OnlineBookClub.org

I've been working on my first book for a bit now. When I started, I wrote the first draft in one big spurt, energized and excited. Now that it is time to revise, I have no desire to do so. Part of me is very pleased with the first draft and doesn't want to change it. The other part knows that the book needs more work.

How do you get yourself through this part of the process?

Well, to be honest, sometimes you have to be a bit forceful with yourself. I often have to push myself to make revisions and review things -- it's certainly not as much fun as the actual writing.

But the objective has to be kept in mind. And let's face it -- being an author is a "job" and you must engage yourself just as you might do with a "day job" -- I've got no idea what your general means is of making a living, but when I was working full time, I had plenty of "chores" in my work as an engineering consultant for big oil. Sometimes, part of your day involves "busywork" and that comes with the territory.

Understand, I'm also speaking to you from experience -- just today I received my complimentary copies of my 2nd mystery novel and I'm feeling so good to hold them in my hot little hands. If I'd given up, I'd not have written those 3 novels, and then painstakingly revised and rewritten them, how would I be able to sell them and sign a very nice 3-book contract?

Take a bit of time first, give yourself a little break. Then put on your "fresh" cap and start reading thru the book. It's very likely that places which you now think don't need revision may indeed not need it. Some places will. It's unlikely that you've written a perfect book first try. If so, you'll be the first author in history who didn't see the need to make a few changes.

Revision is part of the writing process. It's NOT a separate thing -- rewriting and evaluating and revision is integral to the whole procedure. It's one big job. And until it's done, you can't rest for good. But hey, then you'll find a buyer for your book and make some nice sales!

You can use the revision of your first book as the carrot for your next story. Only allow yourself to work on something new if you have edited a chapter of the previous, then keep going back and forth between the two. Another option is have someone read a chapter then discuss it with you. This may lead to ideas that make your story even better. Good luck and try to enjoy the process.

Good advice, KS.

When I'm writing my novels, I always go back a chapter or two to regain the impetus and rhythm of my story. It really helps propel me forward into the new chapters, and of course it helps minimize mistakes, like spelling the name of a new character differently.

For me, revision is an integral part of the writing. It's not a separate thing. Encasing your overall writing to include regular revision and reviewing is a good way to keep yourself focused.

Funny. This is one area I've never had a problem with. I write and rewrite until my co-author sees me going in circles without making any substantial improvements.

What I find easy is revising. What I find difficult is to stop revising and let it go! So even though I don't have a co-author I agree with Pecta.

Thankfully I'm accustomed to writing on deadline from the days when I wrote for a daily so I find it all right for me to push things.

If you're still having troubles with revising, my suggestion is to go to your fave chapter or fave section of the book, and re-read this over again, and see where you might improve it. That may get you into the mood for revising and rewriting.

But hey, rewriting is PART of the job as an author. It's concomitant with the whole setup.