Art of Revision

Revision is where writing happens. The first draft is just gathering material.

Read your draft out loud. You will hear the awkward sentences immediately. Your ear catches what your eye misses.

Cut everything that does not serve the piece. If a sentence, scene, or paragraph is not earning its place, delete it. This is hard. It is also the job.

Look for repeated words. Writers have crutch words they overuse. Find yours and remove the extras.

Check the pacing. Does the beginning drag? Does the end rush? Adjust the weight of each section.

Get distance. Set the draft aside for a day or two. Fresh eyes see problems you missed.

Revision is not punishment. It is where your real voice emerges.