Finally, I have finished the latest read through of Prophecy(Working title). Now that the story is fresh in my mind, I’m going back to add the little details I know I left out. Armed with notes from myself and from some revisers I’m ready to beef up the story. What a fun thing to be able to do. I spent countless hours slimming up BiaAtlas because that story is a long one, that it’s a totally different experience to have room to embellish.
I re-highlighted my filter words as I explained in Well colour me silly, I was pleased to find most of them are now at an acceptable level thanks to my last revision.
I revise in a step by step process. It’s probably not efficient but it works for me. I focus on one task at a time so I don’t get horribly distracted or miss things I shouldn’t miss. There is a lot to think about when revising and editing. Sometimes it can feel or become overwhelming. Which is why I break it down.
The things I focus on individually are:
- Filter Words
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Chapter Structure
- The little details
I will highlight the filter words for all my read-throughs to see if I can find a better way to structure the sentence without them. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can’t.
Then there are the broader things I do and try to keep in mind on every read through
- Story flow
- Foreshadows
- Major in story foreshadows
- Major or minor sequel foreshadows
- Minor character or side story foreshadows
- Continuity
- Clothing
- Appearance
- Object continuity as mentioned in my post Where did it go?
- Character quirks
- Timeline
- Seasonally appropriate references as mentioned in Tulips in July
- Chapter length and structure (I will get into this in more detail another time.
- Conversation flow
- Is it believable?
- Does it flow?
- Is it engaging or fluff?
- Can it be narrative instead of dialogue?
- Is everyone present? As in did anyone disappear? Like I talked about in Who are you again?
There is a lot to think about and I’m sure I’ve missed a point or two. Regardless I have a process and it works for me.
My advice about all the things to think about while revising
Find a method that works for you and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to try new methods, but don’t ever let anyone dubious or otherwise tell you that your method is wrong.
-Sheryl
Copyright © 2017 All rights reserved
I wrote a book. Now what? 
Writing is a lonely business.
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It can be for some I suppose.
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I’m delighted for you!
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Thank you.
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Truly am, and excited too!
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I can’t imagine the amount of effort it takes to keep a story together with all of these factors considered. Interesting read for someone who has never really thought about the specifics of writing a book!
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Thank you for commenting. It’s far more work than I ever anticipated it being. It’s part of why I’m sharing my experience and what I’ve learned.
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Only way I can contact you is here. My site freezes me out. Must look into that, but dang not great! I’m currently re-editing Blindsided as I write I save to the comp. Made some major changes, woot and very happy with it. Now. lol
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I wasn’t able to access your stories for a long time and now cant find where I left off and there are a few chapters I can’t find. I will get back to it, I promise, as it was a fascinating story. I’m intrigued by these changes. Keep writing and improving what you do. You are a talented woman.
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Thank you, Sheryl, that’s touching to hear, really. Some part of the story is missing due to do. I’ve tried to add, thought I’d added it all back. Still having issues with parts going missing on all I’m adding. Marilyn said some dailies are now missing argh
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