Question

Any tips for revisions? I've been working on revising a novel for 6 months now, and I'm stuck on the first few chapters. I keep getting all perfectionist and rewriting the same things over and over.

Answer 1

Honestly, I'd say you have to step back from your novel. I know when editing my own work I have a hard time being honest about whats good and whats not, find somebody else to read it for you. They don't have to do hardcore editing, just bring up a few points that you'd like them to take a look at.

Answer 2

i would say to ask a couple people to read it and tell you things they like about it and things they think should be fixed.

Answer 3

Reading outloud or acting it out really helps me. The people that live above me must think I'm insane, but it helps.

Answer 4

I like to take a chapter and highlight a certain aspect a certain color; then, highlight all the setting or scenery in green. After that I make the document smaller and see where my weak and strong spots are in the chapter. It helps me balance out my writing.

Answer 5

DakotaRB - I use yWriter, so it automatically highlights character names, settings and stuff. But thanks
Kate117 - I try to do that whenever the house is empty.
rsmith and bkirk1 - I've had a friend read it, but she's so enthralled with the concept she hasn't been able to criticize. I suppose taking a step back and reading it with fresh eyes in a month or so might be my best option.

Answer 6

i found these questions... hope they help...

1.) Why did you choose this particular protagonist? (What’s so special that it HAD to be this person for this story?)
2.) What is the protagonist doing right now? (Enter the story as late as possible, as Kurt Vonnegut said. Don’t start with the back story, you’ll filter that in later.)
3.) What external stressor is applied to the protagonist? (What outside force changes everything for the protagonist?)
4.) What is the protagonists goal? (You must be clear on this. Honest.)
5.) What are the obstacles along the way? (Some structures say there should be 3. Remember, things must get worse after every obstacle.)
6.) What qualities of the protagonists help or hinder him/her to overcome these obstacles (Your protagonist must operate at the best of their abilities, or the reader will call them idiot and bail. Are the obstacles truly hard enough to show your character’s best?)
7.) How will the protagonist change over the course of the story? (That is, after all, the story.)
8.) What are you trying to say? Why are you writing this particular story?
9.) What sacrifice levels the playing field? Remember, this journey is hard and the protagonist must demonstrate she/he is worthy to win. (Remember to show the protagonist’s reaction to the sacrifice. This is the moment of black despair– drag it out for all it is worth. Bigger the disaster, the longer you can extend it.)

they are usually to be answered befor writing the novel... but i think after is also helpfull...