Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Revision Cave: Deep or Dainty?

 

I’m holed up in revision cave, per feedback aimed to make my WIP better.

Revision cave is a dark place, with a light shining from a distant opening. Every day, I crawl a few steps further and the light gets a wee bit larger.

 

This revision is a tricky one. On the surface, the suggestions are minor. The plot doesn’t change, the characters stay, and the theme is as in the original.

 

But here’s the kicker: as I change one pivotal aspect, in this case— the physical setting, all of a sudden every little detail needs tending and amending.

 

So as the light streaming from the cave’s opening illuminates more, the need for changes isn’t lessened, but grows.

 

What began as a less than deep overhaul, has now earned three “D”s : Deep, Detailed, and razor- cut Dainty.

 


Doing my best not to drown over here.

7 comments:

Evelyn said...

So sorry it's become such a stressful undertaking. I'm wishing you the best on it. ((Hugs))

Mirka Breen said...

Thank you for the support, Evelyn. Oddly, I enjoy the focusing aspect but can only manage it in small portions.
Revising is very different from first drafting. It's less about listening to the muse as she blows wind from behind to propel the walk forward, and more about focusing on pebbles. Take your eyes off for a second, and you miss some. ;)

Vijaya said...

I'm right there with you, Mirka. I love revisions because I can see the story deepening. But how I wish it didn't take so long. I hope we can both say "Done!" in a few weeks.

Janie Junebug said...

Best wishes. I hope it turns out beautifully.

Love,
Janie

Kelly Hashway said...

Revision is where the magic happens. It’s my favorite part.

MirkaK said...

Know that you are not alone in revision land. There are writers everywhere keeping you company. Revision is painstaking but the results can be satisfying. Stay strong!

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Revisions are always full of surprises, aren't they! But you have such a lovely way with words, at the other end, I'm sure it will be a masterpiece. Look forward to the day . . .