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| Introduction | 1 | |
| 1 | Why Revise? | 4 |
| 2 | Revising Before Writing | 14 |
| 3 | Revising While Writing the First Draft | 32 |
| 4 | First Revisions, and Openings in Particular | 42 |
| 5 | Cutting What's Not Essential | 65 |
| 6 | Adding What Is Essential | 104 |
| 7 | Rearranging the Plot | 127 |
| 8 | Revising Endings | 152 |
| 9 | Revising Your Prose for Power and Punch | 175 |
| 10 | Putting It All Together, Getting Help, Being Stuck, Giving Up | 195 |
| 11 | Revising After Publication | 211 |
| Index | 221 |
amg922
Posted October 27, 2011
For many writers, revision is one of the most challenging stages in writing. However, according to Kaplan, revision is not only one of the most challenging stages in writing, it is the most important. "Revision is an art, it is a craft, and moreover, it is a way of deepening your understanding of your fiction." he states. Kaplan's main goal in this reference is to help beginning writers to understand their own writing and make it stronger than what was written before.
In Revision: A Creative Approach to Writing and Rewriting Fiction, Kaplan breaks down revision in terms the writer can understand. He starts off by giving a different way to look at revision. He defines the word "revise" and later explains the word revision comes from the Latin word "revisere", which means "to see again". He explains the writer should be able to see their work again. He adds that the story's words and structure will not only change, but it's very meaning may also change. Kaplan also states some purposes of revision: style, structure, and meaning. Strategies are given for revising before writing, including changing the characters, point of view, setting, situation/problem, or conflict. Kaplan also writes how drafts are essential to writing, and to write as many drafts as possible.
Kaplan's way of explaining revision is humorous yet intimate. He shares his early drafts and links them to the content he explains. He also includes other published writing from other authors and relates it to the writer.
Kaplan focuses a lot on structure with writing. The importance of changing introductions and closings is often stated in this reference, which can lead to changing the true meaning of the piece of writing. Tips are also given on how to improve dialogue, with certain scenarios such as dreams, flashbacks, and unnecessary dialogue.
Kaplan's reference for revision is well crafted and will be very informative to beginning writers. His comforting approach of showing strategies and tips will make the writer feel at ease and less intimidated. He makes revision a journey to find the true meaning of writing, even if it's different by time the final piece is written.
Anonymous
Posted August 1, 2000
this book is for ANY writer. one of the top three writing-related books that i've read. very helpful. you'll look at drafts with a keener eye than ever before. author's tone is a nice blend of supportive prompts followed by examples from his own drafts.
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