Revision 101

I've mentioned before that I have a young adult novel, His Boy Elroy, coming out in the fall.  The latest news is that the marketing staff at Holt wants to change the title to The Second Base Club.  I must admit I have a little twinge of sadness to lose my title, but their argument is that today's teen won't relate to the reference to a 60s cartoon.  I agree with them...The Second Base Club it is.

I few days ago I received the layout of the novel, and as I read through the pages, I'm not only seeing various little typos that need to be changed, but there are also a few areas where I feel like I'm holding back, areas that might need a bigger tweak to pack the necessary emotional punch.  I'm going to experiment with writing freehand, which is not my usual way.  Maybe this will force me to dig deeper.  We'll see.

So here's my question.  Do you write directly into your computer, or do you write with a pen or pencil first?  Serious revisers want to know...Greg

 

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written by a guest , April 29, 2010

I like to write on paper in one of those nifty black composition books. I type really fast, so writing longhand forces me to slow down and think things through a bit as I go. I get into a rythm when things are clicking, and it comes out well without as much need for revision later. (But what do I know? It's not as if I have ever published anything).

Diana S.
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written by a guest , January 25, 2010

Both. I start with pen and paper, sitting in a restaurant far away from my home. Then I trot back and transfer my scratchings onto the computer and write more.

Gwen
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written by a guest , January 24, 2010

I usually write on the computer, with freehand notes. However, the other day I wrote a few pages freehand because I was out of the house w/o my laptop. It worked & I'll try it again.

Good luck with your revisions!
Stephanie Ruble (sruble)
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written by gtrine , January 23, 2010

I'm a key directly into the computer type of guy, although I'm going to try the pen and paper version in key areas, where I feel I'm holding back. Generally, I tend to revise directly on the screen...the key for me is am I willing to cut ruthlessly? And I don't feel I need a paper version to do that.

Greg
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written by a guest , January 23, 2010

Good question, Greg. (And nice blog~congrats!) I start off in pen, move onto the computer and then I toggle back and forth between on-screen editing and print proofreading. Sitting w/ paper and jotting notes down feels more liberating. Thanks for asking!

~Edna
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written by a guest , January 22, 2010

I usually begin with pen to paper. Then when my ideas really start flowing, I switch to the computer. But I find something very satifying in composing long-hand. It slows down my thoughts a bit and makes me breathe and think, "What next?"
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written by a guest , January 22, 2010

I mix and match. I do some revision pen on paper, but other times I do it right on the screen. I definitely sit with the manuscript itself when thinking big picture stuff, rather than doing that while sitting at the desk.

The Other Greg
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written by a guest , January 22, 2010

Computer.
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“Greg Trine is a truly inspirational writer and speaker. When he visited my class, he captivated my students with stories of his challenges and successes as a writer, inspiring them with lessons of perseverance and encouragement. The activities he worked on with them showed how they could embody traits of character just as noble and just as funny as Melvin Beederman's. He was very entertaining, and the evil laugh contest was a hoot!”

Kristin R. Gellinck
Fourth Grade Teacher, Rancho Vista Elementary School