I recently attended a lecture on revisions given by New York Times bestselling author Emily Colin, hosted by Authors Publish. During the lecture, she talked about revisions falling into two categories, which she called macro and micro revisions. I liked this approach more than most other systems I’ve heard about from other authors.
I’m going to tell you a little bit about it, mostly to keep it fresh in my mind, and also to have a post I can return to whenever I need to revise a book.
A macro revision looks at broad strokes. After writing the first draft, read the story. There are several things to look for in a macro revision, so it may take reading the story several times. Look at the pacing. Does the story lag in places? Any way to punch up that scene(s)? Overall, does the story build tension? Any place to add some foreshadowing? Does the story need each and every scene?
Is the tone the same throughout? How about the characters? Does each one sound the same throughout? And check it for theme. Does the story say what you wanted it to? Does it hold the theme throughout? Do all the main characters struggle with the theme?
Is the timeline right?
Next look at the beginning. Are you starting in the right place? So many times we think we’ve started with the right scene, but we either need to go back a little to give more information or more likely, start later, where the action starts. (I usually have to back up a bit–I’m good about jumping in with both feet!) Look closely at the beginning to make certain your character is doing something interesting and we are plunged into the story from the first sentence.
A macro revision also has to do with the structure of your story, so it should be done before starting on micro revisions. During a macro revision, things may need to be moved around, areas restructured (or even the entire thing). Sometimes making an outline of the novel at this point can help see the overall picture. (I plot out my storylines, so usually I don’t have to make BIG changes.) Still, I have to make certain the story says what I want it to say.
After completing macro revisions, start on micro revisions. Micro revisions are taken line by line. Look at each word. Punch up verbs. Is the same word used too often? What about the character’s emotions? Are they appropriate–not too over the top or too subdued?
Break the story into chapters if it’s not already. (I have to go back and re-work where my chapters start and stop.) Does each chapter end on a hook? Does each scene end with some sort of tension or introduce a question so the reader will keep reading? Is there showing rather than telling?
Wow–That’s a long list! And that’s only part of what she covered in the lecture. No wonder it’s been said all writing is rewriting. I’m working on a revision to a novel right now. It’s been frustrating trying to get it just right, but I think I’m narrowing in on the problem. Many thanks to Emily Colin and Authors Publish for a fantastic lecture.
Emily Colin’s website: http://emilycolin.com
Authors Publish website: http://authorspublish.com
Recent Comments