What are some good techniques for revising fiction?

The first key step is to check the plot. Make sure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Also, look for any plot holes. Another step is to review the characters. Ensure they are well - developed and their actions are consistent. Grammar and punctuation are also important. Check for any mistakes in these areas.

One of the great books on revising fiction is 'Self - Editing for Fiction Writers' by Renni Browne and Dave King. It offers practical advice on various aspects like dialogue, point of view, and showing vs. telling.

When revising realistic fiction, pay attention to the dialogue. It should sound natural, like real people talking. Avoid overly formal or stilted language. Also, look at the setting. It should be described vividly enough to help the reader visualize the story's world. You can add small details like the smell of a room or the sound of traffic outside.

One quote could be 'Revising a novel is like polishing a diamond; each pass reveals more facets of its brilliance.' It emphasizes that through revising, the hidden beauty and depth of the novel are brought out.

One simple book navigation technique for fiction is to use the table of contents. It gives you an overview of the chapters and can help you quickly jump to a particular part. Another is to mark important pages or passages as you read, so you can easily refer back to them later. Also, if it's an e - book, use the search function to find specific words or phrases.

The book 'Writing Tools' by Roy Peter Clark has a lot of relevant content for fiction revising. It provides 50 essential strategies for every writer. These strategies can be applied when you go back to your fictional piece to improve it. For instance, it gives insights on how to use language effectively, which is crucial when you are revising your dialogue or descriptions.

One element is the realism of the situations. Avoid creating scenarios that are completely unrealistic in the context of the real world. The dialogue is also crucial. It should be able to convey the characters' personalities and the mood of the story. Moreover, when it comes to revising, look at how the story is structured. A good structure will keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

Well, it involves a careful examination of the elements in each scene - like character actions, dialogue, and setting - to make it more engaging and coherent.

Read a lot of well - revised fiction. See how other authors do it. Then, practice on your own work regularly. Make a checklist of things to look for like plot, character, and grammar.

One common technique is through dialogue. Characters might say something that hints at future events. For example, 'I have a feeling this journey will change everything.' Another is the use of symbols. A black cat in a story could foreshadow bad luck. Also, setting details can be used for foreshadowing. If a storm is brewing in the background as a character makes a decision, it might foreshadow trouble ahead.