It’s a well-known fact that writing is rewriting. But, as a writer, the question remains: Is every revision an improvement, simply different, or both?
When revising, I keep in mind that my word choices must be better, more descriptive, and clearer in conveying the story. And how do I know when I’m making better choices? Well, first it’s experience! Writing is rewriting but it’s also reading, honing my craft, and developing my abilities to communicate with words whether fiction, non-fiction, essay, research paper, argument or memo. All writing conveys some sort of structured story whether you, as the writer, employ AI as a springboard or begin with a blank page. It’s your choice, but, either way, you won’t escape the rewrites!
In my efforts to clean house, literally speaking, I sift through mounds of paper work, i.e. my news articles, screenplays, novel drafts, and the like. But I’m also discovering notes from lectures, webinars, and writing classes that offer good advice about writing.
Years ago, as a news reporter, I attended a day-long event hosted by Poyner Institute for Media Studies, a nonprofit journalism institution located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The lecturer spoke on the topic of “Writing is Thinking,” Ironically, that was the one aspect of news reporting that I found the most challenging since I never had an opportunity to think and rewrite with articles written and published to meet deadlines. Nevertheless, I offer points from a journalism class that could apply to all writing!
- Know enough to have a sense of what the story is. – I believe the advice applies to fiction too. Outlining a story, at some level, gives me a better understanding of where it’s heading. I know authors that sit and write a novel without any sort of road map. If that’s your technique then go for it! All writing is an exploration whether you are a plotter or pantser. But somewhere in the process of writing, have an idea of where the story is headed and why you’re writing it in the first place!
- Hardest part of the story is knowing what you want to say – The lecturer relayed that in news reporting, someone once said, “Once you’ve got the lead, the rest is just typing. You’ve got to know where something is going and writing tricks will not disguise not knowing what the story is.” I can relate the lead to the theme in a novel. Although not as direct as a lead, the theme dictates the main character’s motivations. Character is story, and not having a theme may be a akin to employing writing tricks a la fancy words and brilliant dialogue! I’m not discounting the importance of excellent writing, but if there’s no theme, there’s no empathy for characters or deeper understanding of what the character wants from scene to scene. If you know the theme, you should, most definitely, know what you want to say as the narrator or the mouthpiece for your characters!
- Good reporting is, “if I know A, B, and C. What else do I know that’s more than just the sum of those few pieces?” If I ascribe the advice to novel writing, I’d add that when writing and rewriting each scene of your story, get to a subtext level that, once again, carries the theme. I can’t express too often how important theme is in writing, especially fiction. What is at the heart of your story? Sure, the writing must be compelling and, if not a page turner, at least an investment in the reader’s time and interest. I’ve read novels that are beautifully written with prose that borders on poetry. But if the characters are not relatable in some human way, whether I’ve experienced it or not, then I’m merely reading without engagement. And I’ve done it several times because I like to honor anyone who’s made it to the finish line as a writer. But I’m always learning what works and doesn’t work for me as a reader.
- Listen: The lecturer’s words, “Listen, really listen to people you’re writing about takes you inside them in a particular way. Listen for phrases, the way people say what they say so you can give the reader the flavor of the person as opposed to paraphrasing. Listen to what your write. Learn to hear your words.” The listening advice is my favorite! When I was a peer tutor in college, I learned to listen to a student’s essay. I heard what worked and what didn’t work, i.e. awkward or disjointed phrases, underdeveloped arguments, shallow expressions. I wasn’t looking to criticize. I was searching for voice! The same can be said for fiction as related to created characters. Let your characters speak to you. I once mentioned to someone that my characters dictate their story and I’ve learned that not everyone understands how it works. I had one individual mention the same happens to those with schizophrenia? Really? I know people with schizophrenia and that’s not a fair statement when considering what they endure. My characters do not tell me what to do, they inform me of their story in the context of imaginative thoughts. But I believe other writes understand the whispers of characters!
- Read: Well, I’m certainly glad to see the advice pop up in my notes. I still consider reading a luxury and feel guilty sometimes when diving into novels. The lecturer advised, “Read as a writer as opposed to just for information. Read but in a special way, watching an expert work, like a skilled player doing his or her thing in sports.” He used the analogy of a musician, “hearing chord changes and structure as opposed to a listener who just knows it sounds good.”
I hope you find some value in this lecture on journalism that is transferrable to all writing which, ultimately, begins with thinking! Happy writing and may your thoughts flow into your best story!