A Writer's Perspective
by Beth K. Vogt

Wednesday, January 26, 2005
The "Eyes" Have It

Writing is re-writing. But how do you ensure each re-write improves your manuscript?
Don’t be the only one reading your rough drafts. Join a critique group and listen to the other writers’ feedback.

When I throw my first rough draft onto a page, it is a jumble of thoughts. I may know what I want to say but my main point is skittering down too many rabbit trails. My lead is hidden on the second page; my conclusion is non-existent.

After reading through the pages several times, I manage to ferret out the passive verbs and the misspelled words. But only when I hand my manuscript over to the members of my writers group does a polished article take shape.

Sharon scours the pages with the eyes of a trained proofreader. She sees when there are too many spaces between sentences or when I misplace a comma or quotation marks.

Scoti examines the words with the eyes of a detective. What main point did I overlook? What additional research can I do on my topic?

Colleen peers through the lens of a bilingual reader. If a word or phrase confuses her, she points it out. Her questions prompt me to search for the best word, the clearest phrase.

Gloria looks at my heart. If an article doesn’t flow from my beliefs, my passions -- then why write it? Her eyes may read through the paragraphs, but her questions probe much deeper.

I take their critiques and sift through them, re-writing my manuscript with the benefit of their different viewpoints. My writing is not limited by my own narrow vision. It stands -- or falls -- under the scrutiny of trusted, experienced writers.

When it comes to writing and re-writing, the eyes have it.

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