How I learned to stop worrying and love revisions

IfNotNow · Aug 4, 2009

My WIP revisions surprised me last night.

I'd stalled trying to figure out one viewpoint character's motivation for a key turning point.

So I decided to do some free writing and out it popped: the perfect motivation, not just for that scene, but for a whole mini-arc I'd thought I might cut because I couldn't get the right elements in place.

I had no clue about this motivation until it flew out the end of my pen.

The subconscious is an amazing thing

So I thought I'd ask, in revisions, how has your WIP surprised you?

Mumut · Aug 4, 2009

I find my work can go in a wy I'm not expecting. I find my subconscious works overtime, at times. I wake up in the night with so many ideas. I asked my wife if I could take a secretary to bed - to take notes, of course. She bought me a writing pad and pen.

nitaworm · Aug 4, 2009

During revisions (after spending some time away from my work) my WIP surprises me because when I go back and re-read I can't believe I wrote some characters with such depth. Also, sometimes I realized that I didn't follow my outline, but what I did worked for the story -- like the characters took over or something.

Then I realized, overtime, that I have learned from some of my mistakes in earlier writing. That I actually am improving my craft.

Lastly, I realize that -- wow, I still like what I wrote.

How I learned to stop worrying and love revisions

IfNotNow

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

nitaworm

AW Addict