Writing Excuses

19.07: NaNoWriMo Revision with Ali Fisher: Intention

Feb 18, 2024

Tor editor Ali Fisher discusses setting intentions for revisions, emphasizing the importance of being kind to yourself during the process. She advises writers to lean into their strengths and incorporate elements they love in their books. The episode also covers embracing story's darlings, impact of cover art on revisions, emphasizing personal connection and tone in writing, and exploring simplicity and vibes in writing.

25:07

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Episode guests

Ali Fisher

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Editing with intention involves focusing on the desired effect of the book and understanding the author's intended goals.

Identifying and capitalizing on the strengths of the book enhances the editing process and creates a satisfying reading experience.

Deep dives

Editing for Intention

Editing with intention involves focusing on the desired effect of the book and understanding the author's intended goals. The editing process begins by clarifying the author's purpose and unity of effect. This entails understanding the emotion the author wants to leave with the reader and asking questions to ensure a clear understanding of the author's intentions. It is essential to identify the book's central question and ensure that each scene supports that question. The process of editing for intention involves exploring what the book is truly about and aligning the editing process with the desired effect on the reader.

Introduction

5min

Embracing Your Story's Darlings

5min

Impact of Cover Art on Book Development

10min

Emphasizing Personal Connection and Tone in Writing

2min

Exploring Simplicity and Vibes in Writing

3min

For our second episode in this three-part series on revising your NaNoWriMo novel—or any other larger project you have—we are diving into intentions with Tor editor Ali Fisher. We asked her how she helps writers figure out what their books are about, and how she helps set intentions for revisions.

Ali talks with us about how its important to be kind to yourself -- and your writing-- during the revision process. She also gives us advice for how you, as a writer, can lean into what you do well.

Homework:

From editor Ali Fisher: write down what you like best about your book. Find a spot in your book where you can incorporate that element where it isn't now.

Thing of the Week:

I Will Not Die Alone by Dera White, illustrated by Joe Bennett

A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping or Peeing but Using the Bathroom as an Escape by Joe Pera; illustrated by Joe Bennett

Credits: Your hosts for this episode were Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, and Ali Fisher. It was produced by Emma Reynolds, recorded by Marshall Carr, Jr., and mastered by Alex Jackson.

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