This week: my revision plan for The Spike Volume 2; an update on my writing; The Spike-related links; and “Feeling Good” with Muse.
spit_and_polish
I’m a planner, in writing and in life generally, so naturally I have a process I follow for every story I write.
I won’t go through the full end-to-end in detail here, it would take too long, so I’ll summarise:
- Brainstorm – coming up with the main theme/story/characters.
- Outline – detailing the plot.
- Draft – writing the book, usually at least two drafts.
- Revision – improving and polishing.
- Edit – removing errors and inconsistencies.
This piece is focussed on just the revision stage, which I’m soon to enter for The Spike Volume 2.
Every writer does things differently, but for me, revision is taking the solid but rough basis of my second draft and going through it over and over again, beginning with the big changes (adding or removing scenes), then with every pass changing smaller and smaller details until I am analysing every word choice.
Only once I’ve read all the way through it and not made any changes will I consider it “content complete”. Then I will begin editing (fixing any factual, spelling, formatting, or grammatical errors).
Before beginning revision, I will not look at the second draft for at least a month, so I can return to it with fresh, critical, eyes.
Step 1 – read through the second draft.
It’s important to read through the whole draft in a short timeframe, because this stage is all about checking the flow and pacing, identifying any boring or unnecessary sections, and making sure there’s a satisfying build to the conclusion.
I will not stop to correct anything on this read through. I may make the odd generalised note (such as overuse of a particular word), but otherwise I treat it as though I’m reading any other book, whilst understanding it will be a bit rough.
Once the read through is complete, I will note down my impressions and areas I need to focus on.
Step 2 – collate all the notes I’ve made for changes/improvements.
Any writer will tell you that good ideas often come at the most inopportune moments. I keep notebooks on my desk and beside my bed to capture the fleeting gems, plus make notes in my documents whilst writing, and on my phone if I’m out and about.
Not all of these ideas will work; some may contradict each other; some may have been superseded by something better.
I collate all the notes from the various sources onto one spreadsheet. I record them in the order they appear in the story, so that I can see if any clash or if any early change will impact any of the later ideas.
I go through every note and decide whether I want to make the change. Some may result in changing one sentence; others can mean adding or removing whole chapters.
Step 3 – work through the list of changes in order.
Again, doing this in order is important. I may add further notes to my spreadsheet as I go, of knock-on effects of the change I’m working on, or completely new ideas.
I work through the spreadsheet until I have completed everything I want to change.
Step 4 – repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 until satisfied.
Step 5 – research and description.
With the bones of the story in place, the focus switches to filling out any gaps I’ve left or anything I’ve underwritten.
If there is anything that requires detailed research that doesn’t impact the story (for example the road names a character is moving between), I look these up now. There was no point doing it sooner in case the scene was cut.
Also at this stage, if there are locations or characters I haven’t described sufficiently, I will flesh these out now.
Step 6 – line edits.
I go through every sentence to see if it can be improved. Whilst drafting, it doesn’t make sense to get hung up on every word, it takes too long, so I often use quick descriptions that need replacing later. For example, on-the-nose descriptions like “Nick was angry”, and clichés like “float like a butterfly”, get replaced with something more descriptive and interesting and hopefully original.
Every word choice is analysed; every sentence is polished.
I repeat this step until I complete a pass through the document without making a single change, at which point I’m satisfied it’s as good as I can make it.
Next – editing.
I won’t go into this now, I’ll save it for when I get there.
There isn’t as much creative thinking to this, it’s mostly checking everything is correct from every angle. Not as fulfilling, but necessary.
You may be wondering why there are no beta reader stages in this process. My reasons may be controversial; I’ll share them in a future blog.
progress_report
I’m still ploughing on with the series bible for The Spike, currently up to chapter 12 of 81. The pace has begun to increase as there are fewer important points to record, with most of the main characters and locations of this part already introduced.
I keep catching myself recording information that I highly doubt I will need again, especially considering I know where the story is headed, but I still keep some of it just in case.
status.vol2
The Spike Volume 2 will contain three separate books from the perspective of seven characters.
Draft 2 is complete!
Revision will begin soon.
The ultimate aim is to have Volume 2 finished by the end of 2025 for publication early 2026.
connecting_links
The Spike is set in our world, incorporating real events; the links below are relevant to the themes and overarching storyline, and may or may not provide clues to the direction of the series.
I do not necessarily agree with or endorse any of the views within.
UK’s 50 richest families hold more wealth than 50% of population, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is a totalitarian’s dream – here’s how to take power back
Batteries that absorb carbon emissions move a step closer to reality – new study
UK driverless cars coming in 2027 – but Uber says it’s ready now
Chicago Sun-Times publishes made-up books and fake experts in AI debacle
Seeing infrared: scientists create contact lenses that grant ‘super-vision’
weekly_inspiration
Every week I share something that’s inspired my creativity.
This week, I must make an apology: sorry the blog is late; I had the best kind of other commitments.
My sister and new brother-in-law inconsiderately chose to celebrate their wedding on the day I normally post. No, I can’t believe it wasn’t part of their planning either. I didn’t ask for assurances it won’t happen again because that’s a little rude on the day, but I’m sure they’ll still be together long after my mental acuity has deserted me so I should post on time going forward.
Their choice of music for their ceremony led to a late rewrite of this section; they walked back up the aisle to “Feeling Good” by Muse, and it’s been looping in my head ever since.
This is dedicated to Claire and Joe, with love…
What’s inspired you this week? Please share in the comments.
See you next week.
Arrowmaker Books 