so I guess I can’t complain.
Like you, I’m hoping to get out of that mode, because I’m hoping to start a new project too! And wow – thanks for that offer. I might just take you up on it. Once I’m ready for a reader, that is. At the moment, no one’s ever laid eyes on my work yet other than me. Heh. Do you have a critique group that you’re a part of, I wonder?
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Hi! I stumbled onto this post as I was researching Holly Lisle’s revision course. I’d appreciate your thoughts on the course – was it worth the money? With finances tight, I don’t want to spend $250 on a course and have it not be worth the expenditure.
Thanks much
Amy
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