Step one – open shitty first draft.
2 print out in word draft mode, light colored ink. 3 put on extra
strong glasses and lamp. rewrite every single page until it looks
like it’s bleeding. Be aware that you might need a lot of physical
space for laying out the pages. clothespins are key. 5. type in
handwritten edits. 6. go back to step 2 and do it all again. lather
rinse repeat.
Step one – open shitty first draft.
Step two – print out in word draft mode, light colored ink.
Step three – put on extra strong glasses and bright lamp. Rewrite every single page until it looks like it’s bleeding. Be aware that you might need a lot of physical space for laying out the pages. Clothespins are key. So are Post-It notes.
ugly stuff
Step five – type in handwritten edits.
smells fishy to Barkis
Step six – go back to step 2 and do it all again.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
everyone’s a critic
Barkis is not too subtle when he wants to go for a walk….
The secret? See below:
The View From Here 
18 comments
Comments feed for this article
March 1, 2015 at 6:28 pm
Julieann Dove
Sounds like your system works! 🙂
February 23, 2015 at 8:15 pm
charargaez
Reblogged this on myhomemadelibrary and commented:
One of the many great things about social media is that we (as readers, TV viewers, lovers of food, etc.) get to see behind-the-scenes action from our favourite authors, actresses, chefs…So, I can’t help but be excited to read (and view) author Susan Wiggs’ post on editing a novel. I’m not a writer, but this is so fun to see as a reader! And isn’t her dog super cute? Thanks for involving us Susan!
February 17, 2015 at 4:36 am
elizabethandrewswrites
Reblogged this on Elizabeth Andrews Writes and commented:
At least this made me laugh, instead of crying as my rewrites have been making me want to do lately. 🙂
February 16, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Virginia Towne
Also let it cool between revisions and read it aloud so you can hear the goofs.
February 17, 2015 at 10:37 am
susanwiggs
Ah, so smart. YES.
September 20, 2009 at 8:59 am
Amy
I second Magdalena!
September 18, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Wendy Ely
Hi, Susan! I revise just like that! My critique partners think I’m crazy but I believe I write better when I do it this way.
By the way~ your dog is a cutie!
Wendy Ely
September 14, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Jacqueline Whitmore
Thank you for letting us know that even the best writers have to edit, edit, edit!
September 14, 2009 at 5:29 pm
owlandsparrow
Nice, nice. I’m glad to have stumbled upon your blog! Call me crazy, but I kinda like the way a page looks when it’s bleeding and bandaged with post-its. Gives it character (oh, and the fact that lifeless drafts are revived into better versions of themselves along the way). Your dog is cute, too.
September 13, 2009 at 1:15 pm
KobAla
Wow – is this ever helpful! LOVE the photos, it’s great to see the bloody marks on somebody’s else’s pages!! Thanks for sharing this…
September 13, 2009 at 1:12 pm
lilacacres
Love the contest on Wiggs blog (thanks for the heads up from the Twitter tweet)….but I am still wondering what step 4 is VBG………
Pam
September 13, 2009 at 9:37 am
Eliska
Thanks for being so down to earth and showing us how you really work. I am working on my first book, so I am trying to be like a sponge and absorb any hints that will help. Love your books……
September 12, 2009 at 6:44 pm
janie
I’m not a writer, just a reader, but wanted to send encouragement / tea and sympathy. Keep on keeping on!!
The wedding pictures are precious. Sigh—The way they look at each other!
Love the duct tape, that looks like something my guy would do.
September 12, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Dawn VanderMeer
Thanks for sharing your techniques! My dogs love to walk/stand/lie on my pages too.
I peeked at the wedding pics. Beautiful.
September 12, 2009 at 1:51 pm
lalber
Lovin’ the hemorrhage! Related to a previous post: Word does pretty much suck, but the Track Changes are great for increasing margin space for all the oozing rewrites!
September 12, 2009 at 1:33 pm
oh
You are organized!!!!!
Post-its and rewrites neatly done and laid out…hmmm…I’m learning something here….
And Barkis is a doll. Just went looking for a second dog today at rescue shelters. I need one of those dogs who lies at my feet while I write as opposed to our beagle who cares only to claim the entire couch.
September 12, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Ginny Gielow
I can’t imagine ANY draft of yours is “shitty”.
I will volunteer to walk Barkis any time you are busy:o) GREAT to see the handsome dude! It certainly can be said he really gets into reading/critiquing your work..or is it “onto”?
He seems to be looking pretty close to the page….think he needs bifocals?
Give him a big hug for me, please.
September 12, 2009 at 7:13 am
Magdalena Scott
Thank you for your hard work. Your readers appreciate it!