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Transport readers

“Your main job as a writer is to transport the reader to a fictional world, as in a dream. ” — “The Geyser Approach to Revision,” James Scott Bell, July/August 2011 Writer’s Digest Magazine

You probably know this, but perhaps you’re stuck with knowing how to achieve that. A big part is the revision process.

The following steps for revision are based on the Writer’s Digest article.

Write Hot. Revise cool.

Wait two weeks after writing to begin the revision process. Then, read fast as if you were a first-time reader. Take notes about what needs fixing.

Capture original emotions you felt when writing.

Listen to music that evokes the mood of your story.

“Music reaches a part of your mind that you usually have inactive when analyzing. Wake it up and put it to work with tunes.”

Create a collage to capture a visual representation of your work to keep you inspired and focused.

Scenes

Analyze every scene.

Make sure every scene is strong with:

~ A single point of view

~ A clear objective for the character

~ Tension

~ Conflict

~ An emotional struggle

~ A compelling reason for the reader to keep reading

Revision Process

A crucial part of the revision process involves making sure all your details are as strong as they possibly can be, that no word is underutilized or wasted.

Sensory Detail

As you revise, determine where you can add sensory detail: visual, sound, taste, smell, touch, and extrasensory perception.

Specific Details

Give your characters distinguishing characteristics.

Gestures, repetitive actions, hobbies, food likes, facial expressions, musical preferences, jobs.

Posts about sensory detail on The Write Spot Blog

The neurological impact of sensory detail.   

Imagery and sensory detail ala Adair Lara Prompt #277    

Sensory Detail: Taste

Sensory Detail: Smell

Sensory Detail: Kinesthetic, motion in writing

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