Gennifer Choldenko: Down and Dirty Revision Tips

Gennifer Choldenko, acclaimed author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, shares advice on Revision.

• Seek out great critiquers who will tell you the truth.
• Don't be defensive--try to save your comments by taking notes and giving it time to sink in.
• Don't critique yourself too much on the first draft.
• Don't spend too much time on the first chapter when drafting.
• Writing plot can be learned, writing characters is much harder. 
• Backstory must be leaked in sparingly so that your readers are dying to know the rest. 
• Do a 'word search' to make sure you're not to repetitive. Also 'word search' your characters to check to see if they're dialogue is consistent with their characterization.
• Do your research. Try to recreate setting as best you can. 
• Be patient--it's part of the game.
• Honor your instincts. Stay true to your story--if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.
• Try to develop a love for revision.