Flat Story? Revising The Draft Tips That Turns Rough Drafts Into Page-Turners
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.“ — Maya Angelou
Every writer has a story waiting to be told. But what happens when that story falls flat? When your first draft feels more like a rough sketch than a masterpiece? It’s important to remember that this is completely normal. A flat story is one that lacks depth, emotion, or engaging elements — making it hard for readers to connect with the characters or the plot.
In a world where every writer faces the challenging task of revision, the key lies not in despair but in embracing change. Join Lily on her transformative journey from disappointment to triumph as she discovers the true power of revision.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of storytelling so you can apply them to your own work and bring your narrative to life? Let’s uncover the possibilities!
A Dream Deferred
Lily was a dreamer in a small town, scribbling tales of magical forests and talking animals. She longed to write enchanting fantasy stories that transported readers to whimsical worlds.
One fateful afternoon, she sat at her desk, a tangle of thoughts swirling in her mind. She had finished her first draft, and anticipation bubbled within her. But as she read her words, her heart sank. The characters were flat; the plot lacked direction, and the ending felt abrupt and unsatisfying. It didn’t resolve the tension she had built, leaving readers hanging without closure.
“Is this what I envisioned?” she wondered, disappointment heavy in her chest.
Instead of giving in to frustration, Lily remembered her high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who had once said, “Every great story starts with a rough draft. What matters is how you revise it.” Those words lit a flame under her, reminding her that revision was not just a chore but a vital part of the writing process. With renewed determination, Lily embraced the challenge ahead. Her journey into the world of revision was about to begin.
Embracing the Revision Challenge
Lily took a deep breath and realized that she had crossed an important threshold. She could either let her disappointment dictate her journey or embrace the challenge ahead. She took a bold step. This was her moment to transform her story into something special.
In this new realm of possibilities, Lily understood that revision was not merely about correcting errors; it was a substantial process that required dedication and hard work. Think of it like sculpting a block of marble. At first, the stone may seem rough and unyielding, but with each careful chisel, a beautiful statue emerges.
Similarly, revision involves reshaping her narrative, deepening her characters, and clarifying her message. It’s about taking what she had written and crafting it into a compelling work of art.
With determination, she opened her computer and stared at the words she had typed, ready to transform them into something extraordinary. She knew this was not just a chore — it was a vital part of her creative journey, one that would ultimately lead her to the story she had always dreamed of telling.
To fully realize her vision, it was important for Lily to see her book in publication, to envision readers holding her work in their hands, lost in the world she had created. This vision fueled her motivation to dive deep into the revision process.
Seeking Support with Care
Understanding the value of support is crucial in the writing journey, but it’s important to choose your allies wisely. While Lily sought feedback from her friends, she quickly realized that not everyone could provide the insight she needed. Friends often want to be encouraging, which can lead to them sugarcoating their critiques. They end up telling you what you want to hear instead of what you need to hear. While their intentions are good, this approach can sometimes prevent you from receiving honest, constructive feedback that is essential for true growth in the writing craft.
Writers are at different levels in their journeys. Some may not have the experience to identify areas for improvement, which is why it’s beneficial to seek feedback from a variety of sources. You need people who will be brutally honest with you. Aim to find three brutally honest writers who can give you the candid feedback you need. If that’s not possible, seek an online community where you can find a critique or writing partner. Make sure they are either a fan of your genre or knowledgeable about it and understand the expectations to provide the best feedback.
Joining a writing group with more experienced members can offer a broader perspective. You might also consider connecting with a writing coach or mentor who can provide valuable insights and help you refine your skills.
Lily learned that while her friends could offer support and encouragement, seeking experienced voices was the key to taking her story to the next level. This approach not only improved her narrative, but also helped her grow as a writer. By handpicking your allies and being open to feedback from those with more experience, you can ensure that your work receives the depth of critique it deserves. Embrace the journey of learning from others and watch your writing flourish!
Facing Doubts and Fears
After gathering feedback, Lily faced her greatest challenge yet: her own doubts. She sat at her desk, staring at her notes. Could she really change her story? The pressure to make the revisions felt overwhelming. But she remembered what she learned — great stories don’t just happen. They require effort, exploration, and sometimes, a leap of faith.
Instead of succumbing to fear, which she recognized as “false evidence appearing real,” she embraced the discomfort. “Every change I make is a step toward improvement,” she reminded herself, just like a baby learning to walk. Each time a baby takes a step, it gets closer to running, even if it stumbles along the way. The feedback she received from experienced individuals was valuable, offering insights she could work with. Her challenge lay in effecting the changes that would elevate her story to new heights. With renewed determination, she began revising her draft, rewriting scenes, and incorporating the suggestions she had gathered. Each change felt like a battle, but with each victory, she grew stronger.
A New Perspective
As Lily worked, she discovered a new perspective on revision. It wasn’t just about fixing problems; it was about breathing life into her story. She felt a rush of creativity as she experimented with plot twists — unexpected developments that change the direction of her narrative and keep readers engaged. Plot twists can surprise the audience, adding excitement and depth to the story, making them rethink everything they thought they knew.
Lily also recognized the importance of enhancing world-building for her characters. World-building involves creating a vivid, immersive environment where the story unfolds. It includes everything from the magical rules of her forest to the cultures of its inhabitants. Strong world-building allows readers to fully engage with the story and helps her characters feel more authentic and relatable.
In this transformative phase, Lily learned to set clear goals for her revisions. Goal setting was crucial because it provided her with a roadmap for improvement. She wrote down what she wanted to achieve, such as enhancing character emotions and building stronger conflicts. By establishing these goals, she could focus her efforts and measure her progress. Setting goals became her guiding stars, illuminating her path to a polished manuscript.
Triumph in Revision
After countless revisions, Lily reached a moment of triumph. She shared her manuscript with a trusted group of 3–4 beta readers who specialized in her genre, having obtained feedback from the experienced writers and coach she consulted.
Over the following days, as they read through her work, Lily received messages filled with excitement and praise. “This is amazing!” they cheered in their notes. Lily beamed with pride, knowing that her hard work had paid off.
Through her journey, she had transformed her initial disappointment into a triumphant celebration of storytelling. She had learned the importance of embracing change, seeking feedback, and remaining patient. Each revision brought her closer to her vision, and now her story was better than she had ever imagined.
The Lesson Learned: Embrace the Revision Mindset
Lily’s journey illustrates the transformative power of the revision mindset. By embracing change, writers unlock endless possibilities for their stories. Feedback from the right sources — such as writing coaches and editors — serves as a valuable tool for improvement, offering honest and constructive criticism. Setting clear goals and remaining patient throughout the revision process are crucial steps toward success.
The key takeaway from this article is that embracing the revision process is essential for transforming a rough draft into a compelling and polished story. Approaching revision with an open mind and understanding that feedback, though sometimes difficult to hear, is vital for growth. Ultimately, the journey of revision not only enhances the manuscript but also contributes to a writer’s development.
My Personal Connection to the Article
Setting out to tackle the first revision of a completed manuscript felt daunting. There was so much to learn. Without a writing group or friends to provide feedback, hiring an editor who claimed expertise seemed like the best option. However, due diligence is essential because anyone can say they are an editor, and many may not possess the necessary skills.
To find qualified editors in the U.S. with strong credentials, check the American Association of Editors. This organization provides listings to explore editors’ specialties and qualifications. Membership requires adherence to a code of ethics, ensuring professionalism.
Similarly, Editors Canada offers a directory to connect with professionals suited to specific project needs. Asking friends for referrals can also be incredibly valuable, as personal recommendations are often one of the best ways to discover talented editors.
The chosen editor made minor adjustments, leading to the belief that my manuscript was good as is. Later, it became clear she wasn’t the right fit, as she had little interest in the genre. Confident in her feedback at the time, the manuscript was submitted to a beta reader platform. A varied range of opinions emerged! Some readers loved it, while others pointed out that a novella wasn’t suitable for my chosen genre. It was action-packed but lacked character development. Realizing more help was needed, hiring a writing coach became the best decision.
The writing coach not only identified issues, but also taught effective revision techniques. The coach highlighted problems with point of view and plot holes, providing the support needed to understand the main structural issues. Although the story had its merits, significant work was required. The importance of writing for the genre and conducting advanced research to adhere to genre conventions became clear; publishing a novella isn’t advisable if the genre typically prefers a full-length book.
During my revision process, the real magic happened. While the real work begins with revision, guidance on what to fix is crucial, as sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. Point of view issues were addressed by shifting away from a mix that included head hopping and hints of omniscient narration, which allowed for a stronger focus on character development. Constructive criticism from the coach was applied, reinforcing that not everyone providing feedback offers useful insights.
Taking a deep breath helped to remember that feedback, even when it feels harsh, is a vital tool for improvement. With the writing coach, a challenging yet rewarding revision journey unfolded. Goals were set, hard work was put in, and each small victory celebrated. Sitting back after a long revision session brought exhilaration upon realizing that the story was transforming into something much more vibrant and engaging than originally envisioned.
Action Checklist: Your Path to Mastery
To apply the lessons from Lily’s story to your own writing, follow this action checklist:
Embrace the Revision Process: Acknowledge that revision is an essential part of writing. Approach it with a positive mindset.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with a trusted group of experienced writers or a writing coach. Be open to their suggestions and perspectives, as their insights can provide valuable guidance for your revisions.
Set Clear Goals: Write down specific goals for your revision process. What do you want to improve? Check off each goal as you complete it.
Practice Patience: Understand that great writing takes time. If you encounter challenges, take a break and return with fresh eyes.
Make It Fun: Approach revision as a creative adventure. Experiment with new ideas and enjoy the process of shaping your story.
Conclusion: Your Story Awaits
Like Lily, you have the power to transform your writing through revision. Embrace change, seek support, and set goals. Remember, every great story begins with a rough draft, and the journey of revision will bring your vision to life. So, roll up your sleeves and embark on your own adventure — your masterpiece is waiting!
Reference:
Reader’s Digest. (n.d.). Maya Angelou quotes that will inspire you to rise above. https://www.rd.com/list/maya-angelou-quotes/