The truth about revisions
The problem with writing a story is that for the author, the story doesn’t occur on the page. It occurs in the author’s head. And the story is always good there. I’ve got some awesome scenes in my mind. I do my best to translate those scenes on the page. When I write a novel, I always think the writing is good because I’m still seeing the scenes in my mind. This is why authors always need to take a break from their manuscripts. The longer, usually the better. After a couple of months, I reread what I’ve written and I can see all sorts of problems that I then fix.
And then I think it’s good . . . until I read it the next time. Apparently the same is true in drawing because this comic says it all.
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Very true! It happens to me all the time. I’m an artist, and I can see how it would happen to an author as well.
Ugh. SOOOOOOO true!
i feel the same way. a few months later and i’m like, people do not talk like that!
Yeah, it sort of makes me afraid to read any of my old books.
Definitely true in art as well as writing.
But I guess it’s a good thing because that means we’re getting better. (Hopefully.)
What is even more frustrating is when the picture you see in your head just lacks the words to explain it!
I’m in the revision process right now on a couple of different projects and know exactly what you mean! =)
Yeah, I think that’s the most frustrating thing about writing–seeing all the colors, action, and nuances of a scene and then not being able to describe them. Makes me wish I was a director instead of a writer.
I think it’s the same for all writers. I wonder if singers and dancers feel the same way.
Sadly, i think this is why we as authors can revise endlessly and never feel like it’s done.
We read My Fair Godmother in our Book Club last month and everyone LOVED it! I’m giving the set to all my nieces for Christmas!
So very true, Janette. That’s why it’s so important to get input on others. If we haven’t succeeded in getting enough of what’s in our head down on paper, they (hopefully) will tell us. lol
Julie, Thanks! I hope your nieces like them.
Donna, you’re exactly right. That’s why Beta readers are so important!
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