Courtesy of the lovely writers of Paper Hangover. Every Friday they post a blog prompt, and have you list five things related to writing. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with them!
What five things do you need when you revise?
1. A clear head – I need a lot of distance before I revise. If I don’t get enough space and a clear head before I start, I’m not able to make the harsh cuts that are necessary to the process. This is the same for when I’m editing other people’s work. If I don’t have time to step away from the emotions that come with reading the final page I can’t be an effective editor.
2. A good critique partner – I am a horrible self-critic. I simultaneously love and hate everything I write, and this can be a problem. Sometimes I need some trusted outside perspective in order to get through my manuscript.
3. Colored markers – My kingdom for colored markers! I color code everything. Whether I’m reading my own manuscript or someone else’s you can be sure you’ll get it back in Technicolor. Happy comments go in bright greens or pinks or blues, and bad comments usually get red, orange, or the duller colors. Colors help me visualize the amount that needs to be changed and keep my thoughts organized.
4. Chocolate, preferably in oreo form -Self explanatory.
5. The will power - editing is the least fun part of writing. There's not as much invention or creation involved, and so sometimes I have to work up the will power to just sit down and DO it.
What are the five things YOU need to revise?
5. The will power - editing is the least fun part of writing. There's not as much invention or creation involved, and so sometimes I have to work up the will power to just sit down and DO it.
What are the five things YOU need to revise?
1. Caffeine -- the most important ingredient!
ReplyDelete2. Stretchy pants. Pyjama pants, preferably!
3. iTunes.
4. A clear head - for exactly the reasons you mentioned.
5. Post-it notes. Because everything has to be stuck on the wall before it makes sense!
Jen - oh the wonders of post it notes! I used to be obsessed with post it's. I would draw cartoons and things on them all the time.
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Brit!
ReplyDeleteHolly - another Friday Fives participant - loves the colored pens / post-it notes as well and this made her list! And I'd have to agree...keeping things color-coded is such a great way to stay organized - and well, who doesn't love colored pens? :)
I'm glad someone else is in on the coloured-marker craze! I'm a big fan ;)
ReplyDelete