“Revision is just as important as any other part of writing and must be done con amore.”
–Evelyn Waugh
Jane Yolen and I have just received our revision notes from our editor for the new novel Except the Queen. Not too bad — but there is a matter of 15,000 words that need to be edited out to create a more compact manuscript of 110,000 words. And there are the suggestions that some sections must go while others must be built up. And then of course the niggling confusing plot issues that eluded us while we were focused on the BIG picture.
I know it’s good and right to do. I know it has to be done. But I might need a day or two to find the love that Waugh recommends. I tend to think that revision like revenge is a “dish best served cold” — it requires cool, emotional detachment to murder the darlings and precious phrases that once seemed so admirable.
*art is “Fairies Among the Mushrooms” by Thomas Heatherley
I’m so glad I found your blog! JOMA and Endicott Studio are a major source of scholarly sources and inspiration for my college students. I teach a course centered on fairy tales at Indiana University South Bend. Your work often finds its way into their papers (properly used and accredited, MLA style!).
I will be linking to this blog. My students will love it! The course blog, Diamonds and Toads is a big part of the course I teach, but, happily, it is visited by many non-students as well.
Hi Kate! Welcome, welcome. I am delighted that your students continue to find JOMA a useful resource. You should also stop by Terri’s wonderful Studio blog — it’s a rich place with all her art, her essays, and her reflections on all things myth and fairy tale. You can find the link in the right sidebar.
And yes, I will make regular visits to the course blog! Thanks for the invite.
Just wanted to say I’ve been reading your blog for some time and it is a source of constant delight!
Thanks Ally! Always great to hear from visitors.
It’s always hard to switch from writer mode to editor mode instantly, isn’t it? 🙂
What’s doing a collaboration like? I absolutely adore Jane Yolen’s work.
Love your blog!