Novel Metamorphosis: Uncommon Ways to Revise, 2nd edition - Softcover

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT NOVEL METAMORPHOSIS "I found many books useful, but I found your Novel Metamorphosis absolutely the best for a workshop. For the first time in 18 years of doing The Manuscript Workshop in Vermont, I offered one this year for novels - for those who had a first draft or more that needed revision. The most interesting session was the one where we dealt with the Shrunken Manuscript, and we were all really impressed about how much we learned from this hands on activity." -Barbara Seuling, Director The Manuscript Workshop in Vermont www.barbaraseuling.com "Darcy Pattison's shrunken manuscript technique for analyzing the overall flow and pacing of my novel was the single most helpful tip I have ever picked up at a workshop. Highly recommended!" -Carole Estby Dagg www.caroleestbydagg.com The Year We Were Famous, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. Would you walk over four thousand miles to save your family's home? "My initial reaction after finishing a first draft is to ask myself "Now What?" That question is answered and then some in Darcy's novel revision retreats (I've done two so far). The large group sessions where Darcy discusses things like character, plot, setting and word choice help you wrap your brain around where your novel needs work. The break-out sessions with your critique group help you apply Darcy's revision principles to your specific story. In the end, you walk away with a clear picture of how to take your novel apart and put it back together in a way that will make it a much stronger story. Hanging out with Darcy and other writers (at a retreat) who are in your shoes is a big bonus too!" -Christina Mandelski The Sweetest Thing, Egmont USA, 2011 www.christinamandelski.com A debut middle-grade novel and a cleverly framed story of self-determination and family relationships. Fresh, funny, unexpected and, at times, just a little dark. "I revised a manuscript for an editor at Scholastic before it was accepted. His offer letter said, "The ability to have such insight about one's own work is as rare as the talent to generate a fun and meaningful story." Darcy Pattison taught me how to look at my own work with a powerful set of tools for considering voice, structure, action, sensory detail, and more. "It always feels magical to make a story better, but it's not magic. It's a matter of understanding and using the tools we writers have. Darcy built the toolbox for us with her blog, her workshops, and her book, Novel Metamorphosis. We still have to do the heavy lifting, but we're not doing it alone." -Martha Brockenbrough Devine Inspiration, Arthur Levine/Scholastic, 2012 http://marthabrockenbrough.com Darcy Pattison's shrunken manuscript technique pushed me to see my book in its entirety - what was working and what needed to change. On the micro level, I appreciated Darcy's emphasis on imagery and the senses - particularly taste, touch, and smell - which bring to a story texture and depth. -Caroline Starr Rose May B., Schwartz and Wade/Random House Children's Books, 2012 www.carolinestarrrose.com "I've used the techniques that Darcy lays forth in Novel Metamorphosis, and my guess is you will copy, dogear, highlight, flag, and write all over this book. And while you're marking up this text, your own novel will emerge cleaner, sharper, and more publishable." -Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, author of middle-grade historical novel, Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different (Delacorte 2008), which was accepted by the first editor who read it after Tubb revised it at Darcy Pattison's workshop. Class of 2k8. www.kristintubb.com

Congratulations! You've finished a novel. What an accomplishment! Now what? Now, you need a innovative, in-depth guide to revision. Why Revise? Before revision: Nice Story After revision: Richer, deeper-the novel of your dreams. Novice or Seasoned: For aspiring novelists, mid-list novelists who want to break out, novelists who want to self-publish-successfully, writers who have completed NaNoWriMo but don't know what to do next, and writing critique groups looking for a way to help each other to the next level. Revising has never been easier Systematically inventory and diagnose your manuscript Visually manipulate your manuscript to identify problems Transform dull characters into fascinating, memorable people Strengthen the narrative and emotional arcs Sharpen dialogue Morph dull settings into backdrops that set the mood Enliven narrated events by selecting the right details Use language with confidence Add depth with narrative patterning In-depth professional development Plan your novel's metamorphosis The Results A stronger, richer, deeper story, a story that makes readers weep and cry and turn the next page. Novel Metamorphosis, unlike most books on revision, turns theory into radical new tools which are practical, tangible, concrete. Cut straight to the heart of your manuscript's problem Develop your writing and editing skills Understand the critical underlying structure of your story Learn theory as you work Spark in-depth discussions in your critique group