Inspiration and Perspiration

Writing and editing a work can be a difficult taskespeciallytasks because thethey are,
by nature of the task is not completely clear., a little unclear. Stereotypically, a writer writes
withwriters write by fantastic inspirations, inspirations that curse or bless the writer
withinspiration, guided by that flighty inner genius who tauntingly chooses to spew brilliance
only in sudden, brief outbursts. If thiswriting is trueso unpredictable, how in the world does a
writerdo writers make a living? Likewise, how is there a profession for writing or for
editingeditors? Writers have to deal with the conflict between the Muse and professional work,
and editors have to work with those writers. Both roles require the ability to revise writing well.
Revision, a discussion between writers and editors on a LinkedIn group, discusses how
writers and editors deal with the revision process in this confused taskthe confusing task of

Comment [LA1]: Meaning changed; okay?

literary creation.
Tom started this discussion by asking how people revise their work. Do you scratch out
a draft and slowly work it into shape, get bogged down in details, or throw hell and thunder
down on the page and walk away? PeopleWriters and editors responded with their methods.
The methods , which varied considerably. For example, Lee Nordling prefers to revise as he
goes, looking back every few steps. Gail Gilbride Bohle prefers the free write and Laura
Sheridan prefers the throw up method. It seems that it is good to find which method works for
you, as an editor and as a writer. Some people revise as they go, stepping back very few steps
(Lee Nordling). Others prefer the free write (Gail Gilbride Bohle) or the throw up method
(Laura Sheridan). Most argued that it is important to keep a certain level of objectivity when you
revise, divorcing [yourself] from the writer and putting [yourself] in the place of the reader
(Andrew Hamling). Those in the discussion do this using a variety of methods.have several

Comment [LA2]: Lets include his last

name.

techniques for remaining objective. Often they step away from the work for a few days and look
at it later. One person mentioned that they have he has found it useful to consider old writings for

Comment [LA3]: Gender correct?

revision several years later.

Comment [LA4]: Were any other

techniques mentioned?

If I were to add to this discussion, Id probably side more onwith the writers who prefer
to get thetheir ideas out on the page partyquickly. I agree with editor Jackie Charley when she
wrote, who said, I definitely think its easy to be too critical of yourself as youre
writingTheres a great quotethat says something like: I can edit a rubbish page, but I cant
do a thing with a blank one! I have often had times when I couldnt get something on the page
commit to any writing because I was revisionrevising too quickly in my head. It is important to
get the ideas down. before revising them. This technique is also important to me as an editor
because it helps me get started. It seems that it is important to Writers and editors should always
consider writing and editing as a workworks in progress, never as a perfect work.
The Revision discussion is relevant to me as a freelance editor (and for this class)
because it is important that I find a revision process that works well for me. Revision is an
important processessential for both the writer and the editor. I cant allow myself to get stuck
with an inefficient processmethod that stops me from completing the revision process.performing
my job. This paper, for instance, perfectly demonstrates the faults of athe revising as you go
type of process for me as a writerapproach. I am finishing a bit late and am unable to do the last
revision.
Overall, writing and editing are a processaan inseparable process together. The work is
worked over and over with revisions. Revision is the part of the process that. While writing may
be accompanied by inspiration, revision always requires the work in the professions, and it is
important to know what the best process is for you.hard work. Some people argue for revising as

you write,; others argue that you should essentially throw- up on the page and revise it later.
Many suggested that you approach revising with a certain level of objectivitystepping away
from itthe manuscript for a few days and then approaching it as a reader. Either way, the writer,
even if inspired in his or her writing, has to undergo the work that comes with revision.

Comment [LA5]: And what does the editor

have to do? Lets add a sentences applyinig
this to editors, which are more important
than writers for this assignment.