Today I’m back at my desk working through revisions and noticing the difference in pacing. Rough drafts and the first revision take a lot more time. It is more difficult for me to draft something from nothing than it is to polish it, even though I work from a detailed outline. Once I have the outline done beginning to end, I know the story is all there, which gives me confidence. But coming up with each scene and making it work is tough.
I’m revising chapters that already exist, which means I’m not inventing so much as listening to the story, to earlier choices and to feedback I’ve received.
Revision is teaching me that clarity often comes from subtraction, not addition. Many of the changes I’m making involve removing explanations, tightening scenes, or trusting the reader a bit more.
I’m also paying closer attention to transitions. How a scene begins and ends matters a great deal. It keeps the reader engaged and looking forward. Historical detail is another thing I’m checking. It’s important is keep the reader oriented to time, place and perspective. My book involves several different points of view that often change within the chapter.
This is where the work really comes to life and carries more emotional weight.
Current projects
-My historical mystery: revising middle chapters with a focus on clarity and flow.
-Edward Bryant: Planning upcoming short publications and editorial work.
My plan for this week is to continue working carefully, looking up details, letting small improvements accumulate.
Thanks for reading and walking alongside me.
The View From The Imaginarium 