Many novice writers think of the term revision as a process where they fix errors and “clean up” their work. But expert writers know that revision is a way to envision your work again. In her book Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg advises writers to “[s]ee revision as envisioning again. If there are areas in your work where there is a blur or vagueness, you can simply see the picture again and add the details that will bring your work closer to your mind’s picture” (165).
Follow the steps below to re-envision your essay:
- Jot down what you think the heart of the essay is in a sentence or phrase.
- Look at each paragraph and label it with a word, sentence, or phrase to capture the main idea of the paragraph.
- When you have a description for each paragraph, look at the structure of your essay. Does it work in the order you have written it or are there holes, gaps in the plot, or even places where you wander too far off topic? Make structural notes on your draft on what needs to be cut, moved or expanded.
- What is working? Circle sentences and paragraphs that are good in your eyes. Why do you like them? Do they provide strong character details, vivid details, metaphor, a unique voice, description of setting, figurative language, etc.?
- Look at where you might employ some of the writing techniques we’ve discussed this semester (character, vivid detail, metaphor, voice, plot, setting, epiphany/change) in other places of the draft. Write your ideas on the draft.
- Compare your actual writing to the story you’ve constructed in your “mind’s eye”. What is missing on the page? How can you shape this essay to be more your own? Perhaps there are places where you can deepen your discussion or description. There may be places to insert more precise quotes or descriptions. You may go back to the opening paragraph to more successfully draw the reader in. Make notes on the draft about how you can bring the work closer to the picture in your mind.
- After you complete these steps, put your draft away for some time—possibly 24-48 hours. When you pull it out again and see it with fresh eyes, read your essay as if you are reading someone else’s work. Look at your notes and add to them if needed. Now begin your revision.
Reference
Goldberg, Natalie. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1986. Print.
