Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
” I work very hard at writing, writing and rewriting and try to weed out the lumber.” David McCullough
I once heard a saying “Life is the art of drawing without an eraser” (Author Unknown).
Those of us who are writers know we need to keep erasers handy.
We’ve all heard the phrase “writing is rewriting” and nothing could have felt closer to that truth than that as I worked on the first revision of my memoir-in-progress. After defining the narrative arc of the story- the beginning , middle and the end- I now am going back to refine, deepen and polish up the narrative.
The first review of my draft from my manuscript consultant took four hours to go through over the phone. The suggestions beyond defining the narrative arc of the story included: cutting out, rearranging, going deeper into sections of the story.
The first thing I did was set it aside and let it marinate for a few weeks.
With fresh eyes, I approached my edits asking myself the following questions:
*Am I clear on the vision (main theme) of my story?
*Does it fit in with the overall theme?
*Does my story make sense?
*Do the scenes move the story along?
*Does the sequence of scenes make sense?
*Are the subthemes woven in tightly enough?
*Are the characters believable?
*Is my POV clear- past voice vs present day reflection
*Does my main character demonstrate change/growth?
*Is there enough tension and conflict to hold the interest of the reader?
*Is the ending satisfying?
*Is it grammatically correct?
Basically, I need to revise with the reader in mind.
I’m at the point where every time I look at my manuscript, I change it-cut out, rearrange or add to. Since my first revision is in the hands of my manuscript consultant, I am in a cooling off period. When my next round of edits come back, I will repeat the cycle asking myself the same questions as above.
Fellow Memoirist Madeline Sharples posted an excellent article about revision that helped me to see the importance of initially reading through my manuscript without editing.
That means sitting on my hands.
Then I’ll grab my red pen and circle and change what I need to.
In summary, seven lessons I’ve learned about revision are:
* Be open to constructive feedback.
* Expect to look at your manuscript with new eyes.
* Give yourself periods of cooling off to gain perspective.
* Edit with the reader in mind.
* Find a question that the book needs to answer and let that question guide you.
* Read your manuscript out loud.
* Rewrite and revise until it’s right.
How will I know when it’s right?
That will be another topic for another time and by then I’ll most likely need to replace all those erasers.
First, I will read through it like a reader while sitting on my hands.
How about you? What tips do you have to share about the revision process?
I’d love to hear from you. Please leave your comments below~
On Thursday, March 7, National Association of Memoir President and Memoir Author Linda Joy Myers will return to discuss another aspect of revision in “Re-visioning Memoir.” She will give away a free copy of her re-visioned memoir, Don’t Call Me Mother: A Daughter’s Journey From Abandonment to Forgiveness to a random commenter.
This week: I’m also for at Cheryl Stahle’s blog, Your Best Writing Group with a memoir vignette “Summer Day Along the Hudson River…Nothing Quite Like It” as part of her March Memoir Madness series.
Photo Credit: Dreamstimefree.com
Great post, Kathy. Revising is actually something I enjoy doing. Many writers don’t. But I get very excited about making new discoveries as I reread and revision my writing.
Joan, I’m discovering some of these joys amid the fears that trip me: Did I muddle the focus along the way? Did the voice change? On an on.
Welcome, Marlena. Nice to have you stop by. Thanks for your comments. They remind me that writing is like peeling on onion, the more we peel,the more we have to peel. On and on as you say.
Hi Joan, Thanks for stopping by and weighing in. I like your focus on the positive aspects of revising, especially “making new discoveries”. I’ll keep that in mind when revisit my manuscript, which will be soon!
Thanks for the post, Kathy. I’ve always been taught that we should write with our audience in mind. Personally, I’ve been unable to do that. If I did, I’d never write anything. Instead, I write with only myself in mind. Then when it’s time to edit and revise, I do so with my audience in mind.
Another funny thing about revision is it never really ends. Even after a piece has been published, the author will find something new to revise every time he or she reads it. I think this is because we are always evolving, and our perspectives are always changing, and we always see something we could’ve written better or at least differently.
I’m a poet first, so my struggle is more often with words instead of content. I always look back at something I’ve written and decide that it could’ve been written more beautifully.
Nancy, That’s a great distinction to initially write for yourself and then to write for an audience during the revision process. And I am beginning to see that revision never really ends. At some point, it has to feel good enough to release. I suppose we do tend to be our own worst critic so having fresh eyes look at it is a wise move. I am learning that there is a fine line between”killing my darlings” and claiming my story. Interesting process. I really appreciate you stopping by and commenting. I am thoroughly enjoying your powerful memoir, The Truth About Butterflies and wonder when you realized it was ready to be launched?
Kathy,
After three years of writing and revising, I finally just said, “That’s it; I’m done,” and waited for my other self to either agree or disagree.
Thanks ,Nancy.It’s nice to know there is an end in sight. It’s like a late-stage pregnancy, when you know delivery is inevitable but feel it will never happen. {Sigh}
Kathy, you sound like me: you’re not going to let yourself off easy. It’s hard to determine when you’ve edited enough, and when you’re going past that point out of fear. I think the cooling-off period is a great idea.
But here, my fellow perfectionist, is an encouraging little anecdote. I still feared that my book, after 10 years of perfecting and one revision (for typos) after publication (which alas did NOT catch everything), was not good enough.
Then one day, while attempting an audio book and reading aloud into a microphone, I read about a character dying – and I began to cry! Even though I created the story! So now, I say with all gratitude and humility, I know it is “done.” Best wishes.
You caught me ,Lynne! I like to think my mantra is “progress ,not perfection” but I do slipped back into that “it has to be just right” mode from time to time. What a powerful example of knowing by your own reaction to the death of one of the characters you created, when you were ready to say it is done. Audi books is a whole other arena to explore and I’ll be interested in how that turns out for you. Thanks, as always for sharing!
Kathy, it sounds like you’re on a productive track and being sensible about the process, which doesn’t surprise me given your professional approach to everything. I think the revision process can sometimes be harder than the writing process, but it’s rewarding too because the manuscript starts getting a smoother ‘shape.’
I’ve learned that there’s a danger of over-revising, so I do advise writers to be aware of this and to guard against it. I made some revisions I wish I hadn’t done, and I made some I wish I’d done my way instead of yielding to the opinions of others.
My guideline is rhythm; and maybe you’ve already experienced it. This is, after all, your story – you know the details, events, and people inside-out; you remember your responses to all that (at the time) and you’re aware of how you feel about it now – for me, that implies motion: head to heart, past to present. Besides, we’re all aware that a story needs to ‘flow.’
Once the grammatical issues and literary elements have been smoothed out, read it (in your head and aloud) and focus on how it ‘feels.’ Experiment with changing a sentence or paragraph that feels right, and notice if it improves or disturbs the previous rhythm.
I hope that helps; good luck – don’t hold us in suspense too long 🙂
Excellent advice, Belinda. Over-revising can indeed be a pitfall. I love your suggestion to use rhythm as a guideline. I also am starting to experience the idea of claiming my story by not following every little suggestion on what to keep and what to let go. I think it all starts from being clear on our purpose for writing our story in the first place. Finding that “smoother shape” is a process and I’m excited about feeling that is happening. Thank you so much for your comments here and for all you do. I hope everyone checks out your Theme and Premise series on http://www.riteofpassage.com blog!
As I wade through umpteenth revision, your words resonate! I am wondering when a piece of work is ready to go public, since the artist is driven by perfection. Can there be the perfect piece of writing?
Pat. In a word, no! Have you a copy of your original manuscript ? Look it over and then wonder how far you have gone from that; all too often continual revision destroys the spirit of a book. As a magazine assistant editor we called this fidgeting and the original – often exciting – theme was dulled, making the thing unacceptable. Concentrate more on the accuracy of the production
Great question, Pat. I think David gave us some sage advice “stop fidgeting and concentrate on the accuracy” Sounds like it’s time to go for the gold!
Hi Kathy. Having known you’d sent your manuscript to your first editor, I’ve been waiting for this post 🙂 You’ve mapped out an excellent progression for revision, with putting some distance between you and the work, and advice, before digging in one of the most important. I don’t think anything takes the place of backing off, and it could be the hardest part of the process. I know I want to dig in and get to work. Wait? Impossible! But we do it.
When is it finished? I recently revived a screenplay I’d written 10 years ago that had won the infamous DoorStop Award (that’s what you get when your agent uses it as a door stop). Her assistant asked if he could read it, shopped it around, and placed it with a major studio which then collapsed. When I got it out a few months ago, there was a wreck in the second act I couldn’t see before. It was worked on intensely, submitted to a festival where it’s done well, but it’s still not finished. I’m back to the cooling off period before digging in for further rewrites, even thought I’m up to my ears in other works. But it’s always on my mind.
I hope I never feel satisfied with a project because that would mean I think I’ve got it all figured out and have stopped growing in my craft. This is a lifelong gig. We’re committed to what we do. We’re seeking feedback and growth every single minute of each day. Yesterday’s work can always benefit from our maturation today. There is a time to let it go and move on to something you feel will challenge you and push you with the new understanding you have, something that will push you into new corners where the secrets are hidden. I think that point might come when you feel you’ve done right in service to your story and your readers, and only you will know when you reach that point.
Oh Nancy, you’ve said everything that I’m feeling. I am revising a memoir but still need to add a few scenes. If I start with the content that I need (the resolution, ideas, understandings) I get NOTHING. If I make a kind of an outline or thoughts that I must convey, I get nothing. I have to dig into some unconscious part of myself to find the emotion or a trigger that leads to the emotion and the music. It’s how I’ve written everything prior but seems hard to sustain as you push towards the end.
Cyd, I totally agree that a “cooling-off” is an essential part of the creative process. The story is always with me. I even dream about some of the characters because my head is swarming with scenes and snippets all the time. I feel “pregnant with story” with a way to go before delivery! I guess that’s why we say in writing and life , we are a work-in-progress. Your words of wisdom resonate, especially “There is a time to let it go and move on to something you feel will challenge you and push you with the new understanding you have, something that will push you into new corners where the secrets are hidden. I think that point might come when you feel you’ve done right in service to your story and your readers, and only you will know when you reach that point.” Amen and thank you for sharing these pearls:-)
Kathy, excellent post and response. I rewrite the next day after I’ve finished a piece. I think of it as what I wanted to say vs how to say it. Plus I still do at least two total rewrites. I also have a file, called “Side Notes,” that I keep updating regarding additional ideas that I’ll ‘ weave into the story.This includes research that is continuous while I’m working on my book.
HI Jim, Nice to “see” you again! I appreciate you sharing your system of rewriting and revising. I like the idea of “side notes” that you can weave in during a rewrite. I’m wondering if you have tried Scribner which allows you to keep notes and research that you can pull into your manuscript? Everyone raves about it. I need to spend more time learning it before I plunge in. I’d love to hear if others are using it to organize/revise their work. Thanks for stopping by, Jim!
What a wonderful lesson have I learned from this post! My pen has n’t touched the paper-so to speak-for over a year now. I had revised my stories,but I am not happy with my process. So, I will be taking the course given by our Guru–Linda Joy from tomorrow and will meet Brook Warner also. I am so behind and don’t know if I can even finish the process, but the strong desire to give some important life-lessons to the younger generation keeps pestering me. Will see. How much longer do we have to wait to loot the joy of reading your book and learn a lot?
Smita, I am so happy to hear you are returning to your writing through Linda Joy’s and Brooke’s course. It seems to me your story is tugging at you to get back to it. Your purpose is clear. All you have to do is show up, write and let your a story lead the way. As far as how long you have to wait for my book- I’m just showing up , writing and rewriting and letting my story lead to way..TBA 🙂 Keep writing, Smita.
Kathy, I find the difference between writers as fascinating as the writing! As an Englishman some American thinking can baffle me – education, location and upbringing can all be radically different. For example despite the war we learned Latin and Greek as well as modern languages which makes for the use of a much stricter grammar than would be today.
Revision is all a part of this – my first 30 books were revised by my (classical scholar) late wife who as I write wholly non-fiction left me to get the facts right but was very demanding in all the text flowing and leading readers through the story. On my own I find this much harder; as inevitably I am against a publisher’s deadline and while I am revising I am not writing or researching.
It is hard to retain that spontaneity that one originally had.
Does this not apply to non-fiction as well? H.G.Wells was always against a deadline but his books roll along, while of course Charles Dickins wrote for a weekly magazine – and that is pressure….. Love your blog, though.
Hi David, I appreciate your kind feedback and thought-provoking comments. Thirty books is an amazing achievement,no doubt facilitated by your “classic scholar” late wife who kept you on task with the editing. I know some people do their own editing but I have chosen to hire a professional editor. That’s a whole other area of discussion related to finances but I have heard of trading services with others if finances are an issue. It does seem to be a challenge to write spontaneously and edit/revise along the way. Lots of food for thought here. Nancy had a good point to initially write spontaneously, i.e. get it all out and then revise/edit. What do you think? How about everyone else?
Thanks for stopping by!
Dear Kathy, What an informative post. I’m so glad you gave your manuscript a rest and are now doing the big read through. I just finished mine and it left me with platefuls of food for thought and months of work to do.
I agree with Belinda about over revision. I think there is a fine line between premature publication and revising too much. I’m confident you’ll do what’s best. You’ll know instinctively when to stop.
PS. Thank for mentioning my piece on revision.
Hi Madeline, It is so reassuring to hear you echo Belinda’s words about over-revision and to hear that finding a point of readiness to launch will be instinctive. Your post on revision that I linked to was very helpful and I’m happy to share it. Thanks, as always, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Kathy, I especially love your tip about allowing a cooling-off period. Returning to a draft with fresh eyes is priceless. I’m also amazed at how many authors who plan to self-publish expect to be able to do all the revising on their own, without outside input. Getting feedback is critical. There are so many things you can’t see when you’re inside the story!
One of my favorite tips for revising is to look for just one thing on each pass-through. Each of the quesitons in your wonderful list in this post would make a good focus for a single revision.
Great article! I’m saving this for future reference.
HI Sue, Welcome! Thank you so much for your positive feedback and comments. I agree, it is important to seek guidance with revision as one does get so close to the story that it becomes a challenge to remain objective. I like your suggestion of focusing on one thing with each pass-through. I’m so glad you found the list helpful. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
“Basically, I need to revise with the reader in mind.”
YES! Sometimes for the initial draft, it’s just getting your stories on the page–it’s “heightened” journal writing for the author herself. But, I kept on asking myself for my memoir, “Does it gel?” And, your questions drive directly to the heart of the matter. I’m so excited to read your work!
Hi Laura, Nice to see you here. I appreciate your comments and am glad you enjoyed the post. I really like your simple question?”Does it gel?” That’s a good one for staying on track and not going off on tangents which do not add to the story. In teaching , we had a rule we lived by that I think applies to editing: Differentiate between the “nice to and need to” know. That takes some discernment, especially if we have to “kill our darlings.” Thanks for stopping by.
Well, Kathy, I have to admit that revising and rewriting are not activities I enjoy. I’d even call them chores. Oh, I don’t mind checking for typos, poor grammar usage, bumpiing a few sentences into different formats, etc, but answering all those questions you pose in your post made me tired just reading them! LOL Not that I think I’m Isaac Asimov and write a perfectly composed and arranged piece right off the bat (I read that he routinely did that; what a brain he must have had!) but for the most part when I’m done with something, I’m done with it and restless to move on to something else. With revision nagging me in the back of my mind, I don’t do well at moving on, either. Which is all to say that I probably have to come to terms with the idea that my memoir and/or books will likely not be published. :>(
Sam, I think publishing our work is an individual choice usually tied into our purpose for writing. Writing for ourselves or our families is fine. But , if we do choose mainstream publication then rewriting is all part of the process. So far, I have found the process to be exhilarating as the story comes together and begins to develop its own rhythm. But I’m sure the time will come when I will feel “enough is enough” and ready to move on. BTW, how about sending your pieces to magazines or anthologies? I hate the thought of your insights and stories not being shared and enjoyed by others. Just a thought.:-)
Thanks so much, Kathy, for yet another timely and provocative post. To have a forum like this where I can meet and learn from other memoir writers is such a gift. Thank you for that too.
As you know, I’ve been writing (and rewriting) my At Home On the Kazakh Steppe for seven years. It is the story of my two years living in Kazakhstan. Or, is it more the story of mid-life change? Or perhaps of the importance of understanding cultural differences as our world gets smaller? Or, is it the story of the evolution of a marriage under stress?
I say all this only to emphasize that I too have been caught up in revision, caught up in capturing that elusive single question that my book will answer. It seems to change with each year and with each editor. Same thing.
So many dilemmas: am I really improving the book with each set of revisions, or am I merely postponing the decision on how to publish? How much of the advice from my various editors will render the story more theirs than mine? I do believe that the real craft of writing is in the rewriting. I believe anyone (who wants to) can put words to paper; can write “for themselves” (the first step; I agree), can journal. But it takes a certain perseverance, tenacity, skill, stubbornness, or masochism to stay with it until it’s really “done.” I too write for myself; and I rewrite for my reader. My problem is, my reader has morphed over the years from a middle-aged Peace Corps volunteer wanna-be, to a more cosmopolitan man or woman who just wants a good story. In between I actually believed I wrote for the college student or layperson who wanted to understand Kazakhstan better.
The idea of sitting and reading through my 345-page memoir WITHOUT changing anything sounds positively masochistic. I can’t do that even with published books. I am always reading with a pen in my hand (I’ve even figured out how to do that with my Kindle). But, I can see the benefit. Just as I know the benefit of reading my work aloud. Doing it is another matter. The suggestion that resonated the most with me, the one I most wish I had read five years ago, was about NOT making any electronic changes until I’ve been through the entire manuscript. I fell victim over and over to the idea that “if I don’t get these changes in NOW, I’ll forget.” As a result, the first third of my book has been edited and fussed with and massaged and tenderized more times than I can count. The last third, maybe three.
I don’t know. It’s at an agent’s this week. Maybe I’m done and just don’t know it.
Sorry, this is so long. See what happens when I don’t have a manuscript to write? Time to go do another blog.
Hi Janet,
It is a pleasure to have you add your voice to this forum so keep bringing it on!
You’ve asked some provocative questions: “am I really improving the book with each set of revisions, or am I merely postponing the decision on how to publish? How much of the advice from my various editors will render the story more theirs than mine?” Wow, these give me pause to ponder how I will handle these issues and I welcome feedback from others.
Madeline’s suggestion to read through your manuscript without editing feels challenging but valuable. That is my next step but I know I’ll be sitting on my hands and ready to have at it when I do have the red pen in hand!
Congratulations on getting your full manuscript to an agent. That is no small achievement in this publishing environment. Please keep us posted and we can celebrate “being done” with you 🙂
Great discussion, Kathy, with some excellent suggestions. I’m on my third revision … first draft to get the basic story arc and identify/define my characters … 2nd draft to put some real feeling into it (I’m too logical and analytical to do it on the first draft) …. I it sit for six months between 2nd and 3rd drafts, all the while musing on the comments of my beta readers. I am hopeful I am nearing the end.
Interesting process, Mary. You definitely have found a system that works for you and you bring up a good point about beta readers. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Your comments remind me that writing is a process that unfolds uniquely for each person. Thank you!
I definitely have read my story aloud, as if someone were to buy an audio version of it. It makes a HUGE difference. Cooling off periods are also very necessary…sometimes for different sections of the same book. I have also had “book thoughts” in my car, where I cannot write, and am learning to use my Syrie to make verbal notes to myself so I can go back and revise later. Then I don’t forget!
Great ideas, Paige! I have found reading aloud to be beneficial in getting a sense of pacing and flow as well as picking up on typos,etc. I never heard of a “Syrie” but assume it is a recording device. A writer’s mind is always churning and we need to capture these creative moments where ever we may be. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
I am going to share this post and your blog with my fellow students at “Write Your Life Story” online class. You continually surprise me with the depth of your writing process and I think it’s great.
In answer to this post, if I may talk about my published picture book “Annie’s Special Day”, when ever I read it to kids in schools I am appalled at all the mistakes. I wish more than ever that I could rewrite it. I Had thought it was the best , the most perfect I could do. But now after learning so much more about the craft, I see all it’s imperfections glaring me in the face.
All this is to say and agree with those who, like me, are never done with rewrites. There is always more we could do. One just has to let it fly one day.
Clara
Hi Clara,
I’m honored and appreciative that you will share my post. Thank you!
My grandson, Ethan loves “Annie’s Special Day” but I can relate to your angst about thinking you put out your best work then finding “imperfections”. That is probably any writer’s biggest fear. But at some point we just have to let it go. One of the beauties of digital publishing is that we can go back and correct mistakes. Bottom line- writing is rewriting.
Best wishes on your current writing project and thanks for stopping by and sharing.
I am honored to know that your grandson has a copy of “Annie’s Special Day.” It is true that we can change the electronic copy and also the print copy without too much trouble. And after I run out of my present order of books I will do just that. It is harder to find ways to change text once embedded into the art but there must be a way and I will check with the publisher about it.
And like you say. ” But at some point we just have to let it go. ” There is a very dilemma about it. 🙂
Indeed, Clar..we are all a WIP and all we can do is live and learn and keep moving forward. 🙂
When I wrote my master’s thesis way back when I was frustrated because life kept intervening and I had to put it away for weeks at a time. It took about a year to write, though it was “only” 70 double-spaced typed pages (this was in the B.C. era when everything was hand-typed, retyped, and typed some more) .When I’d get back to it, I had to refresh my memory about everything I thought I’d learned.
From today’s perspective, that’s a good thing. Books worth reading are worth writing well, worth tempering with Tincture of Time.
One suggestion I have for you is to read WIRED FOR STORY, if you haven’t already done so. I don’t agree with everything she says, especially about the need to emphasize learning, growth and change in the protagonist — IMO solving puzzle type problems is equally powerful — but even disagreeing with an author strengthens your sense of things.
Congratulations on reaching this point, and all power to you as you forge ahead!
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for sharing your perspective, which is always appreciated. “Books worth reading are worth writing well, worth tempering with Tincture of Time” resonates and reminds me of the importance of having emotional distance from a story so you can weave in reflections and insights gained, thereby showing change, growth, transformation in the protagonist. Yes, Lisa Cron’s Wired for Story is on my bookshelf and has been a valuable resource in shaping my inner and outer story with the reader in mind.
And thank you for your good wishes in “forging ahead” which is a very accurate description!
Kathy, thank you for succinctly laying out your revision process. Yes, we’re all different in this area. I tend to be a slow, methodical writer, contrary to the advice I often hear. I’ll write a scene or a chapter, then meticulously go over it as to grammar, punctuation, meaning, characterization, etc.
I like your suggestion to read it aloud. I, too, do that, although I have to make sure I’m alone when I do — don’t want my family thinking I’m too crazy, ha!
And I agree that a cooling-off period is periodically necessary. As Lynne said, WE need it to “forget” what happens and re-read it like a reader. The work, too, needs it — I imagine it gets tired of us tinkering with it, don’t you?!!
Well-said, Debbie! We all have our own methods that work for us. And I agree, re-reading our manuscript like a reader is probably the single best idea we can do for ourselves and our work. Yes,”it must get tired of us tinkering with it”. I never thought of it that way. Love your unique and refreshing sense of humor and perspective!
Kathy, since I’m not to the point of revising yet, I can only speak to this post from the experience of revising over and over and over again legal documents and pleadings. That task consumed a great deal of my time on the job, and I grew to love it. But I should point out I also love proofreading. Your points here are well taken, and some were part of a session I attended at my recent workshop. Thanks for bringing reality to your readers!
Hi Sherrey, It seems with your experience in editing that you will have a distinct advantage when you revise your own memoir. It’s nice to hear you enjoy the process. I’m happy you found the post useful. There’s nothing like the lived-experience to facilitate the learning curve! Thanks, as always for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Hi Kathy, you’ve really hit the mark. In graphic design, once I work up a few mockups, if I have the time, I like to just walk away. Even if it’s for a few minutes, but the more time the better. I cycle through consciously ruminating and then forgetting. During this cycling–or during my sleep–I’ll often have epiphanies or breakthroughs, and by the time I’m in front of the design again, like you, I see it with fresh eyes. This method will oftentimes cause me to be surprisingly objective–like I’m reviewing/editing someone else’s work. I use this same method for writing, painting… just about any problem-solving.
The only difference is, with graphic design and (novel) writing I, too, have the client/reader in mind. With painting or writing poetry, not at all.
Overall, I’m a big fan on sitting on one’s hands. Wonderful post, Kathy!
This is a wonderful analogy about how you handle your creative art work, Terre. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am amazed how productive walking away can be. Better yet, sitting on your hands and just being. So glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I get great pleasure from rewriting because it allows me to relive my life. I also get great satisfaction from seeing how my writing has improved from one draft to the next. This is usually the result of taking many memoir classes and getting ‘critiqued’ by my writing group. The danger is in delaying completion of my memoir due to soliciting more and more input and not relying enough on my own soul to stop revising and finish the memoir! Thanks Kathy for writing about the subject. Loved all the comments.
Welcome, Evelyn! It’s so nice to see you here. I appreciate your comments about finishing your memoir and knowing when “to rely on your own soul to stop revising.” I guess we all work our own way through the process. I love the comments too and how much we learn from one another. Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you again. Best wishes on your memoir!
I think for me the most important thing in any writing project is to first write, then leave it for awhile. When I come back with a fresh set of eyes, I can see all kinds of changes I need to make.
I agree, Grace. I just came across this post by Rachelle Gardner which speaks to this process very well :http://www.rachellegardner.com/2013/03/calling-your-manuscript-finished-for-now/