THE ART OF REVISION

A collection of essays that explores an elusive piece of the writing process.

As an English professor and novelist who has won the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and PEN/Malamud Award, Davies is well situated to tackle the art of revision, which is often invisible, executed behind the scenes, with readers only privy to an author’s final draft. In his writing classes, Davies has found that many writers are reluctant to revise their drafts. The author attempts to shine light on this subject and break down barriers by exploring the revision processes of numerous popular writers as well as his own. Among the authors included in the discussion are Hemingway, Joyce, Flannery O’Connor, Raymond Carver, Lauren Groff, and Carmen Maria Machado. Davies also looks at other forms of writing that have benefitted from revision, including serial movies and TV series. As the author demonstrates—and as many aspiring writers will acknowledge—the first draft is often hard to let go. Having a first-is-best bias, some writers romanticize their inspirations and are reluctant to make changes. Davies offers another perspective from which writers should view their work. He is clear about the importance of revision, an ongoing project of discovery that allows authors the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their stories and refine their intent—and their chosen title, if needed. Through the author’s close analysis of popular works, as well as insight on the topic from other writers, the power of this crucial step in the writing process is evident. But how does a writer know when enough is enough? Davies also discusses the risks associated with obsessive revision. Ultimately, in finding the sweet spot, the author suggests that the endpoint be “the point at which the opinions of others no longer burden us.”

A fresh perspective on revision that should inspire even apprehensive writers.