Revision is the most repetitive thing. I’ll stare at my computer screen for hours, as I have been doing over the past few days, writing and rewriting a single paragraph until it comes out just the way I want it to. Sometimes that means changing one word what seems like a million times until it comes out in a way that is equal parts beautiful and articulate.
After changing the order of a sentence ten times, I find myself sitting back and wondering… is it really worth it? Is it worth writing and rewriting one sentence, spending five minutes finding the perfect adjective? Isn’t there something that would allow me to be more productive and efficient?
I then know that I have to trust myself and what I have learned about writing essays – that although revision seems repetitive and useless in the moment, it is worth it in the long run. I know that when I eventually read my many-times-revised paper and compare it to my original draft, the new and improved version will be much better than my initial draft.
As a class, we have discussed the process, art, and importance of revision. In previous English classes (especially in high school), my teachers did not stress revision as much as Dr. McCoy does. Initially, especially at the beginning of the semester, the amount of time I spent writing and rewriting various pieces seemed futile, but, as the semester has progressed, I have been able to better understand the reason for revision.
In the moment, revision, as encouraged in class throughout the semester, might seem pointless, but will ultimately lead to an end product that is far superior to my original creation.
And to future Elaine, who is inevitably reading this blog post in frustration later today, keep going. It’s worth it. Seriously.