Revision Tips Galore

If you missed the Summer Revision Smackdown at the blogs of Holly Cupala and Jolie Stekly, don't fret - here is the lowdown on the fabulous array of revision tips they gathered from the cream of the author and illustrator crop (plus a few publishing experts!):

• Jill S. Alexander, YA Historical Author, on revising to immerse your reader in the mosh of your story
• Molly Blaisdell, Picture Book, Middle Grade, NF, and YA Author, on analyzing your manuscript for revision
• Nathan Bransford, Curtis Brown Agent, on his Revision Checklist
• Janet Lee Carey, Fantasy & Middle Grade Author, on the Dream Mind and the Day Mind
• Bruce Coville, Middle Grade and YA Author, on pruning out overused words and phrases for a tighter manuscript
• Sarah Beth Durst, YA Fantasy Author, on powering through first drafts and revising one aspect at a time
• Tina Ferraro, YA Author, on organizing the revision strategy
• Liz Gallagher, YA Author, on becoming a stranger to your work
• Stacey Goldblatt, YA Author, on revision must-haves (hint: bulletin board, playlist, time to read)
• Lorie Ann Grover, YA Verse Novel and Board Book Author, on giving your book the gift of one day
• Brent Hartinger, YA Author, on setting your work aside and letting the subconsious take a crack at revision problems
• Kjersten Anna Hayes, Illustrator, on brainstorming, parachuting, and embracing the spirit of play
• Justina Chen Headley, YA Author, on being gentle with yourself but hard on your work
• Kelly Holmes, Author and YAnnabe blogger, on creating a plot board
• Carrie Jones, YA & YA Fantasy Author, on steps to revise your Stupid Novel Masterpiece
• Beth Kephart, YA & Adult Author, on reading and rewriting for authenticity
• Kirby Larson, YA Historical Author, on taking walks and letting your mind make unexpected connections
• Realm Lovejoy, Graphic Novel Author/Illustrator, on writing, surfing, and "just do it" mode
• Vivian Mahoney, Writer and HipWriterMama blogger, on breaking your project down into manageable chunks
• Robin Mellom, Writer and Disco Mermaid, on notes for the second draft
• Edward Necarsulmer IV, Children's Director at McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, on how to "wow" him with a submission
• Catherine Onder, Editor at HarperCollins, on keeping your prose immediate and direct
• Darcy Pattison, Picture Book, Middle Grade, and Novel Metamorphosis Author, on making opening pages immediate and active
• Mitali Perkins, YA Author & between-cultures blogger, on BIC and other strageties to get through the very hard first draft to revision
• Paul Schmidt, Illustrator, on striking the balance between perfection and sponteneity
• Joni Sensel, YA and Middle Grade Fantasy Author, on creating tension by adding interruptions and diversions
• Emily Wing Smith, YA Author, on staring down self-doubt
• Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Middle Grade Author, on using Darcy Pattison's shrunken manuscript technique
• Melissa Walker, YA Author, on just saying "no" to too much revision
• Paula Yoo, YA Author, on cutting the final paragraph for a crisper manuscript
  
  

Other cool stuff:



The original SRS winner: Martha Brockenbrough

CocoaStomp by Jaime Temairik

Inspiration from around the kidlitosphere

Jolie's Monday Moments writing prompts

Revision Conversations We Can't Afford to Miss



Hopefully these tips will tide you over until next year's Summer Revision Smackdown. We hope to see you!

The Final Revision Report

What wherplashing ride it's been, friends!

It's our final report. Now, we know that July has been a bit less-focused version of the Summer Revision Smackdown, but that doesn't mean Holly and I have been any less impressed. Heck...she and I both completed our revision projects this month. And, from what you've told us, many of you have, too! (Or met your goals. Or did more this summer than you anticpiated.)

SUCCESS!

So, just because the smackdown is over, doesn't mean you should stop visiting. We would miss you. And here's the good news: Holly and I have loved this so much that we think it MUST happen again. A yearly event. Summer Revision Smackdown will live on and back again in full force June 2010! Smack dat!

Will you put us on your calendar? But don't forget to report in comments first!

SRS Wednesday Whip Tip

How cool of the lovely Mrs. Cupala to bring us yet another wonderful tip. This was from her Secret Agent Man!

Revision Heroics

It's reporting day! Hip...hip! Head over to Holly's and let everyone know how this week has gone for you.

I think I wrote somewhere (at some time) that I finished my revision. I FINISHED MY REVISION. Wheee! And now that I've passed it on to trusted readers, I'm already thinking of other things that I need to do.

But I cracked the whip. I accomplished my goal. And that makes me feel I have super natural whip crackin' power. Oh yeah!

The Strange Supersonic Whip Lash!

How appropriate. And hubby just said, "Hey, that does look like you." But I had to remind him that my tummy will never look that tight again...you know, having our two babies and all. But I do hope I cracked the whip with firm yet angelic care.

There's lots and lots of these cool super heroes out there, courtesy of The Hero Factory. Check out Holly's, I think we make quite a heroic revision team.

SRS: Wednesday Whip Tip: Janet Lee Carey

Jump over to Holly's for a fantastic revision tip from the amazing Janet Lee Carey!

Be More (like) Holly

I'm ready to Be More like Holly: to Be More Chill!

I'm this close to finishing my revision. I have some things to add. Some things to tweak. And I sure would like to nail the ending. Since my hubby was away last night...and I don't like to sleep alone...I slept with my manuscript. I know, I'm a total dork, but I hoped maybe something wonderful would seep in during the night. Perhaps!

But I'm ready to move onto some other things this summer: like a my WIP; playing with the girlies; a family trip; company; and the SCBWI Conference!

So my SRS goals for this week are slightly different. 1) The main goal will be to CHILL (while my critique group peeps read the whole manuscript). 2) And get moving again on my WIP (I miss that kid).

What are your goals this week?

SRS Revision Report

Holly and I are so impressed with the productivity that is happening! Woo-wee! Really, it's impressive during this time of vacations...and family visiting...and (what's that?)...SUNSHINE.

Okay, this whole sunshiny-ness may not be a big deal to some of you (in fact many of you may get it all year long) but for us here in the Northwest, we are having a summer like never before. It's so very lovely. Like, I need my sunglasses on a daily basis. See, typically, summer doesn't start for us until after July 4th and then it's spotty, at best. We so deserve this summer. So for those of you in the PNW...way to go on meeting your writing goals (or producing at all). If you are at all like me, it's been a challenge to not be out under that golden warmth all day long.

But now, it's accountability time! How are you doing with your July goals? Tell us how you did this week. Share it all...the sunny, the cloudy, and even the gloomy reports.

SRS Lash Flash: Sarah Beth Durst

Holly has a treat for you today! Head on over to her blog for a Lash Flash with Sarah Beth Durst!

Thank you, Holly and Sarah Beth!

SRS July Revision Report #1

I know! It's already Friday. How'd that happen? No, really! I want to know.

Time to CHECK IN! Head over to Holly's and tell us how you did this week!

SRS Wednesday Whip Tip: Holly has a Big Round-Up

"You mean there are other writing and illustrating events happening around the kidlitosphere?"

Well, of course...and Holly has a whole, big round-up of goodies at her blog. GO CHECK IT OUT.

SRS Candy Buzz: Cheryl Klein and SCBWI WWA Retreat

Cheryl Klein had a great post on her Brooklyn Arden blog yesterday. Take a read HERE. It seems very appropriate and timely for those of you busy with your July SRS goals.

And speaking of Cheryl Klein, have you ever wanted to attend a small, intimate retreat where she is a featured speaker? We're talking a limited group of writers, in a picturesque setting, with two fantastic editors. Here's the deets:

SCBWI Western Washington invites you to apply for its Fall 2009 Retreat for Writers and Writer-Illustrators of Children’s Books, WEEKEND ON THE WATER, taking place Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2009, at the luxurious Alderboork Resort & Spa, nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal less than two hours west of Seattle.

In an intimate, craft-focused retreat, Cheryl Klein, senior editor with Arthur A. Levine Books at Scholastic, and Ruta Rimas, assistant editor with Balzer + Bray at HarperCollins, will bring their considerable editorial and teaching experience to bear on the challenges of “Going Deeper,” including the interactions between character development, plot development, and theme.

Rockin', huh? Go HERE for full details and to apply!

Plus...you'd get to see me. I'll be the one wearing the hat that says "Retreat Director" or maybe I should just get a mug made with that on it...hmmmm!

And the Whip Goes On...

Ah...look at the purdy new colors for July's SRS (ala Cupala!). Doesn't it make you just want to get crackin'? Oh yes, SRS lives on. Because we all know, if it was tough to get work done in June, July is the hardest month of all (oh yeah, then there's August!).

Let's keep it going. State your July goals HERE. Join the Facebook group. Also, don't miss the series of revision post from June. You can get mine HERE and Holly's HERE.

Now that the Fourth has come and gone, it's time to crack that whip! Wherplash.

Summer Revision Smackdown: THE WHIPLASH AWARD!

The time has come, Smackdowners. This was no easy task, believe Holly and me. We wanted to give an award to every single one of you (stay tuned for that...).

But first, I think we need a theme song to get us in the mood:

One month, one book, one moment...

Are you in the mood now, Smackdowners?? Because we have some whip-lashin' awarding to do!

First, we have the Honorable Mentions:

For her sheer force of revision output, we dub Helen Landalf our first honorable mention. Helen completed a major revision of her YA novel, and with the guidance of her agent, has embarked on her final polish. Yay, Helen!

For revising both writing and illustrating and learning much through the process, we dub Realm Lovejoy our second honorable mention. Realm completed a graphic novel revision, wrote 80 pages of a new WIP, and completed six illustrations. Rock on, Realm!

For balancing illustration revisions with a mentor program, we dub Kjersten Anna Hayes our third honorable mention. Kjersten completed nine illustration spreads as well as the first phase of her mentor project. Woot, Kjersten!

And finally...the name you've been waiting for...our WHIPLASH AWARD recipient, who will be showered with our praise not only for her own considerable writing accomplishments this month (which she humbly did not deem award-worthy), but also for her encouragement to several other Smackdowners (you know who you are!) as well as flying across the planet for a family emergency to save the day....

Martha Brockenbrough! We hereby bestow THE WHIPLASH AWARD!

Congratulations, Martha!!!!!!!!!!!! We won't offer you crackers for dessert...instead, we offer coffee and licorice love, courtesy of Jolie and Holly.

Now, for all of you Smackdowners, we offer a badge of your licorice-lashing honor to commemorate the impressive work you have done here:

Or, if you prefer to put it in your sidebar:

Now give yourselves a big cheer, Smackdowners, and go on over to Holly's blog to sign up for the continuing saga of the Summer Revision Smackdown!!!!!!!!!

SRS Whiplash Award

It's July 1st. Unbelievable. Doesn't it feel like we just started the Smackdown?

What a sweet treat this month has been. Holly and I thank you for cracking the whip with us. You've helped us get farther than we thought we could with our own revisions.

Wherplash!

And whip you did--whipped those manuscripts and illustrations into shape. The licorice has been flying and so have your fingers. They must be the color of Red Vines by now, you've all been working so hard. And we know it's true, because you've been keeping us in the know about your weekly progress.

So now...spill it! Give us the sweetness that is your Revision Report for the entire month of June. Did you meet your original goal? Exceed it? Go on...Toot your horn. Twirl your licorice whip. Smack it down. Tell us how great you did.

Report here at Cuppa Jolie today and tomorrow. And tomorrow, head to Holly's to get the scoop on SRS plans for July. On Friday, Holly and I will announce the reviser who will be taking home the coveted Whiplash Award (don't forget the honor comes with goodies). Personally, I think we are going to have a very difficult job.

SRS YOU TELL US

REALLY! We want YOU to TELL US. Pop over to Holly's. We want to hear from you.

Whip of the Week #5

Truly, you all should be giving yourselves a pat on the back - you've hung in there for four weeks of revision and even liked it! Holly and I have been inspired by your participating and dedication: both of us have made significant progress on our projects, too! Inspiration in numbers has become a theme here at the Summer Revision Smackdown.

And it's not over yet! We still have much to do this week!

Tomorrow, go to Holly's blog for a "You Tell Us" feature. What's YOUR best revision tip?

Then, on Wednesday (after June is officially over!) come to Jolie's blog to make your case for THE WHIPLASH AWARD. Why should you get the hottest award of the summer? Tell us the sordid, fascinating details - we really want to know.

But first things first: honorable mentions for this week's WHIP OF THE WEEK (and trust us, it has become increasingly difficult to choose in this incredible pool of deserving Smackdowners).

Janet Lee Carey, who wrestled with the dreaded synopsis of one novel and wrote the first three chapters of a new novel. Be fearless, Janet! (Note from Holly: being in Janet's critique group, can I just say that I can't wait to hear the new book?!?!)

StinkyLulu, who met two of his three goals: revising PB#1 and making huge progress on a YA novel. Way to rock it, Brian!

-karen ann., who finished her manuscript revision and will be giving it to her critique group today. Right on, Karen!

And...the Week 5 WHIP OF THE WEEK...a force to be reckoned with is...

Realm Lovejoy!

Here's what Realm said about her week:

I am satisfied with the goals I've met this week. I finally caught up to my illustrations and producing at a healthy rate. I work best in the mornings on them. I was able to work on both book illustrations and ones for the blog.

My second novel draft is headed in the right direction and I got to write a bunch on the weekend. I actually changed what my second book will be at the start of June. A lot of my writing went into plans, research, throw away drafts and such, but I feel that I know exactly what I want for the second book and confidant that the first draft will keep growing this summer. I will be using the tips you all shared!

I learned a lot about managing my schedule and knowing what times work best--and how easy it can slip away. The Summer Revision Smackdown helped me get back on track!

Thank you, everyone!

We are proud of every one of you as you near the finish line. So, Smackdowners: what will be your goals for this week and beyond?

SRS Revision Report #4

That's right! Week 4. And we're so excited about how much has been accomplished in theses last four weeks, along with the true show of community and support. It's been a blast.

So much so that we told you earlier that we do have future plans for the smackdown. Stayed tuned to hear about them next week as June comes to an end.

Because...that's right...June is nowhere near over. You still have through Tuesday the 3oth to meet those original SRS goals.

But right now, we want to know how you did in week 4. Tell us...tell us...tell us!!!!

SRS Lash Flash #4: Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Wow. In some ways this month has flown by, but the progress made indicates the time that's been spent. And the tips! Man have they been wonderful--not to mention helpful.

Today, I'm pleased to welcome debut novelist Krisin O'Donnell Tubb for this final Lash Flash of Summer Revision Smackdown. Kristin's book AUTUMN WINIFRED OLIVER DOES THINGS DIFFERENT hit the shelves in 2008, and she recently sold her second novel to Feiwel & Friends. Way to go, Kristin. Make sure you head over to Holly's where she has Mitali Perkins.

When I asked Kristin for her revision tip, she jumped out with this:

Revision!

I might as well have hopped out of the bushes on a dark and stormy night and yelled, “Boo!”, right? That’s how I felt about revising until I took a Novel Revision Workshop with Darcy Pattison (http://www.darcypattison.com/). One of the coolest tricks I learned at that workshop was what Darcy calls the “shrunken manuscript:” shrink your entire manuscript down to single-spaced 8-point font, and remove all page and chapter breaks. This will bring a 100-page manuscript down to roughly 20 pages.

There’s something about working with a shrunken manuscript that makes the revision process seem more manageable. Perhaps it’s easier to kill off your precious words when they’re in 8-point font. Perhaps it’s easier to move a block of text two pages, instead of ten. And for visual learners like myself, it’s much easier to see the arc of your story when you can physically lay out your pages before you on the floor.

Revising is more than word choice and punctuation. It is “re-visioning” your story. And for me, being able to see my entire story in 30ish pages helps me to see if two characters play the same role, or if I’ve bludgeoned a point to death, or if the protagonist acts one way in Chapter 2 and another way in Chapter 10.
I have officially banished my fear of the Revision Ghouls leaping out at me on a dark and stormy night. Now if I could just do something about those First Draft Demons…

Thank you, Kristin!

SRS Wednesday Whip Tip #4

Number 4...really!?! I can't belieive it. I hope this final week is turning into a whip-crackin'-get-it-done week! And, can you believe there are still tips to be had? Truly...amazing tips!

Today, Holly has Tina Ferraro. Don't miss it.

I'm thrilled to welcome Liz Gallagher, author of THE OPPOSITE OF INVISIBLE. Be sure to check out her personal blog as well as Through the TollBooth. And Liz recently joined readergirlz as their Seattle Host/Events Coordinator...too cool!

Welcome, Liz!

Liz offers the following tip:

I'd say my best revision tip is to become a stranger to your work. Which is as difficult as it sounds. But if you can manage to read your work as if you didn't write it, you're likely to spot bumps and bruises while there's still time to heal them.

I find this technique to be best for when I'm at the point where I'm pretty sure the content of what I'm reading is set. If I know a chapter's plot and events are in stone, so I don't have to worry about them for the moment, and I want to make sure that chapter reads well, I'll step away from it for a bit and then read it just for language and flow--and, perhaps most importantly, what I think of as the emotional arc. Can I read it and feel what the character is feeling? I'm looking for snags.

If I don't find them, then I'm happy to become me again and be proud of a smooth chapter. And if something snags, I'll smooth it, and then I'm doing good revision work!

Love this, Liz. Thank you! I think it comes at a perfect time.

Ah, and tomorrow, our very last Lash Flash (sniff-sniff) with Kristin O'Donnell Tubb (here) and Mitali Perkins (over at Holly's).

SRS Smackdown Spotlight #4: Kjersten Anna Hayes

I think it's time to hear from an illustrator (and picture book writer), don't you?

But first, don't forget to stop by Holly's where she's spotlighting Beth Kephart.

But let's get back to spotlighting an illustrator smackdowning. She was our first Whip of the Week, it's Kjersten Anna Hayes! Visit her website, Collage Clips blog, and Etsy Shop!

First, I asked Kjersten to tell us a about her current revision project:

My current revision project is an illustrated dummy of a picture book story I wrote, called Patchwork by the River. I love working on it because the main characters, Opossum, Crow and Armadillo are scrappy, full of heart and fun to draw. Plus Tree houses are involved. Who wouldn’t want to sit around drawing tree houses?

I’m also working on an illustration assignment for the SCBWI Nevada Mentor program that I’m participating in. It’s a blast.

And for a revision tip, Kjersten offers the following:

I try to approach drawing, writing and revising all with a spirit of play. This is especially important with revision because it’s the easiest part to bog and clog up on.

What I mean is, revision can often be like the parachute jumper trying not to land on the only tree in the field but ends up there anyway because it’s the only part of the field she was focusing on. When you focus on what doesn’t work with your writing, you clog up your mind; you end up tangled in your obstacles because they were what you focused on.

Instead of focusing on what sucks in my work, I prefer to aim my wings towards where I want them to go. Revision is asking the question, "What can I do to make this better?" over and over and over. And then it’s answering that question with a spirit of play by brainstorming.

Brainstorming simply means trying lots of stuff. It means sitting down and working. I ask "what if" questions and "how about I try" questions. I draw and draw and draw some more. I keep trying different things like I’m playfully solving a puzzle in the Sunday paper. If something new or better comes along, I take note. I hone in. I draw until one part is markedly improved and then move to the next challenge.

When I revise, I go through this process with every drawing, every composition and every page turn. Even the ones I already like. I ask myself the same question over and over. "What can I do to make this better? What can I do to make this better? What can I do to make this better?" Then when I’m done I go back around for a second revision or a third or as many as it takes.

Because that’s my job as an illustrator: to make my picture books be the best they can possibly be.

Great message, Kjersten! Hey, smackdowners...where will you put your focus during this last week of the smackdown?

Plus, I love Kjersten's fresh take on journaling...check it out HERE.