I'm of the twenty revisions category and probably ten readers for each story. At least. Rarely does a story come out right early on that doesn't need alot of revising. Much of the time I'm asking readers just what they are understanding of the story to make sure I'm getting across what I hope to. But I don't have an MFA. I'm learning through writing. I do find one reader at a time can be most helpful. A large group all commenting in a workshop tends to be too confusing for me and often less helpful. There are exceptions to that. When I find a good reader I'll do anything for them! Certainly I make time to read whatever they send my way. I have one or two I pay.
Generally useful suggestions but over-used they will gut your unique voice.
One thing I couldn't disagree more about was this 'if a sentence makes you stop and say, “Damn, I’m good,” then tone it down'. To hell with that I say. :-)
I once submitted a heavily revised story without letting it sit for a few days. I will never make that mistake again. Most writing happens in revisions, but if you don't let the story alone for a few days or longer, you miss so much on the page.
I'm of the twenty revisions category and probably ten readers for each story. At least. Rarely does a story come out right early on that doesn't need alot of revising. Much of the time I'm asking readers just what they are understanding of the story to make sure I'm getting across what I hope to. But I don't have an MFA. I'm learning through writing. I do find one reader at a time can be most helpful. A large group all commenting in a workshop tends to be too confusing for me and often less helpful. There are exceptions to that. When I find a good reader I'll do anything for them! Certainly I make time to read whatever they send my way. I have one or two I pay.
Generally useful suggestions but over-used they will gut your unique voice.
One thing I couldn't disagree more about was this 'if a sentence makes you stop and say, “Damn, I’m good,” then tone it down'. To hell with that I say. :-)
I once submitted a heavily revised story without letting it sit for a few days. I will never make that mistake again. Most writing happens in revisions, but if you don't let the story alone for a few days or longer, you miss so much on the page.
Thanks for this! Revision is underrated.
You pretty much covered them all! Thank you