A Debut Novelist on Revision @KeziahFrost #amwriting

LUCY BURDETTE: Back in May, I received an email from someone I didn't know. It read like this: 

I am a therapist, too. I have my debut novel coming out with Park Row Books in March of 2018. I was trying to think of a pen name, and the name that came to me was Lucy Green Burnette. Of course, I searched to make sure there wasn't already an author by that name, and I found Lucy Burdette. I am so impressed with how much you have written and how joyful your books look.

Who could resist such an email? Now I've read Keziah's book, and so enjoyed it--you'll be hearing more about it this winter. But meanwhile, she has some very wise words about editing that I thought you'd enjoy...

KEZIAH FROST: Gratitude and amazement are what I am feeling about the March 2018 publication of my debut novel, The Reluctant Fortune-Teller. I’ve wanted to write novels ever since I was in the fifth grade, and that was fifty years ago. I got a little side-tracked. My hope is that this book will cheer and encourage you, and even make you laugh. Meanwhile, here are some of things I've learned about writing and editing.

1. I have a “positive encourager.” First of all, before even my agent sees the manuscript, I share it with my “positive encourager,” as I like to call her. In my case, this would be my daughter, Claire. She will enthusiastically point out what is good, and honestly point out what doesn’t work for her. Not every writer has someone who could play this role, but if you do, it can go a long way in developing confidence in the good bits and discarding the weaker bits before the manuscript ever goes any farther.

2. I slow my roll. When my manuscript comes back from my agent, and later on, from my editor… I’m not gonna lie: seeing lots of “suggestions for improvement” on my work inspires many (ahem) feelings. I now read those suggestions, put them away, do other things, and come back to the work in 24 hours, rather than respond immediately. Okay, maybe 48 hours. Considered overnight, most suggestions have turned out to be spot-on, but I couldn’t see that at first glance. The suggestions that still don’t seem right simply become points for discussion.

3. I try to keep a light heart. Revision can be an expanding part of the creative process. With the right editorial people, revision can bring out the best in a story. All of us working on the manuscript have the same goal: to produce a satisfying novel that people will love.

4. I revise keeping in mind that each scene has a purpose, even beyond entertaining. True confession: despite having a master’s degree in English and reading voraciously for decades, I did not know that every scene in a novel is supposed to move the story forward. I really did not ever grasp that fact! After working on revisions for my first novel, where I was asked “What’s the point?” about a couple of scenes, I learned that “It’s funny!” is not enough justification for a scene to exist. This has been a game-changer for me! Now, when I edit my own work before sending it in, I ruthlessly slash every scene that does not advance the story. Or, if I love the scene too much to cut it, I add what that scene needs to make it an integral part of the story.

5. I read differently now. I can’t read anything without seeing where tighter editing might have improved a work—not only my own, but everyone’s!

6. Gratitude. I am grateful for everyone who takes the time to study what I have written and make suggestions which I may or may not follow. Every writer wants to be carefully read.

What about you, writers? How do you feel when you are asked—by beta readers, editors, or your “positive encourager” to change your manuscript? How do you decide whether the requests for changes are valid, or when you need to hold firm?

(Lucy says, Keziah's suggestions work for readers too, don't you think?)

Keziah Frost is the pseudonym of a psychotherapist in the Chicago area. She has masters degrees in English and in Counseling. She loves writing funny stories. One of her daughters presented her with a t-shirt that reads: “I just want to write books, drink tea, and rescue Chihuahuas.” She shares her life with five little dogs, one audacious cat, and her encouraging human family. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at her website.

Twinkle, her Chihuahua mix, practices gratitude every day.