Revision is Creativity - (writing advice)

Most writers don't create a finished piece in a single draft. Most writers have to learn how to take a first draft and, step by step, transform into a finished work that represents their intentions. This is not an easy process. This is not a fast process. But this is an important process that separates good writers from great writers. This process is the art of revision. In this video I discuss the supreme importance of revision and the misconception that revision does not involve creativity. Revision is not separate from creativity, it is a natural and necessary part of the act of creation.
This video is part of my series "Becoming a Writer (when you have a full-time job)". The other videos in the series are collected into one playlist here: • Becoming a Writer (whe...
Twitter: @DanaGioiaPoet
Website: danagioia.com

[@thomasjardine]

Excellent. And I agree with everything Dana says in this video. Revising is crucial to the art in poetry. I do not know how it happened that run-on stream of consciousness writing became a style years ago and is still so prevalent. Revision does not stifle imagination, revision amplifies the clarity, and puts the expression and the subject in a poem in clear light. Possibly the effort to revise opens the door to feelings of mistakes or criticism, steps in a wrong direction that the ego does not wish to tolerate or have noticed. The writing of a poem should not contain the element of ego. Today, criticism of any poem is often taken as a non-acceptable approach. Such as FB only having a "like" button. There is good writing and bad writing. To revise is wise.

[@kevincombes3159]

I'm glad I found you on KZbin. Your "nuts and bolts" turorials are very helpful and inspiring.

[@DanaGioiaPoet]

I've tried to make these brief talks as useful as possible. It is very hard to arrange one's life as a writer.

[@ninsuhnrey]

Imagine listening to a mini lecture on revision and welling up with tears. Thank you, this part of creativity is hard and I needed that. This is clarity and a road map. Plus the Pound revision was jaw dropping. Eliot's hair must have instantly turned white at the sight. Reentering my vision. I can do that.

[@TheAnnayin]

Great video as always. Thank you for doing these important, concise tutorials.

[@jacoba.2279]

Thank you very much. It would be a great educational and insightful feat if you can illustrate to us the process of revision on one of your own poems or another poet's.

[@SIgnCurveStudios]

Excellent video. Thank you for doing these brief, concise tutorials.

[@rinamusic7]

This is so encouraging and fueling me to write more knowing that revision reveals genuine creativity of writers. And allowing the feedback of trusted artistic friends in revision process also reveals true humility and creativity of the writer. Thank you, Dana! I am sharing the video with my friends!

[@asteroidmonger]

I want to cry after watching this series of videos. I stumbled on the last one by chance, about poets and writers with full time jobs. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@shatzelyg5777]

Revision = Re-entering your vision ✨

[@gailhammill271]

Fantastic and inspiring! Will share with my students tomorrow.

[@shylanambiar4316]

In which Hollywood movie do you find a writer producing that miraculous, finished first draft? I'd like to see the movie. I find the revision process exciting because that's when the real poem starts emerging from that slipshod, cobbled together first draft. Thanks very much for your videos. It's great to see a real poet creating videos and dispensing advice on writing poetry. I love your poetry and have a book of your poems.

[@danieljaeger2982]

What a beautiful video. I love your videos.