Thoughts on revision

[deborahjross]

One of my newest reading delights is YA author Maggie Stiefvater m_stiefvater. (Hint: if you haven't treated yourself to her work, do so!). She offers thoughtful comments on the process of revision here

I like the way she doesn't buy into those two eternal pestilences: Heinlein's "Do Not Revise" rule and The Never-Ending Polishing cycle.

The thing is, don’t nitpick. Don’t get stuck on line editing. A good editor can see through those things, but a good editor can’t see through wild story problems. And hold onto your manuscript for the right reasons, not just because you’re afraid to send it out. Fear is not a good reason to keep revising.


I like that. Fear is not a good reason to keep revising. Nor is it a good reason to not revise.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

That's really interesting link: thank you.
How are you feeling these days? I hope your breathing issues are better.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Lungs are dandy, working as they should, thank you so much for asking. I rested enough to avoid the dread bronchitis and am reaping the rewards, feeling healthy and strong. The air quality improves drastically in the late spring when people stop burning wood for heat. Even at the worst of times, it's far better than smoggy cities.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

that's excellent: I'm pleased to hear it.