Lynn Rogalsky

“Revising Revisions”

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Manuscript revisions are something I look forward to spending time on, rather than dreading. Maybe I’ve trained myself to realize your first or rough draft is not as hot as you think it is. It’s far from perfect and always needs a LOT of work.

I try to catch as many “mistakes” as I can before even showing my manuscripts to any of my critique partners or for-hire editors. Actually, it’s almost as a courtesy to them. Their time is valuable, plus I want to make sure they’re seeing my best work, even if it’s not a bona fide done product.

That brings up another side to revisions: revising your revisions. When I get suggestions back from my critiquers, I’m always excited to see what they have to say, see if it rings true with my vision, and then jump right into revising. Or is that, jump “write’ in! I love it, because revising manuscripts gets messy and is oh so fun. Maybe I just like marking up my stories with ink.

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One of my messy revisions on my manuscript.

A struggle usually ensues as I revise my revisions. Most of what my critique partners recommend is valid and I must therefore find a way to weave their suggestions into my revisions to make it a stronger story. It may mean more research or rethinking the beginning, ending, conflict, or all the above. But, it will be a better story once I add my spin to it.

Beware, true revisions are hard work. They’re necessary and a must if you desire to be published. And keep in mind, once an agent and editor takes on your project, they’ll be sending you revision suggestions of their own!

You input: Do you enjoy or dread revising your manuscripts?

Published by Lynn Rogalsky

I'm a former TV News Producer/Reporter who now has a love for writing children's picture books and middle grade novels. As an active member of the Arizona chapter of the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI-AZ), I attend workshops to better my writing craft, and mingle with other like-minded children’s book writers/illustrators published and pre-published. Being a member of a dynamic SCBWI writer’s critique group is a monthly highlight. I'm actively submitting my children's manuscripts to agents and editors. Here’s my writing background: Lynn Rogalsky is a native (since age 5) of Tucson, Arizona where she befriends the saguaros and wildlife. Since she grew up in this beautiful desert city, a thread of Southwest flavor shows up in many of her humorous stories for children. Lynn became aware of her writing talent by a middle school English teacher. During her high school senior year, Lynn’s English teacher also praised her writing abilities. She encouraged Lynn to study Journalism, which she did at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona. Lynn began her professional writing career as a newsroom intern at KGUN Ch. 9, Tucson’s ABC-affiliate TV station. She quickly worked her way up to News/Feature Writer and 10PM News Producer, giving her B.A. in Journalism a good workout. Currently, Lynn works as a freelance Slogan Writer, which takes a lot of creativity to project an idea in one short phrase. In the past, she has enjoyed working as a Copywriter for a catalog company and ad agency. With a minor in Creative Writing, later she yearned for more than news and feature stories. Lynn fell in love with the idea of writing for children at a workshop given by award-winning children’s author, Jennifer Ward in 2008. That spark took flame after meeting another Tucson children’s author at the Pima Writers’ Workshop. As an active member of SCBWI since 2008, Lynn has been inspired by many authors and fellow members. In Spring 2009, she completed the class “Writing For Children” at Pima College, taught by award-winning children’s book author, Juanita Havill. Lynn has since written multiple picture book manuscripts, one chapter book, and has a middle grade novel in the works. She loves writing and working “quirky” into her manuscripts. Photography is another passion of Lynn’s, and she often incorporates her own photographs in her writing blog, Whimsical Words Blog. She has also had my photos hanging in galleries. Visit her photography fan page, Through Lynn’s Lens on Facebook. I can't live without my faith, family, friends, dogs, and Indian food. Thanks for stopping by!

5 comments

  2. I love to revise and polish. It’s so much easier than looking at the blank pages ahead during that first draft. Revising brings a sense of accomplishment when you find a better way to say something. Although, I’m not sure I’ve ever done major changes, those might be a little scary…

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    • You’re right, Marcia, there is that sense of accomplishment that comes with revising and polishing a manuscript. A blank page is quite daunting. While I’ve done major changes, I sometimes find it hard to shift my thinking about the story into a new direction. Thanks for your comments!

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