ReVision: A Powerful Tool in Writing and Life

 

For those who are writers, you’re familiar with the word revision. Some of us dread the word. Others relish it.

 If we break it down into its two components, here’s what we get:

 RE– to do again

VISION– to see

 So technically we’re talking about seeing something again, looking at something again.

 When it comes to the craft of writing, revision is an absolutely necessary part of the process. Few—if any—get the exact words on the page in their first draft. So, revision is the time to massage your prose. Tweak your dialogue. Sharpen the focus in a scene. Weave in the phrases that really drive home the emotional impact.

 I understand that the revision process only makes my work better.

 But, as I’ve gotten older and gone through multiple life changes in more recent years I’ve come to recognize that the word revision can also have an impact on both my personal and professional lives.

 Think about it… we “revise” some aspect of our life every January 1st, when we come up with our New Year’s resolutions.  For me, I get another chance to consider something else about myself that needs revising or improving a couple months later when Lent arrives. In the summer, I’ll typically to RWA National and come back with a new idea, new initiative, new drive… my outlook has been revised thanks to the energy, info and connections found at an RWA national conference.

I have to admit though, change is difficult for me. As much as I might wanna be a risk taker, my natural inclination is to lean back, take in all the info I can and ease into the change once I feel comfortable enough to decide. 

This month, I’m going through revisions on multiple levels. Writing-wise I am knee-deep into revising my latest manuscript. Now, because my agent has been patiently waiting, I gingerly say “knee-deep” when what I really need to be is waist-deep, neck-deep, and even over-my-head-deep into revisions. I’m slowly getting there. Trying to keep in mind that this painful process will ultimately mean that my manuscript is the best it can possibly be.

Personally, I’ve had some major life changes in recent years. I’m now a single mom empty nester with a day job I love. But, just when I think one area has started to fall into place, something there shifts, causing me to re-evaluate. At the same time, a major stressor I’ve been dealing with may finally be reaching a resolution. Fingers crossed.

I’ve reached a point where I need to re-vision my future. The opportunities ahead are boundless. The paths and roads and trails I can choose from are wide open—for the most part. It’s a matter of me accepting the idea of change. Of thinking positively about this re-vision process, rather than being skittish. Or, let me just say it…afraid.

 I simply need to remember that while during the revision process we find things that need to be changed or tweaked, we also find gems within our writing—and within ourselves. We rediscover those scenes or moments where we step back and appreciate our own work.  Touch base with the good inside ourselves.

Mixed in with the faults—if we even need to call them that— we discover the highlights. And in the end, we’re left with something we’re proud of allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

So what are you “laboring” over this week?  A manuscript? A new change in your life? I’d love to hear what you’re re:visioning for yourself right now.

 And whatever it is, I say: more power to you!!