How do you revise?

Question

For all the writers out there: do you revise a chapter a day, or more? I have trouble revising a paragraph at a time. I'm getting really fed up with nit picking every sentence. What can I do? Don't say take a break, because I took a 2 month break already, and I need to finish this.

Answer 1

Have you had an objective reader take a look and make constructive suggestions? Maybe what you need is a fresh eye from a reader who has some distance from it.

I have trouble revising, too, but it helps if I've had my critique partners look over the entire piece. If I am so muddled I can't think, at least I have their efforts to work from.

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Answer 2

First, one has to have the right attitude about their writing. Nothing we do is perfect, not the first time we do it and not the hundredth time we do it. We can always improve. Revising is simply improving ones writing. So, the way I always revise is to set my writing aside for a day or two and then go back and read what I have written, out loud! (It has to be done out loud, yes). It is amazing at how many issues come up that I didn't see before. 75% of little errors will be found and can be corrected just by doing this one step.
Second one has to be willing and able to ask questions. Go through and see what sorts of questions can be asked of what you have written. You mentioned this one person, who were they? You mentioned that place, where is that? What was going on in this person's head and what was motivating that person?
Finally, depending on what you are writing (an essay or a story is written differently), go back and add more detail, more information or more evidence. There is always room for more.

Answer 3

I'd assume revising comes after finishing a story. Then again, maybe not. Sometimes, when I'm stuck on a story, I read the whole thing through. Sometimes, a mistake I made, or something I want to change catches my eye. I don't go looking for mistakes or parts that need revising--I let them go looking for me. And if I'm really stuck, I have someone I trust read the story to see if they can see any mistakes I may have made.

Answer 4

read a chapter but not beginning to end but from the end to the start. that way its easier to refer back to events and see if they fit, and what sounds best. this way you can add, change and 'repair' mistakes which you may have not noticed. i tend to drift and totally miss a meaningful message. i find reading the end first to help with this.

Answer 5

I edit as I go. Sometimes my fingers are faster than my brain can keep up. :0)

Answer 6

ok when you are done with the story re-read it and then if you want to change something change it, if you like it how it is just keep it!