I have a short story in my repertoire right now, which I call “Frank.” It’s been sent out several times and returned just as many. I like Frank. His story sticks with me. He’s a character who came out of the first novel I attempted, and though I didn’t like him much in the beginning (he was kind of a jerk, hard-headed and rude. Even scary), he softened up once I gave him his own story. I began to appreciate his flaws.
For a long time (and through several submissions), I thought his story was done. I was sure of it, figuring it just hadn’t hit the right editor’s eyes. On occasion I’d think, Okay, maybe tweak a word here or there just so it doesn’t grow stagnant. So I can send it out again right away. But the truth is, I was reluctant to look at it too deeply again.
Revisions are painful. Especially when it comes to a story I’ve worked on time and time (and time) again. Partly because I want the story to be done. Partly because I am unsure of how to fix it. What’s worse, though, is letting a good story go simply because the work scares me.
It helps to read Jason Brown’s take on revisions:*
The long road from the first draft to the final draft is an epic journey through foreign lands with no Frodo to guide me. No, that’s not right. I can’t believe that line came out of my head. It did, though, and I just have to remember that more than 90 percent of what pops into my thoughts doesn’t belong on paper. So I try again: Revision is a month-long backpacking trip with a group of people I met in line at the DMV. No, no. Revision–it’s like driving cross-country in a Chevy Nova with my aunt and uncle and delinquent cousins from Buffalo. Everyone’s whining and my aunt yells, “What’s wrong with us?”
Brown is constantly revising through his whole essay on revision, and I love it. His humorous slant on the process pulls me out of what I sometimes see as the dire prospect of rewriting (oh, the agony). And, he offers several exercises at the end of his essay that are tailored to revision. Here’s one I intend to use:
When you reread your manuscript, start somewhere in the middle or near the end. Reread the story or chapter twice a day for six straight days, starting at a different point in the narrative each time. We all know the first paragraph and first page have to be great. Bring fresh scrutiny to all the subsequent paragraphs and pages.
Last time I opened Frank’s story, I got stuck on the first paragraph. The next time I open it, I’m going to start at the end.
Where do you begin when you revise?
* You can find Jason Brown’s essay in Naming the World (edited by Bret Anthony Johnston), an excellent resource for writers.
Oh wow– that’s an interesting way to do it. I’d love to try it!
Nina,
I especially love the idea in this exercise, because I am constantly getting stuck in the first paragraph/first chapter of my stories!
Terrific post, Christi.
Crazy at it sounds, I love revisions and editing. What helps me most is to put the first draft away for at least two weeks and let it simmer (no peeking). Then, when I revisit the story, any issues that need addressing practically leap off the page. I repeat this process until I’m satisfied. I also read chapters randomly during revision/editing.
Beth,
I agree that time away definitely matters. I think that’s one reason I saw so quickly how I could revise this story…when I (finally) re-read it after such a long hiatus. And after reading your comment, I can admit there are times when I’ve enjoyed the editing. Probably those times when I was able to turn a sentence around liven up the story. That is a good feeling!
I do a lot of different things while revising, depends on the piece and the problem. Two things I do for every piece once it’s pretty well put together: Bold those areas that are giving me trouble, print the story,carry it around to look at and think about, and try to fix the bold areas one by one. This is where other techniques like free writing or such come in. The second thing I always do at this point is read it aloud. Indispensable. That has never failed to give me tons of information about a story. I’m always looking for fun things to do while revising but general I think every piece needs a different diagnosis and treatment.
Boy, all good points, Laurel. I love the idea of bolding areas. I sometimes highlight the areas I know are working, but I might try highlighting the places I know aren’t doing the work. Thanks for commenting!