Fix-It Friday
September 4, 2009
As summer winds down, I bring you the last of this round of Fix-It Friday revision tips, courtesy of Kelly Parra, author of Graffiti Girl and Invisible Touch.
Revisions, revisions, translates to me as layers, layers.
I have never been able to focus on several elements of storytelling at once. So as I write my draft I’ll put down my first layer, which is usually action and some personality. Then I’ll add the second layer, description and setting. Then I’ll add a nice coat of tightening and emotion.
Same with revisions… If I feel something is missing, it will of course be another layer. I may scrape down a layer or two already written and reshape the layer once I get to know the character better and get a handle on her voice. Writing a new book is always about finding your voice. Once you get comfortable with that voice and know it inside and out, the revision comes a lot easier. Because your characters are suddenly your best friends and you just know what they’ll say and do. Just. Like. That.
So what did we learn today? Revision comes in layers, and there may be a hundred caked on before you’re through, and then once you know your voice, layers–er, I mean–revision comes a lot easier.
Mmm, layers…. Reminds me of cake. And this:
But I digress. Thinking of revisions as adding layers makes so much sense! Thanks, Kelly, for sharing this great tip! Drop by any time and I’ll share some cake with you in return. 
Entry Filed under: Revising, Revisions, Writing, YA fiction, authors, fiction, youtube. .
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1.
Kristin | September 4, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Wow, that sounds like a lot of work. I don’t think I can separate the different aspects of my writing like that. It’s certainly an interesting technique though. Never heard of anyone approaching writing or revisions in quite that way before.
2.
Shari | September 4, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I for sure don’t do my first draft in layers, but I’ve done a bit of revising that way before — going through the ms once with only character development in mind, then again for setting, etc. — and it seemed to work well, for that ms at least.
3.
Kelly Parra | September 4, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hi Kristin and Shari, I didn’t intentionally set out to write in layers, but that’s how it turned out! haha.
Everyone settles into their own habits and techniques that is comfortable for them. But if you think about it, most writers write in layers. You put down your first draft, then you go back and layer in more, whatever element that may be.
Thanks again for having me on your blog, Shari!
4.
Shari | September 5, 2009 at 9:06 am
I’ve definitely done a lot of layering with the ms I’m working on now. Much of the first layer is completely gone, lol, but I think there’s probably more to be done. (Does it ever end? haha)
5.
vade55 | September 17, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for the tip! I’m revising my first novel, and the layering approach may be what I need to keep from being overwhelmed.
Carol
6.
Shari | September 17, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Good luck, Carol! For sure, breaking the revision process into manageable chunks (whether that’s layers or whatever) makes it less overwhelming. It’s still lots of work, but it’s worth it — seeing your story emerge stronger is a fantastic feeling!