Staying the Course
I’m at an unusual phase of my writing at the moment. I have 80 pages written of a new book and two other completed historical romances in various phases of revision. I have 220 pages out of 378 revised on Wedded to the Enemy and 24 out of 363 pages reviseed on My Wild Irish Rogue. The books are done, but I wouldn’t send anything beyond a proposal at this point. After my rounds of revisions with His Chosen Bride, I found a ton of things in my older (and newer) books that needed fixing.
Revisions are such a necessity for me. I am very good about finishing my rough draft in a timely manner, but the revisions just about kill me. I don’t know whether it’s lack of experience and whether I’ll be able to catch my fatal plot errors in the future, but once I’ve finished a book, I have to practically gut it to make it publishable. 
I’m having to cut 50+ pages out of my latest work. :loser:
I’ve finished four children’s middle grade novels and three historical romances. I ought to have my “process” figured out by now, wouldn’t you think? Why, oh why, do I have to make things so complicated?
I knew when I finished WTTE that there were some problems, but I didn’t know what they were. I decided I’d figure it out after the book was finished. And sure enough, I did. I left out the FREAKING ROMANCE. Geez. 
If I can just make it to page 300 without setting the book on fire in a blaze of glory :angry:, that will be good.
On the bright side, the pages I have revised are much, much stronger. I like the way the emotional parts are coming through. When I’m through with it, it will be publishable. It’s just a matter of knuckling down and forcing myself to cut the scenes that don’t belong and adding the ones I’m missing. 
In other news, I am enjoying the Christmas shows. Some of my favorites are “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (which was on last night), and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
My son is enjoying Christmas carols. One of his new favorites is Dominick the Donkey. He went around the house singing, “Don’t Lick the Donkey.” 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 8:08 am | Viewed 913 times
kacey Says:
Yes!!! Rudolph was on last night!!! Wasn’t it GREAT??? I can sing all the songs… :headspin:
Kelly Says:
I find I’m still revising my revision process, trying to find the quickest most effective way to do it. I find the First Draft in 30 Days has helped in getting a solid outline done where you can see scene by scene if the story works and comes together. Which is really helpful for us plotters, but if you’re a pantster I’m not sure it would work as well.
Melissa Says:
I absolutely adore old Christmas shows - and of course, Charlie Brown and Snoopy continue to be my faves. We also love Rudolph with Yukon Cornelius and the Abomindable Snowman!!!
As far as your process goes…I know exactly what you’re talking about. My finished novel had to be pretty much gutted to. But on the one I’m working on now, I have my GMC’s (which I didn’t on the first one), the major plot twists and turns, the Black Moment, etc. It has helped tremendously. I feel like I’m on track and not just blindly writing.
I love to revise, though. For me, the toughest is to put new words on the page.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
I’m still refining my revising methods too
Stacy Says:
I’m still working on my revising process too.
I love, love, LOVE, Christmas shows. All the old claymation ones I am thrilled now to share with my kids (so I no longer have to watch them by myself in secret:popcorn:. My favorite is White Christmas but I must see the Grinch and both Miracle on 34th Street too. Both have totally different things I like about them.
Steph T. Says:
I’m finding that life as a pantser lends itself to revising a lot. But at least I’m really beginning to understand the revising process and seeing how much stronger it can make my work. That makes it all worth it when I’m thinking about tearing my hair out!
Amy K. Says:
Still learning my process too. And revising a LOT.
Danica Says:
I need to figure out the revising process. I have four books needing revisions, and I just have no clue what to do. UGH. Someone rub me with lucky revision vibes, will ya?
Melissa Mc Says:
I still don’t have the process down. I don’t think I ever will! But I’ve come to terms with it. You will too. Good luck with all the revisions and just come to expect and love them. It’ll make it easier:lol:
StDebb Says:
>
This is excellent advice.
Debbie
Mary Says:
Writing is a tough process. I struggle all the time.
Olga Says:
Michelle, you are not alone. I have to better my revising technique, too. Sometimes I edit and edit it, and then still find something to edit!
jaq Says:
I’d like to work on my ‘first draft’ method.
I love revising and do too much of it as I write the first draft. I don’t mind doing some, but I wish I could just leave well enough alone and push forward, then come back and work the revisions once the draft is done.