Monday, September 17, 2012

My First Visit to the Revision Cave

I've often heard other writers refer to their revision caves. Although I've never felt the need for one myself, this week I started considering the idea. I'm currently revising two projects. The PB can be tackled in small clutches of time, I think because the story is short and manageable and I know the characters well. I can easily slip in and out of their world. The novel, however, is quite different. I feel like I'm dragging my feet on these revisions. I'm making some major changes, so I'm getting to know my characters in a whole new way. It's harder to re-enter their world each time something pulls me away. So I've decided to take a little blog break. I've picked out this lovely cave for myself.



What do you think? Isn't it pretty?! And the sound of the ocean - could there be anything more inspiring than that?! So while I'm away for a little while, picture me here scrawling endless pages, with my toes in the sand and the sea breeze in my hair. In reality, I'll still be behind a rather unmanageable pile of papers at my desk, letting the dogs in and out, fixing dinner, and trying to tune out the television from the next room. But, I won't be blogging, because that's one time commitment I can trim out for a short time. Although I will miss you all and I hope to make swift progress and be back visiting you all soon.

Wish me luck!

27 comments:

  1. I've never heard of the revision cave, but I love the concept! Happy revising!

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  2. I've never visited the revision cave. Too much going on in life to slip away. Maybe if I could revisions wouldn't take so long. Good luck!

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  3. Smart move. Nice cave. See you when you come out!

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  4. What a pretty cave! I hope there's lots of candy in there. :-) Good luck!

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  5. We'll have to miss you too, but anything for a good cause.
    Thank you for the beautiful parting-shot, the photograph. I'll be looking for you to come up from the cave.

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  6. I understand then need and the desire for the revision cave. Enjoy your time there and we will see you went you venture back out to the land of living.

    ctny

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  7. Best of luck, Ruth. I read a quote once that said, 'She'll be back soon. She's just writing.' This post reminded me of that.

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  8. Ohh, enjoy the cave, and don't spend too much time ducking out and playing in the sand!

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  9. Good luck! Your cave is beautiful, and I admire your determination to enter it and get the job done! I wish I was as disciplined! Bonus: the dogs can let themselves in and out :)

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  10. This is a charming idea. I've never heard of it before. Although I must admit that I'm slightly disappointed that you're not actually going into a cave to edit.

    Now that would be cool.

    Good luck with your revisions.

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  11. *sends in chocolate and coca-cola for sustenance* What a perfectly lovely cave! And such a great idea. :) Good luck with the revising, and we'll see you when you emerge.

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  12. Good luck Ruth--I wish you MUCH productivity! :)

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  13. Good luck! You've picked out a lovely cave with a gorgeous view. Wishing you lots of productive revising time.

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  14. Best of luck, Ruth! This will be a fruitful retreat because sea waves are music magic for writers. Bring chocolates!

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  15. Good luck with your revisions, Ruth! Hurry back - I will miss your insightful posts!

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  16. "It's harder to re-enter their world each time something pulls me away."

    Truer words have hardly ever been spoken! Have a wonderful time in that lovely cave.

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  17. You won my contest on Kelly Hashway's blog. I just dropped by to let you know I've mailed your books. Thanks for participating!

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  18. Love the idea of a Revision Cave -- love the photo. Have to hand it to you for being so persistent. Hope you were inspired.

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  19. Er, excuse me, but I think you're in my cave. Oh well, I was lonely, so having you join me is a good thing.

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  20. Revision cave sounds nice... best of luck... let us know how it goes.

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  21. I wish you luck. Take the time you need.

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  22. Hope your revision is going well. I love the cave and the images it creates in my mind!
    ~Jess

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  23. I just came out of my own cave! I hope you're doing well with that nice view; it's very inspiring. Taking a break from certain distractions (like blogging!) has its ups and downs, and I just blogged about it today - my first post since mid-August! Good luck with your revisions, Ruth!

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  24. I'm in and out of mine. I come out only to eat peanut butter. *wink* Hope you get a lot of revising done. Cheering for you.

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  25. Is your cave a timeshare? Can I book a week?

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  26. Ruth, love your revision cave. Hope you are having great success with it. Just thought of you this morning when I was starting to write a post about another organic grassfed beef giveaway (a different cut than the one *you* won last time). I've never written a novel, just magazine articles on a range of subjects, so I cannot say I know how you feel; revising a magazine article is not even close! Good hunting!

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