The other night I sat down with a WIP I’ve been working on for over a year. I’d talked to my agent about possible changes I should consider, one of them being the pacing at the beginning. I decided to try writing a new opening scene, one I’d been thinking about for a while. An hour later, my new opening scene made me realize I didn’t need several of the scenes that came after it. I started hacking. Four hours later, I’d cut out twenty pages. Twenty! It was liberating.
When I went back to look at the manuscript yesterday, I was afraid the changes I’d made wouldn’t work as well as I’d thought. But as I read, I couldn’t help smiling. It wasn’t perfect but it was a lot better than what I’d had. The main character came through much more strongly from the beginning, and things were happening at a much faster pace. I felt like I was finally on the right track with this WIP.
Then I remembered that I’ve had this feeling before. It’s called revision euphoria. You revise and revise, thinking you’ve finally struck gold! Then a beta reader looks at it and says, “I think I liked the old version better.” Yes, it happens and it’s disappointing. But I’ve also had my beta readers say, “This is great! It’s so much better than the last draft!” So I guess you never really know what you have until it’s finished. Until then, I guess all you can do is enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling.
How are you all doing with your WIPs? Anyone else glowing with revision-induced euphoria?
- Categories: WIP, Writing Rants
I love that warm fuzzy feeling! Hang on to it for as long as you can!
When I switched my ms from 3rd person to first person I experienced euphoria, because everything I was trying to do with the voice was so much easier in first. Hold on to those revision moments! I’m glad you like your beginning now!
Sherrie, isn’t it the best? I plan on clinging to it for as long as I can!
Laura, I’ve been doing the same thing with another WIP, switching from third to first, and it’s also been giving me some euphoric moments. Isn’t it great when you can see changes like that making the work stronger?
Your post made me laugh, because that’s what I experience with my rewrites, too–I think they’re fabulous, then…. well, maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. It’s frustrating. But I like your advice of just basking in the rewrite glow while it lasts.
I wish I was feeling the revision euphoria! Instead I’m feeling the revision blues. Congrats on your progress!
I saw revision and euphoria together in the title and had to read the post! Congrats on finding yours. If you see mine, can you send it my way, lol? Have a great weekend!
MG, I guess the doubt that creeps in is all part of the process. I’ve been feeling it a bit today, actually, but I’m trying to hold on to the positive feeling for a while longer!
Oh Valerie, I’m sorry to hear you’re in the dumpy stage of revising. It all comes in waves, I think. So even if you’re feeling blue right now, things might turn around very quickly. Good luck!
Angela, I guess those two words don’t often go together do they?
I’ll definitely be sending euphoric karma your way. Happy writing!
Good for you! Revisions go up and down for me. Sometimes, they take too much brain power, but when they work – magic.
Maybe something is wrong with me, but I LOVE revising — it’s writing the draft that I hate.
But yes, I’ve had this feeling before. There’s nothing like taking something apart and putting it back together again with fabulous results.
Terry, I know exactly what you mean about brain power. Sometimes revising feels like pulling teeth and other times it almost seems to happen by itself. I’m having one of those tooth-pulling days today.
Karen, I generally like revising too, but I usually don’t know how to feel about the changes I’ve made until I’m done. That’s why it was so exciting to feel like I was actually going in the right direction this time.
I get that revision euphoria, too. I wish it would last longer, though.
Anna–I am totally high on my revision euphoria right now. On my runs, it takes me about four miles to get into my runner’s high. It has taken me four months to get into the revision euphoria –sounds about right. Yay. I hope it doesn’t suck.
You’re doing great! I LOVE cutting words! But even more I love when I’m writing somethign new and the words are flowing. I’m 11K into a new WIP and loving it!
Andrea, maybe we can find a way to bottle revision euphoria. Writers everywhere would be clamoring for it!
Heather, I wonder what it is about the number four? I’m glad you found the magic number (and I’m sure it doesn’t suck).
Thanks, PJ! Cutting words is so much fun, isn’t it? It’s so satisfying. Sounds like you’re doing great with your new WIP – good luck with it!
What a great name Revision Euphoria! I have felt that a few times and it’s great. Mostly I find revision satisfying especially when I see things I thought were pretty good become even better.
I love to cut. But right now I’m in the drafting stage, not the revision stage. I like revision better. Yeah, there is a certain euphoria about it.
Catherine, that’s my favorite part of revising, seeing how much better the story is becoming. It makes all those long hours worth it!
Marcia, I love cutting too. It feels like you’re getting things done. Good luck with the drafting stage!