Why Revisions are Harder than Sawing off your leg with a Butter Knife
I’m stealing Larissa’s butter knife analogy.
Last night I tried to immerse myself in the book, to really make sure each scene counted, that each bit of dialogue sparkled. After about two hours of work, I had revised exactly . . . a page and a half. Kinda makes you want to go saw off your leg with a butter knife.
Why is it revisions are so much harder than writing new pages? On a good day, I can write 12-15 pages in two hours. But when I have to analyze every sentence, every character thought, every verb, it’s excruciatingly slow. I found a scene that, while it was well-written, it served no purpose in the book. It had the OPPORTUNITY to be useful, but there wasn’t enough there. I had to decide–do I cut the scene out, or do I add what’s needed to make it advance the plot? 
I made a printable (you print out a few chapters in landscape formatting, single spaced, and make it appear like a real book), which always helps me to see the bigger picture. But the more I get into these revisions, the more I see how much work there is to be done.
There is a bright side to this. It means that I’ve come a long way in my writing. I knew, when I wrote that book, that there were some serious flaws, but I didn’t have the skills to fix them. I also couldn’t quite tell what the problems were.
Makes me kind of wonder what flaws I’ll see in my recent books. :confused2:
In any case, this is one of those days when I remember why it’s so tough to be an author. In order to make it in this business, you have to be willing to find the right words, edit the wrong ones, and do whatever it takes to make the story real. ‘Scuse me while I go find a machete to hack away at some more chapters…
Which is harder for you? Revisions or new pages?:typing:
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:02 am | Viewed 1401 times
Suzanne Says:
I think new pages are harder, but revisions are hard, too! I just like having something to work with, so I feel less pressure with revisions. Something is already THERE. I can fix it.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Larissa Says:
Hmm. I think I’m with Bonnie on this. There are a lot of factors to consider. Generally, I HATE revising. Just hand over that butter knife. But if a story is giving me trouble, new pages can be hell, too.
Tough call. Depends on the story and the extent of the revisions. Either way, dull up that butter knife!
kacey Says:
Usually which ever I’m working on right now is harder …
Though my favorite is those rare flow days, when the words just seem to pour off my fingers. How come those days only happen once in a blue moon???
Sharon Says:
Revisions yay!!
I LOVE revisions 
:hello2::hello2:
Ok so Im in a sarcastic mood today.
Melissa Says:
I would rather revise. I know that’s weird, but that’s where I really get into the nitty-gritty of writing. It’s harder for me to get fresh ideas out on the page and it takes me awhile to just tell myself to write and worry about the revising later.:typing:
Rene Says:
Umm…I don’t mind doing revisions because I don’t do much. My internal editor is so strong, my first draft it pretty much it. I usually end up re-writing the first 10-15 pages, but beyond that, my revisions are mainly tightening the language and making sure my continuity is correct. So I guess writing new stuff is harder.
Amy K. Says:
*peeking out from revision hell*
Today I vote for revisions.
Crystal* Says:
Revisions. No doubt. It comes so much easier to me the first time around. It’s that second and third time around which leaves me grinding my teeth and kicking furniture.
And if I do get stuck on my manuscript, I’ll pull out another one. heh
Grins*
Jill Says:
Which ever one I’m not currently doing.
kacey Says:
oh my gosh, for a minute I thought we were going to have to
or 
Sharon when she said she LOVED revisions!! Then I saw she was being sarcastic. Thank goodness! I like Sharon…I didn’t want to have to change that… 
Olga Says:
I find the revisions harder, too. The new pages flow easier for me, and maybe there’s that feeling that I have more of leeway for a mistake?