Blog Chain: Why Change Is... Okay, I Guess

So. For this blog chain round, it was my turn to choose the topic! Here's what I asked:

It's a new year, and some writers have taken it upon themselves to switch things up. *points at self* It might be the genres you write in or your revision process. It might be your main character's voice. What's one thing you've chosen to change in your writing this new year? Why do you wish to change it? If there's nothing you're going to change, why do you think it should remain as is?

Oh, change. How I love you. *hugs change* As of right now, the biggest change has been my revision process. I've committed to one that's slightly different from my previous process, and so far, I'm digging it. Here's an overview:

Draft 2: 

characterization/plot fixes

Draft 3: 

setting/worldbuilding/backstory fixes

Draft 4: 

line edits

Draft 5:

send to crit partners

In the past, I would do ALL the changes in Draft 2, then Draft 3 would be line edits. *cries* I'm currently on Draft 2. Even though it's going slooooooooooooowly, I can tell I've made the best decision for this manuscript. I'm taking my time to really focus on bits and pieces instead of the whole package at once. I'm less overwhelmed. Everything is as smooth as a dollop of whip cream. :)

Here's another revision process technique I've changed:

Revise 10 chapters

Go back and revise them again

Move on to next 10 chapters

For example, Draft 2 is about characterization/plot. I revise the first 10 chapters. After I'm done, I go back and start over, polishing ONLY THOSE ELEMENTS. I do this because I tend to come up with even better changes as I go along, so I have to double back and make sure I put them into the manuscript before the next round of 10 chapters. Seems like a lot of work, and it is. 

But it's perfect for me. At least it is now. 

Make sure to check out what Cole has to say, then stay tuned for Margie's post tomorrow!