Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Putting the pieces together

Revising is a lot like working on a puzzle. You fill in the pieces that you know, like the edges but then you've got this whole middle to deal with.  Sometimes you struggle to find the right piece and then you go for a bit working on a section and all the pieces seem to fit together. 

With writing you don't have the benefit of having a picture of what the finished product will look like which is kinda like the puzzle below where the picture didn't exactly match the one on the box. 

Lately for me the pieces seem to be falling into place. Writing/revising wise I feel like I'm on one of those streaks where the pieces are starting to fit together nicely.  I'm really excited about this place right now.


Puzzle- using Instagram app


Where are you in your project? Just putting the edge pieces in, working your way through the middle, inviting everyone to come look at the finished puzzle?

7 comments:

Barbara Watson said...

This is a great analogy. I like the idea of a draft being filling in what you know and revising being all the rest. Someone once told me that revising is also like taking a glamorous dress you've just finished, ripping it apart, tweaking it, and putting it back together in a better, even more glamorous way. The two approaches are different but equally wonderful.

I have about one-fifth of a story left to draft and can't wait for revising. That's when the full picture and beauty are formed.

Andrea Mack said...

Right now I'm taking the puzzle apart and trying to put it back together a different way. I'm not sure it will work!

Meredith said...

Yay for the pieces falling into place! That's such a good feeling. Good luck!

Mary Aalgaard said...

Excellent analogy. I used puzzle pieces in my class this week with middle school writers. You are a unique piece in the puzzle of life, Carrie. Write on!

Play off the Page

DL Hammons said...

It sounds like you're a pantser...true?

Jessica L. Celaya said...

That is a good comparison. Revisions can be so frustrating, but it is awesome when you can see it coming together. Good luck with your writing.

Annie said...

There's nothing like that feeling when the pieces are all starting to fit together! I'm moving into that spot right now. I used to hate revising, but now it's actually my favorite part!