Part II: Revision

The most difficult part of creating a story—especially if one cannot write a decent first draft—is the revision. As I have begun the revision on my pirate novel again, I have found myself contemplating the difficulties rather than actually working on revision much, and thus the reason for the existence of the following:

Firstly, revision is difficult partially because it is hard to feel the same sense of urgency as one does when seeking to reach the ending. One already knows how the story turns out. It is similar to reading a book for the fiftieth time.

Secondly, it is difficult to distance oneself from the story enough to reflect upon it coolly and also feel the warm closeness to it that is necessary to keep involved in it. It is like trying to believe two contradictory things simultaneously.

Thirdly, it is difficult to judge one's own writing. There are parts that seem good, but do they belong? Or should they be cut out? Does it add to the feel of the piece? Or is it one of those humorous situations that appeal only to one's own strange sense of humor?

(This is not even to mention all the problems such as characters that seem a main part of the story and then just disappear. Or instances that are given importance, and then never mentioned again. Or contradictory happenings. And the list goes on....)

Thus the reason I search always for critiquers. In fact I wish very much for my own personal critiquer to sit nearby and give me his thoughts on whatever he reads. Perhaps when I am a published author I shall have the money to employ one, but until then I must satisfy myself with looking for volunteers, I suppose...