First of all, I just stumbled on this yesterday because I’m a little behind on my blog reading, but…if you haven’t signed up yet, the Pay it Forward blogfest is tomorrow. The idea is simple but a great way to meet new people and read new stuff ^_^
I am almost done with my attempt to grow my novel by 20k words. I have to say…I’m up by about 5k. Yup. Still a little short. I have three chapters left, and I feel like there should be more than that, but I don’t feel like there should be 15k words more.
So, while my amazingly kind friends read this revision, I’m going to do something I’ve never done before with a rewrite. I know, a lot of you already know this trick, and I’ve always looked at it and scoffed at it, and yesterday I finally recognized the value in it.
I’m going to print it out and read it and mark it up on paper.
Weird, right? Totally retro and not-hip.
Because I realized when I have it up on the computer, it’s too easy to make changes as I go, and then I get caught up in the revisions instead of in the reading.
Now I just have to figure out if it’s cheaper to buy a new ink cartidge for my laser printer or replace it. The poor thing still runs, but it’s all…wired and stuff…and, well…it might be cheaper to just replace it.
This is why our landfills are filled with horrid things like electronics. But that’s a rant for another day.
Do you ever print your work out to revise?
Constantly. It is the only way I revise. The words look different on the printed page, and I’m not distracted by the evil Internet.
Yep, that’s my first slash-and-burn revise. It’s amazing the things you notice in print. Use a red pen. 🙂
Ya know, I actually do print stuff out sometimes. It really does help. There’s just something about seeing it on paper that helps your brain catch things it wouldn’t have otherwise. Best of luck!
Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Always. My first round and last round of revisions are always on paper. And don’t use recycled paper either. Use the blank side of the page before to write notes on if you run out of room in the test.
Umm, text, I meant….
my stupid comp just lost this comment- here I try again….
I always print out to revise – otherwise I don’t know if its better, worse of just different. I also like physically cutting and pasting bits and shuffling them around – re-sticking when I get it right. I guarantee you it’ll help!
Good luck
Laura x