How I'm "tinking" the revision of my novel
Plus TONS of writing links and resources!
*For writing links and resources, scroll down.*
Not gonna lie: revising is hard
I finished the first draft of my adult suspense novel right before Christmas and let it rest. And now, armed with feedback from a beta reader, I’m tackling a revision.
Revising is really hard, especially when you’re trying to create a twisty plot. I pulled one thread that wasn’t making sense, and the entire story started to unravel. Now I’m looking at a pile of yarn, wondering how to make it back into a sweater.
told me, “in knitting, we call it “tinking” which is knit backwards (+ing); it means undoing our work. Yarn can always be reknit!”So here’s how I’m “tinking” my novel. I’m…
Listing changes I want to make.
Brainstorming possible solutions to the plot problems those changes will create.
Making timelines and spreadsheets.
Asking myself questions about the story and coming up with answers.
Outlining in reverse (well, trying).
Researching topics related to my story.
Reading thriller novels and watching thriller movies.
Writing out character motivations.
Entertaining crazy ideas.
Writing new scenes I think might help, even if I’m not totally sure how.
Considering if I need to use Scrivener or notecards to help me feel more organized.
Going on walks and letting my mind wander.
Forcing myself to keep trying, no matter how bad it feels.
Because it does feel bad. It feels confusing and frustrating. I worry I’m not smart enough or creative enough to figure it out.
This is the point in the past when I used to give up on a manuscript. When I was in my twenties, I used to write a novel, get completely overwhelmed by revision, and decide, instead of revising, I’d just write a new novel, but do it better this time.
But first drafts are always pretty bad. The only way to write a better novel is to embrace the revision process. That’s how you write a better novel.
Revising a book is like cleaning out your closet. First, you’ve got to take everything out and look at it, which is going to feel completely overwhelming. Get rid of stuff you don’t need, consolidate what you do need, and then put everything back in a more organized and visually-pleasing way. You have to make a mess first, in other words, to make it better in the end.
The Long Road to Publishing
I have not forgotten my bold promise of starting a podcast in 2025. It will happen, trust me. And I’ve got a name for it: The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston.
There’s a lot going on in my town council life right now (a contentious situation with purchasing new playground equipment… I won’t even get into it), and my kids have been home from school for snow and sickness. Plus, I’ve been pretty busy interviewing awesome writers for This Mama is Lit!, the podcast I cohost.
BUT I am still planning to do The Long Road to Publishing. I’ve already got a great list of potential guests, and right now I’m working on a logo and cover design as well as intro music. I’ve also signed up for podcast hosting.
So, it’s happening! Slowly but surely. I’m guessing I won’t launch the podcast until summer or fall 2025. And, as I said before, very much open to suggestions of all kinds from those who have podcasting experience.
If you like ghost stories, you’ll like this!
Back in November I got to talk about ghost stories with Australian author Daniel Radford on his podcast Stories Across Borders. It was a lot of fun to dissect the different types of ghost stories and how they're craft elements. The episode just came out over the weekend — check it out!
Writing News & Resources:
For All Writers:
Must read: The Key Publishing Paths 2025-2026 from publishing guru
February Submission Calls from Angelique Fawns. All are paying, no-fee opportunities!
Self-Publishing for Beginners, an online webinar from Blue Pencil Agency is happening February 13.
Ever wonder why it takes so long to publish a book? Evelyn Skye has the answer.
The Writers Center website is a GREAT resource for finding grants, fellowships, residencies & retreats, publishers (who publish non-agented authors), and literary journal opportunities.
Writing Workshops offers lots of online classes in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, picture books, and the business of writing.
Check out the meet-up group called Shut Up & Write. There are in-person chapters all over the country, as well online events.
Looking for places to submit your writing? Check out NewPages and Sub Club.
For KidLit Writers:
Literary Rambles has information on kidlit agents and agent interviews. Plus contests and giveaways.
Here’s an incredible list of upcoming events for KidLit writers!
Check out SCBWI (The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) for events, conferences, critique partners and more. (Picture book through YA.)
For Querying Writers:
You’re using Manuscript Wishlist to research agents, right? Also, the first official Bluesky #MSWL Day is February 12, 2025. Agents + editors can post what they wish they had in their inboxes; writers can find their next best fit for querying.
Free online event Feb. 21 from Courtney Maum on how to prepare you manuscript for querying.
A list of small publishers that do not require agents.
Andrea Bartz has a list of successful query letters (including mine!).
I occasionally choose a subscriber for a FREE submission package critique. Send me your query and first two pages, and, if I chose your submission, I will send you feedback on both. Fill out the form here.
Writing Conferences & Events:
The San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival is happening February 12-16 in beautiful/historic San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I’ve spent a lot of time in San Miguel, and it’s a great place to visit, especially in the winter season.
Recently two separate people recommended this online writing conference to me: Women in Publishing Summit, happening March 5-8, 2025.
Publish Now! A One-Day Conference about getting published is happening at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD on Saturday, March 8.
The enormous AWP conference (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) will be held in Los Angeles this year, March 26-29.
If you live in the DC area, this comprehensive Calendar of Local Literary Events, compiled by Washington Independent Review of Books is overwhelming and awesome.
Live in the mid-Atlantic region and looking for a writing retreat get-away? The Writer’s Retreat at Good Contrivance Farm north of Baltimore is open year-round. The only requirement for this peaceful retreat is that you use the time to work on your writing. Spaces normally book about two months in advance.
Thinking about going to a conference or applying for a residency? Check out the free searchable database on Poets & Writers.
The James River Writers Conference in Richmond, VA will be held Oct. 4 - 6. They also have a best self-published novel contest — applications due February 28.
The Annapolis Book Festival will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The Writing Day Workshop “How to Get Published” Conferences are affordable and helpful. Plus, sign up for pitch sessions with agents for $29 a piece. For online conferences, attend from anywhere in the world! Check out the upcoming conferences:
I’m going to Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention in New Orleans September 3-7! See you there?
Writers Digest offers loads of virtual conferences on a variety of publishing and writing craft topics.
For more writing conferences, check out this list or the free searchable database on Poets & Writers.
Aww, thanks for quoting me! Your action list sounds empowering. Best of luck on your journey. Yes a podcast!
A scene either has to say/do something that comes back to make the story do something later, or it has to say something about the character that matters later -- Checkov's gun.
I managed to cut a 90k word MS down to 80k. My target was 70k and I could have gotten there but I couldn't resist leaving in a few diversions that break the above principle 😱😖🤪😂