The Art of Revision

“Prior to the workshop, I looked at revising fiction in a more intuitive way. I enjoyed fine-tuning a piece of writing, finding the perfect words and phrases to express what I was trying to convey. This workshop helped me to see the revision process in a more structured light. Now I will try to combine the two in order to add some structure to my editing process. I had no idea that revision could take a piece of writing so far, and, even when a piece is drastically altered, it can still have its essential elements.”

Karina, May 19, 2019

“I had never done any revision of my work, so this was new to me. The workshop was well structured; learning to revise helped me think about the important points to address in my story. I saw how each draft can deepen the structure of the story—and help get to its heart.”

Maja, October 10, 2016

“It was another great workshop. I have already been implementing some things and definitely it has changed how I approach a revision. I thought the handout was excellent, and full of helpful tips and examples… I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming season of workshops and hope to be able to attend another one soon.”

Donna, November 5, 2014

“The workshop was thought provoking, motivating, and the message was well delivered. I was glad I was able to come!”

Nicole, November 5, 2014

“This workshop provided me with practical techniques, tips and details about how to revise my first draft, and my second and third, until I reach a manuscript that works. In addition to generating and creative part of revising a manuscript, I also learned many useful details regarding the publishing process…Thank you for helping us and guiding us to become better writers: this is beyond valuable, and I am very appreciative.”

Zohar, November 5, 2014

“The workshop has changed the way I look at my own writing and the writing of professional authors. When I read novels, I will now watch for the techniques we discussed during the workshop… Most important, this workshop has given me clear direction. In my opinion, that is the best a two-day workshop can do… I liked the teaching method. It was very direct and sometimes confrontational. I thought it was effective that students were challenged to substantiate their criticism, making it impossible to blurt out random and obtuse critiques… Overall, I’m very positive about this workshop. It was a good first step toward turning hobby into profession.”

Sander, September 1, 2014

“I now have a plan which allows me to look at different aspects in my writing without having to revert to chopping up every single sentence… Thank you for creating a safe environment, as always. And thank you for being open, for being helpful and, more than anything, for turning me back to my work.”

Meredith, September 1, 2014

“One of the main points I took away with me this weekend was how to more effectively use praise and criticism when revising. Instead of reading a piece of writing and declaring – “Wow that was great!” or “Goddamn, that really sucked,” I learned to change those declarations into “That worked well” or “That didn’t work well.” Once these were identified I learned how to grow and nurture what did work well and how to weed out what didn’t… What I learned this weekend will help me to view my writing with a more objective eye.”

Ian, September 1, 2014