REVISIONS

How do you know when a story is really done?

For me, this is the hardest skill to learn. One thing I now know is the process of revision is far more extensive than I initially thought.

As part of my plan to return to writing, I want to do some market testing. There is no question that the ultimate goal for most writers is publication. I decided to complete three stories, send them out, and see if I get any feedback that suggests my writing is at a publishable level. As I worked with my mentor, it became apparent that my belief in a few revisions was way off. As I work to complete the second and third stories, I am in the midst of revising theme each twenty times.

A key part of the revision process is finding people whom can give you feedback that is valuable. I have learned to give the feedback time to enter my mind. An interesting phenomenon has been my initial response of frustration when I send off what I think is my final draft and it comes back with numerous suggestions. After the obligatory response of wanting to quit and deciding I just am not going to succeed at this, I force myself to sit down at my desk and work on them.

Each time, the next draft is better.

As a general rule, I find my characters to be interesting and am drawn to them. I am starting to realize as I get close to the final version I am actually getting sick of them! In sending off the latest revision of one of the stories I am currently working on, I realize I am close.

Everything I have read says that it is best to have your work in the best form possible before sending it out for publication. Be forewarned, extensive revisions are a major part of that process. Find someone who can give you valuable feedback and make sure you take the time to give your writing the support it needs in the revision process. In the end, it will be worth it!