What does it mean to Revise?

Blogging to promote understanding!

What is Revision? “Revision is like a second chance because it lets

you discover what you were trying to say all along.” ~ Susan Goodman

“Revision is like drawing, because you erase and shade in the details.” ~ Chrissa Chappell

“Revision involves rethinking not what a piece of writing is, but what it might become.” ~ Kate Messner

Talk with the person next to you, how do you define revision? How is revision different than editing?

Advice from author Kate Messner “Revision requires time to consider roads not

traveled in the first draft. It often involves collaboration and discussion. It can include sticky notes, index cards, computerized comments, colored pencils, highlighters, and messes. Always messes. And always time.”

Let’s look at the following profile page taken from a blog about blogging. What do you notice about this profile?

Sample Profile Page About Me Rebecca resides in Dallastown, PA with her husband and

two daughters (Raina - age 6; Story - age 2). For the past 12 years she has taught English Literature, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking at various high schools in Minnesota, Philadelphia and now in Red Lion, PA. Currently, she is loving her summer life at home with her little family and her pug, Loki. In her spare time she loves reading contemporary literature and memoirs about crazy people, taking long walks, doing yoga, watching So You Think You Can Dance (yup), writing, and although it is embarrassing she loves to do laundry (this is not a joke). She hopes to one day find balance in her life.

Tips from Kate Messner 1. Say something positive first. 2. Tell the reader what you’re taking away from your

reading of the piece. 3. Be specific in your feedback. 4. Note places where the writer might want to add

sensory details. 5.Don’t be afraid to point out where things don’t make

sense. 6. Wrap up on a positive note.

Revision Round 2 Now that you have read Kate Messner’s strategy

list, what advice do you now have for this blogger?

Sample Profile Page About Me Rebecca resides in Dallastown, PA with her husband and

two daughters (Raina - age 6; Story - age 2). For the past 12 years she has taught English Literature, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking at various high schools in Minnesota, Philadelphia and now in Red Lion, PA. Currently, she is loving her summer life at home with her little family and her pug, Loki. In her spare time she loves reading contemporary literature and memoirs about crazy people, taking long walks, doing yoga, watching So You Think You Can Dance (yup), writing, and although it is embarrassing she loves to do laundry (this is not a joke). She hopes to one day find balance in her life.

Breaking into Editing Groups We are breaking into 3 writing groups today. Your

job is to listen with the intent to understand. Each person will share their blog profile draft. Be ready to respond with suggestions and positive comments. I will keep the list of suggestions posted on the white board as we work.

You may use pens, high lighters or post its to revise your work in your notebook, or use a highlight font on your iPad notes.

Once we have completed this revision process, we will move to setting up our blog pages on The North School Writing Club.