Random Writing Exercise #23
This exercise is about revision. Take part of a work in progress or a completed novel or short story to use for this.
1. Wait 2 weeks or more and then read it all the way through, as fast as possible (like a reader who can’t put it down)
2. As you read, take note of any plot issues or logistics that don’t make sense, but don’t correct them. Also, leave alone bad grammar or misspelled words. These will just distract you.
3. Brainstorm new ideas for fixing the plot problems and put those into your novel.
4. Read it all the way through again, and this time correct any grammar or spelling errors you might have seen.
Doing only the first step itself will help you a lot in discovering the scope, tone and general emotions of your writing. If you do nothing else for revision, read it through after being away from it for an extended period of time, and take an objective look at your own work.
Related posts:
