Revision is a different kind of writing than the generative process of getting a draft down on the page. The writer feels the fire-hot excitement of creativity when they are making up the story. The ideas are flowing, and the words surprise even the writer as they appear on the page. The process of revision is a much different feeling, often more challenging, but it can be extremely satisfying as well.
To shift from the creative mode to the editorial perspective, the important thing is to get some distance from the material and to produce a shift in consciousness. This gives clarity on the weaknesses and hopefully, some ideas about how to fix them.
How to Give Yourself Fresh Eyes
There’s no better way to get an objective opinion on a script than having someone else read it. But it’s usually a good idea for the writer to do some revising before giving it to a friend, colleague, or story analyst for feedback. So how does a writer achieve enough of a shift in consciousness to give themselves constructive criticism? There are several things a writer can do in order to shift gears and put on their editorial cap.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to take a few days or even weeks off. This is a great time to think about a new project and start writing it even. Keep writing, but work on something else.
After a break, it’s time to print out the pages of the screenplay that needs to be revised. If this can be done in a different font, different size, and even using a different color ink than what the writer drafted the script in, it will help to give the sense of "fresh eyes." Try goldenrod paper instead of white, or Arial font instead of Courier. This can really help the writer to see the script differently, both literally and figuratively.
Next, the writer should take the script pages (hard copy is preferred) and a favorite pen somewhere different from the regular writing space. If a desk at home is ordinarily used, then try a coffee shop. If it's usually a library, try writing in a chair. If one writes upstairs, they can try downstairs. If outside, inside. Whatever it is, some change of locale, small or large, will help give the writer new perspective.
First the Forest, Then the Trees
Now, the writer should put the pen away and read through the whole script with out making a mark. This is the time to just smoothly give it one long read. Then, after taking a walk or some other physical activity, the writer should sit down and write some notes and comments on the pages.
What’s needed now is to write down the general, overall impressions, in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Suggestions for improvements can also be noted. It sometimes helps to make a list of things that need improvement, and a separate list of ideas for how to improve them.
After a good night's sleep, the writer should take the script out again and read the notes. Then, pen in hand, he or she can begin going through the script, making notes directly on the page, crossing out, underlining, and noting places that need more research.
Once all the notes are made, it’s time to make the changes. The thing to remember when it comes to this step is that it's a process. Breaking the revision down into elements, and rewriting one element at a time is the key to a producing a much improved new draft. Read more about this in the article Elements of Revision.
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