R is for Revision...Can You Do It?

R is for revision. This is a tough one. Part of your heart and soul are on the written page as you place each word down in the first draft. It is difficult for beginning writers to go back and cut words, rewrite scenes, or delete characters that don't help the story.

Revision can also be the most rewarding part of the writing process. It is satisfying to cut empty words with little action and to change the scene with tighter writing that moves the story along. Crisp clear writing with specific action words that draw the reader into the story is a skill that can be learned with practice.

Tips for revising your work.

• Cut the fat- delete any words that don't add to the story and replace those words with strong action words and specific nouns that don't need extra description or adjectives
• Use simple sentences and avoid run on sentences that loose the reader
• Take advantage of dialog to move the story along
• Read your work out loud to get the feel for the sentence flow. Cut out or change what doesn't sound natural.
• Put your work away for a few days or even a few weeks. Read it again and be open to revisions a second, third, or fourth time until you have clean crisp text that says exactly what you want it to say.

Revising your work may not be the easiest part of writing because it requires persistence, patience, even some research to get the details and just the right words. I promise you it is worth the time and attention you give it. A finished piece that has been revised and polished is ready for submitting which makes you available to start the next project. Remember, revising is part of the writer's life. Enjoy.