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Message: <blockquote data-quote="HRSegovia" data-source="post: 5668431" data-attributes="member: 99950">[FONT=&quot]If Your Work is Perfect... [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]...then don't read this article, or any other article. In fact, stop reading altogether because you know it all. Those who are willing to humble themselves (including myself; I'm not above you) can press-on.After months of blood, sweat, and tears, you complete your work. You have so much pride in your accomplishment. You have a story from beginning to end and it's just the way you want it. Well, guess what: it's time to tear it back apart. You may think you've been through your first draft, but your first draft is complete when you say "I'm done" and think you're finished with the story.The hardest part (and still a required part of the writing process) is the rewrite. Admitting to yourself that you need a rewrite is a difficult task. But you need a rewrite because:- The story is fresh in your head; it makes sense there- Each page is imprinted in your brain making it easy to overlook OBVIOUS ISSUES- It's not perfect (and never will be) but it can always be better- Nobody gets it right the first timeBut before you do the rewrite, you must take a break... at least two weeks, preferably two months. This retreat is important because:- Your brain needs to refuel with ideas and imagination- You need time to soak in the story and where it went- After a while, you can see the story as a whole- If you're gonna tear it apart, then its best that it's done after you've rid yourself of the emotional connectionRemember, focus on the art of storytelling, and not your recent work. Here are some things to do in the meantime:- Watch lots and lots of movies or read lots and lots of books- Compare your stories with theirs- What works in theirs that may not be working in yours- Why do their stories work so well- Research the genre or topic that your story was aboutYou're ready to return for the rewrite when:- You think about writing something else.- You no longer think about your work every day.- You've forgotten details about how your story develops.In a later article, I will actually discuss the rewrite.[/FONT]</blockquote>

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