It Takes Two To Tango 💃

Where revision and creativity meet

We tend to think of creativity as freewheeling and revision as strict and no-nonsense. A lot of us were taught to think of revision as just “editing,” even though they’re not the same thing. 

However, the root of “revision” literally means seeing in a new way, which is inherent in the definition of creativity! Creativity is defined as generating new ideas or new associations between existing ideas or concepts. 

Revision is not about “fixing” your work. It can be a creative process in itself as you see new connections in your work and create something new, again.

The point may be obvious, but sometimes even the obvious bears repeating. Revision makes you a better artist who creates better work.

Even more than that, revision isn’t something that applies only to writing. It can apply to any piece of artistic work and even parts of our daily lives. Do you ever change your mind? Is that not an act of revision? 👀

Why Revision Benefits Your Work

Push your work to the next level

No matter what your creative goals are, revision can be a lot of fun and let you explore new aspects of a project. Think of drafting or creating as building a room, and revision as the interior design.

Improve your future work

Being a good editor/revisionist makes you a better writer/creator going forward. This is why it’s important to know how to revise your own work and not just rely on other people.

How to implement revision in your creative practice

Make Time For It

Adding revision into your creative practice can be as simple as using part of your dedicated writing time to go over something you’ve already written. 

Revisit my blog on developing a writing practice, if you liked a refresher on how to build a practice.

Try New Strategies

When it comes to writing specifically, revision isn’t just about crossing the T’s. and dotting your I’s. There are tons of different strategies you can use to explore your writing.

While I truly believe there’s nothing quite like handing your work to another person and getting their honest feedback, sometimes you want to be able to revise your work by yourself first. 

So I wrote this month’s blog with that in mind. I’m a writer, so that’s what I’ve focused on. I’m sure there are ways to apply some of these to other types of creative work as well.

How to Revise Your Poetry (Or Other Writing) On Your Own

I’ve been spending most of my time working on my show for the Kansas City Fringe Festival this summer.

I even added a page to my website about it: Godzilla’s Not A Dinosaur.

Producing a one-person show is a very exciting process but also a lot of work. After completing my first draft of the show early last month I jumped right into rehearsing and revising.

I don’t have any other performances to announce yet, but you can catch me drilling my comedy material at open mics these next couple of months and several of the Fringe preview events around town. I’ll post those details when I have them!

Some opportunities I’m submitting to this month that you could too!

Game Over Books poetry open reading period (Manuscript)

Glitter Bomb Award by Limp Wrist

A Writing Prompt

Example poem: There is a Bracelet of Twine

Prompt: In your life, what are you missing a word for? What can’t you describe but want to?