So I've finally finished my YA paranormal romance that I started in January. *Exhales a big sigh of relief.* It got me to thinking about the way writers take on a project. Do you revise/edit as you go, or write in one big gulp never stopping to look back until you reach the finish line?
I've heard it's good to just write it out, and get all of your ideas out on paper, and then revise/edit after. Unfortunately, my brain doesn't function that way. I definitely have to revise and edit as I go. For one, it helps me get to know my own story and characters that I've grown to love--that much more. And don't think me strange..okay maybe just a little strange, but I love to edit! Weird, probably, yeah, but to me it's like a mental holiday. The words and ideas are already on paper...or computer screen-whichever, so it's like shining that stone till it gleams (hopefully).
I know one of my critique partners like to smash it out and write the whole book first and she rocks at it. So it can totally be done both ways.
What's your style? Do you like to revise as you go chapter by chapter? Or write the whole novel without looking back until you've reached...The End?
Congratulations on finishing your novel! I don't allow myself to revise until I'm finished with the first draft. But, to make it easier on myself, I write an outline before starting, it's loose and I allow myself to deviate, but it still helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I don't know how you stop yourself, LOL. I would get way too antsy. :P
ReplyDeleteYes, congrats…
ReplyDeleteI write me first daft before going back for any revisions. Now, I do try and write it the best I can, but I don’t look back—I just write.
The revising stage sucks big time.