REwriting Vs. REvisions

You're a writer. You have an idea. Then another. Before you know it, you have too many ideas to keep track of. So you need to outline or write a mini-synopsis or even splatter your thoughts on index cards.

Then comes scenes which breed chapters and complete Act I, II, and then II. You're at the Climax or Black Moment *wink, Stina* Then the wrap-up, until finally you write the two most precious words: THE END.

When I finished my first manuscript (which is technically my second, I just can't think of my first ms attempt as anything but yuck...) I was elated. Awe is probably a better way to put it. I really did it. From start to finish. I had characters, a plot, sub-plots, and scenes that moved a real story forward. There were even people that read it and were impressed. I remember thinking, "Geez...really??"

Then I met other writers, ones more experienced than me. They read. They critiqued. They guided me to the knowledge that writing the script was ONLY step one. Now I was like, "Geez...really??" But down deep, I knew I wasn't finished yet.

So I took all their advice, edits, and suggestions and did what every serious novelist does--I started to revise.

According to Dictionary.com, a REVISION is: a corrected or new version of a book, article, etc... So during revisions of a manuscript, the writer corrects errors in grammar, syntax, mood, voice and so on. He/she also might discover inconsistencies within the story which need fixing. Writing another paragraph or tightening up some prose can sometimes fix those aliments. What's most important to note here is that the story or theme remains the same. Basically, revising takes what you've already created and makes it shine and sparkle to the point where it's irresistible to an agent, editor, or publisher. 


Now rewriting is a bit different. REWRITING (same source) is: to write in a different manner or form. One will find revising within rewriting but not the opposite. If you REwrite, you REwrite and change/alter a part of the story. Rewriting can be as dramatic as completely axing a manuscript or article and starting over or cutting out parts and re-creating those. Character development (including backstory, emotional gauges, physical appears and basic arc), main plot, and sub-plots can all be recreated, which can alter the original idea of the story itself creating a totally new tale.

During the ROW80, I've been REwriting my YA manuscript. After wonderful advice and interest--and two months waffling about what I should do--I decided to weave in another plotline, giving depth and adding mystery to the tale. It's also given me a deeper insight into my characters, which is making me a better character arc writer.

I completely REwrote the first four chapters--every word, altering some backstory which changed my MCs perception of her life at the beginning of the story and in turn is changing her character arc throughout Act I, II, & surely will in Act III. Then slowly and methodically, I've REvised scenes that still worked in moving the story forward, while REwriting others, intensifying action and mystery as well as my characters inner growth. Then there are scenes I've been writing brand-spanking new. Can you see how I'm applying these two terms?

Since last Tuesday, I've REvised or REwritten 8 chapters for an approximate total of 18,500 words. I'm excited, because I should be entering Act III by next week.

Please visit these other lovely ladies who are joining me in all this REvision and REwriting.

Susan's PROGRESS
Margo's PROGRESS
C.Lee's PROGRESS

AND I've highlighted a new YA book over on Oasis for YA!!

Can you answer my question. Can you see how I'm applying the differences between REvising and REwriting? Have you done the same?

Don't forget to enter my Signed MG book giveaway!!