Three Labels That Make Revision Notes More Useful

Guest Post: Paul Michael Durivage

“Fix the pacing” can sit attached to a manuscript for weeks. It sounds like a corrective task, but it leaves the writer to work out what the instruction specifically entails. A revision file can often contain dozens of notes like that. 

Some identify problems. Some suggest solutions. Others record ideas worth trying. Treating them all as generic instructions makes a revision harder to control.

Before changing the draft, give each note greater clarity by assigning one of three labels: question, decision, or experiment.

Question: What needs an answer?

Suppose a reader ponders, “Why doesn’t she open the envelope?” You may know the answer, but the page may not supply it. Or you may discover that the character has no convincing reason to wait.

Turn the comment into a question you can check against the text: “Does the reader understand what she risks by opening the envelope?” Read the scene for that one thing. If the risk is already clear, the problem may lie elsewhere. If it is missing, you have found something specific to develop. Assess and apply accordingly.

Decision: What have you chosen to change?

Once you understand the problem and select a repair, write the action plainly: “Remove the second explanation of why the letter matters.”

That is a decision you can carry out and then check. It also records the extent of the change. You have chosen to remove a repetition, not to cut every reference to the letter or rewrite the whole chapter.

Experiment: What might work?

Some suggestions deserve a trial without becoming a permanent revision. Label those as experiments: “Try letting her visitor see the unopened envelope.” Save the current scene, make a separate trial, and read what follows. Does the visitor’s knowledge create a useful new choice? Does it damage a later reveal? You can reject the experiment without deciding that the entire revision has failed.

Keep the result with the note.

After reviewing a corrective comment, add a short outcome: answered, changed, or tried and set aside. Include one sentence explaining why, when the reason will be hard to remember later.

This is especially useful when you return to a manuscript after a break. An old suggestion should not become a fresh assignment simply because you forgot that you already tested it.

Try sorting notes before your next revision session. If you cannot tell which label fits, pause long enough to make the note specific. Knowing whether you are investigating, changing, or testing gives the next hour of work a clearer purpose and greater progress.

BIO:

Paul Michael Durivage is a Michigan independent author of horror, speculative fiction, and workplace satire. His background includes more than twenty-five years in precision manufacturing, supervision, and operator training.  https://www.paulmichaeldurivage.com/books

Thoughts, readers?

Image credit: Pixabay.com

Pride in Craftsmanship? What You Need to Know...

“Excellence is its own reward.”

Whether it’s a perfect poem, a perfect pie crust, music that moves the soul, or a blog that truly enriches its readers, there’s something to be said about a job well done. Growing up, my mom always told us that whatever we endeavored to be, we should strive to give our best. I carry that with me even today.

In fact, in former times a person’s work was considered their signature. And it showed. Furniture lasted for decades. Cars went the distance (pun intended). Homes were crafted with solid materials and strong foundations. Which brings me to today’s point and purpose. 

Over the last few years, I’ve faced frustration and disappointment over having to replace numerous items that didn’t give me my money’s worth, despite my efforts to maintain them with quality care and periodic maintenance. 

Items that in retrospect seemed to have just been shabbily thrown together by the maker/manufacturer/vendor. My cell phone suddenly stopped operating; a relatively new speaker went dead; kitchen gadgets mal-functioned; and I even had to return an air-conditioner that was throwing off heat. Perhaps you have had similar experiences.

Then through some unrelated reading and research, I stumbled upon something interesting. It’s a practice known as “Planned Obsolescence.”

Have you heard of it?

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE

According to Sciencedirect.com, it's defined as "A business strategy where the process of a product becoming obsolete is intentionally planned and built into it from the beginning by the manufacturer. This strategy aims to encourage consumers to purchase new products by making the existing ones unfashionable or no longer usable."

For greater edification here, these are some different types and categories of Planned Obsolescence:

https://www.repsol.com/en/energy-move-forward/innovation/planned-obsolescence/index.cshtml

So, how does this apply to writing? Glad you asked.

HERE'S WHAT I'VE LEARNED AS IT APPLIES TO THE "CRAFT" OF WRITING AND BEING A CREATOR IN GENERAL.

1. Short cuts can short-circuit your success and sabotage your brand's reputation. Give "consumers" value for their time and following. Don't rush through things. Take time to edit before publishing. Share resources. Pay attention to the posts that garner the most views to guide your future content strategy. Conduct readers' surveys. Ask for feedback. Remember "Knowledge is power."

2. Don't post without a clear and discernible purpose. Avoid ranting and rambling. It can bore readers. Instead, have a real understanding of what you want folks to get from the things you publish/create. Is your purpose to educate? To entertain? To gain support for a worthy cause? Decide and deliver. You got this!

3. Keep learning and growing. Take classes. Do topic-related research. Read books on your craft. It's the only way to remain relevant and to be considered a reliable source. 

4. Take pride in what you produce. What you provide does not need to be perfect, to be excellent. Or to be well-received. Additionally, excellence honors the gifts God gave us.

In conclusion, follow these timely tips, and strive to give your best, so your readers won't experience "buyer's remorse!"

Thanks for reading, folks.

Thoughts here? 

How do you feel about planned obsolescence? 

How do you show pride in craftsmanship? Curious here...

Image credits: 

Pixabay.com

5 Ways to Keep Your Battery Charged Creatively & Why It's Important That You Do!

---"When you feel like quitting, remember why you started."

Welcome back, readers! It’s a pleasure to reconnect.  

Be forewarned today: this post was not planned and is “pre-caffeinated.”

So bear with me here.

The intended post was slated to be the coverage of a fun, creative forum presented at a local library branch, and the correlation between good cooking and good writing.  Both are “hot” subject matters dear to me.

Don’t fret though. If cooking is not your thing, I dig it. That certainly doesn’t mean that I’m suggesting you can’t be a great writer. Perish the thought.

Anyhow… 

The event was a new COOKBOOK CLUB being formed and I was as excited as a kid on Christmas!

For my regular readers, I’m sure you can likely remember the series of posts

I’ve done previously on lessons from the kitchen, and can attest that I am a true “foodie”. 

Fun fact: I also collect celebrity cookbooks and have more than one hundred miscellaneous books in my personal library. From Snoop Dogg, to Oprah Winfrey, to Emeril Lagasse, to Martha Stewart.

But, I digress here. 

WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS…

A few weeks ago, I was browsing through a website that lists and promotes local events for my city. Everything from food markets, to writing events, to book clubs. And all things in between. It was here that I stumbled upon a mention of a cookbook club that piqued my interest. Attendees would choose a cookbook, select a recipe, make it for the rest of the group, and then bring it back the next month for tasting and feedback. How cool! I thought to myself. 

When I checked my already busy schedule, I found that I did not have a standing engagement for that night or time. So, I immediately registered, as per the instructions. It was confirmed by email. 

Fast forward. The night of the event, I made sure to plan my time to arrive a little early, prepare my bags, and dress cute. Just in case pictures were to be taken. Though I'm not a fan of being photoed.

Upon arrival, once I got situated, I asked the librarian to direct me to the spot we would be meeting. She informed me that I was the first one there, and that I could take a seat in the upstairs auditorium.

I’m almost always early for most events. So, I busied myself with some paperwork. No worries. I waited.

About 15 minutes later, I inquired again. I was the only one there. Hmm...

After about 30 minutes the security guard came, the bad news was delivered.

Would you believe that the event had been cancelled due to the presenter being on vacation? The manager of the library branch forgot to take it off the calendar for patrons.

What? That really frosted my cupcakes! “I could’a had a V-8!”

(Notice my food references here). :-)

I wasted two hours in travel time, gas money, etc. for this major inconvenience that could have easily been avoided. Exhausted and determined to come away from this experience with something positive, I decided to write this post.

As someone who has created content for more than a decade for this blog; someone who serves as the president and founder of an arts group for poets; someone who enjoys assisting other creatives with their many, varied projects, my “plate” and my “cup” are often full. Perhaps you can relate. 

So I'm big on time management; I try to be selective.

Still, detours, delays and dumb stuff can drain me. It becomes a battle sometimes to not let little things derail me or cause me to throw in the towel. And you shouldn't either.

With this in mind, here are 5 ways to recharge your battery and stay energized in times ahead:

BUT FIRST, HERE’S WHY PERIODIC REFUELING IS IMPORTANT:

1. WRITING IS THERAPEUTIC.

It’s a win/win. Not only does writing allow you to inform and entertain others, many times it enables you to clear your head, analyze, and work through things.  And did I mention it can help you to de-stress?  

2. YOU CAN’T GIVE FROM AN EMPTY CUP.

I firmly believe that most writers categorically are giving, idealistic, over-thinkers. We are change agents.

Which is why it’s crucial to engage in things that give us joy, meaning, and comfort to replenish our mind, body, and soul.  

5 WAYS TO RECHARGE YOUR CREATIVE BATTERY:

1. Be judicious about what you give your attention to.

In other words, surround yourself with positive people who merit your time. Don't over indulge in watching the news or trivial gossip. Be careful of negative self-talk. 

2. Be mindful of your health.

When we are juggling many things, sometimes health screenings and doctor's visits can be placed on the back burner. According to Writers Digest author Jamie Raintree, "Because writers are so mind-focused, we often forget how important it is to take care of our bodies until our health brings it to our attention. Many writers struggle with chronic health issues and all too often, those health issues get in the way of our writing. To keep your most important writing tool sharp—you—making time to care for it is key." 

Simply put, a healthy body performs better and can support optimal functioning. 

3. Socialize.

In the day and age of the Internet, so much interacting is done behind screens. But studies show that getting out and being with friends and family can combat depression and increase your longevity. 

Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "People with stronger social bonds have a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections."

Schedule a date with someone you care about soon.

4. Make self-care a priority.

If you don't who will? Why not enjoy a spa day? Indulge in a bubble bath. Take a nature walk. Get lost between the covers of a good book. Be good to you.

5. Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Give your best, then let it rest. Remember that growth is a process.

Keep these timely tips in mind to keep you in tip-top shape, to meet the ongoing demands of contributing to the creative community.

Thanks for reading! 

Thoughts here? How do you recharge your creative battery? Curious...

Image credits: 

PIXABAY.COM

Library image: Jen

  

Pen & Prosper Celebrates Year 17 on the Blog Scene!

Welcome back, valued readers! 

It's a pleasure to have you here today, as I celebrate this important milestone. Thank you for your time.

When I began my blogging journey seventeen years ago, there were so many obstacles, detours, and bumps along the way. And the landscape was different.

I knew that I loved to write and share, but the path was uncertain. I wasn't sure whether folks would dig my style, or my vibe. Or even find me relevant, given the vast competition for today's readers' time. 

It was a slow start. At first, I had a few dozen readers. Then it grew to a few hundreds. Now it has evolved to thousands of readers across the globe. Yay!

And I have you to thank for it! 

Thank you to all the loyal readers who commented on my posts; who followed me when I wasn't even sure of my own direction.

Thank you to the noted authors who shared their guest posts here, enriching my readership and my content. Thank you to the organizations and websites that chose me as "one of the best websites for writers" over the years.

I could not have done this without you. In many ways, I have gratefully beat the odds. According to Fevered Mutterings.com (citing data provided by a NY Times article) "95% of bloggers give up after initially starting their sites."

With this in mind, here are a few timely tips to optimize your efforts, if you're considering joining the ranks, based upon my experience. :-)

CHOOSE A TOPIC THAT YOU LOVE.

1. If you don't enjoy your subject matter, (trust me here) you'll bore yourself and your readers silly. I love writing and helping others. This passion has fueled my efforts amid dark times, computer glitches, writer's block, doubt, lack of comments, and bad hair days.

2. BE CONSISTENT.

Consistency helps to build your brand, establish credibility and form virtual bonds. In fact, some of my blog buddies have become my long-distance friends.

3. STRIVE TO ADD VALUE TO THE BLOGGING COMMUNITY.

By sharing quality information, resources, reviews, and solutions to your readership's common pain points. Give to receive. Don’t just add to the online noise.

4. PERSEVERE & PRAY.

It's easy to give up. Many bloggers have. "When you want to give up, remember why you started."

5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES.

It's all part of the learning process. I laugh when I look back at some of the things I published initially back in 2009. The formatting errors, the typos. Still, I'm proud.

6. FORGET ABOUT THE NUMBERS.

True success is not in having a "huge" following, but in having a major impact on those who are following you.

7. INJECT HUMOR.

The world needs it today. Humor is like seasoning to food; it makes everything a bit better.

8. TAKE BREAKS WHEN NEEDED.

Better a break than a "break down." Remember, you can't give from an empty cup.

9. STUDY OTHER SUCCESSFUL BLOGS.

Keep in mind that "knowledge is power."

10. LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT...

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES, HERE ARE A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT PEN & PROSPER AS OF 2026...

• It was first launched in June, 2009.
• One of my first posts was an interview conducted with noted author Wendy Burt.
• Pen & Prosper represented my 3rd approach at having a successful blog.
• To date this blog has received 1,296,304 views.
• There have been approx 948 posts.
• Comments count is 8767 (including spam).
• Last month page views totaled 29,623.
• Pen & Prosper has been consecutively chosen/ranked as a "top blog for writers" for a decade.

In closing, I would like to say what a fun, informative, challenging, enriching experience this has been over the years. Thanks so much for joining on the journey!

Wishing you a safe and super summer! I hope to rejoin you in September, 2026.

Best,

JEN

Feel free to leave a comment in the interim. :-)

 

What I'm Reading This Spring...And You Should Too!

"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." 

Toni Morrison 

In these challenging and uncertain times, many of us struggle with ways we can make a positive difference with our talents and resources. With how to leave a legacy that matters; particularly writers. It's how we're wired.

Though social media activities and popular podcasts can certainly spark stimulating conversation, entertain and educate on some levels, these mediums typically don't possess the "band-width" to move people to action; to provide solid solutions; to engage and empower with authority.

Well-written books can. Enter: "Change the World One Book at a Time."  Between the pages, (approx. 238) author and inspiration-to-creation coach, Nina Amir provides a roadmap to help writers successfully publish meaningful books that matter. Based upon their strengths, their vision, their voice.    

The book is divided into three sections:

PART 1* HOW TO EMBODY CHANGE

PART 2 * HOW TO INSPIRE CHANGE

PART 3 * HOW TO AUTHOR CHANGE 

It's an easy read with solid, timely advice that won't rust, fade, or become irrelevant.

Nina has been in the publishing game for decades. And it shows.

What I also enjoyed about this guide, were the useful tips and strategies on mind mapping techniques, developing chapter outlines, and research tips.

Be advised. You'll definitely want to read it with a pen and paper to capture and catalog all the information you'll garner.

IN CONCLUSION...

 "Change the World One Book at a Time" should be included in every serious writer's library. I'm glad it's a permanent part of mine.

To learn more, visit Nina's site here.

Readers...What's on your reading list this spring? Do tell!

Spring Cleaning For Writers* 5 Tips to Optimal Success!

 

Spring has sprung. And with it comes two dreaded tasks we often love to hate: taxes and spring cleaning. Still, these common undertakings untackled can carry long-term penalties. Be forewarned. 

But, here's the good news.

In today's post, I've got you covered.  We'll examine some clever strategies to help you "work smarter, not harder."  Additionally, we'll explore how spring cleaning can improve your quality of life and mental health.

So, if you're on board let's get busy!

FIRST, SOME BACKSTORY...

For the record here, I've always been a bit of a neat freak. I'm a firm believer that "there's a place for everything and everything should be in its place." But, it wasn't until somewhat recently that I discovered that studies back up my way of thinking. That there's a method to my madness. Here's the proof in the pudding.

My research in preparing this piece, revealed at theahch.org website, that according to an article written by Ralph Ryback M.D., a study led by Associate Professor NiCole R. Keith, Ph.D., research scientist and professor at Indiana University, found that "People with clean houses are healthier than people with messy houses. 

Keith and her colleagues tracked the physical health of 998 African Americans between the ages of 49 and 65, a demographic known to be at an increased risk for heart disease. Participants who kept their homes clean were healthier and more active than those who didn’t. In fact, house cleanliness was even more of a predictor for physical health than neighborhood walkability."

And there's more. The Cleaninginstitute.org shares, "Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (87%) feel their best, both mentally and physically, when they have a clean home" based on survey data released by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

Armed with this information on spring cleaning benefits, below are some tips to incorporate to help you reap meaningful results.

1. TAKE INVENTORY

An easy way to make a dent in this project is to take an initial review of what is taking up space in your place. Simply ask. What's in excess? What's in duplicate?  Toss or donate duplicate items, stuff that's in disrepair, or things that are outdated. You'll thank me later. :-)

For example, I have waaaay too many books. When I take a gander at my stacks of books in my home office library, I've noticed (much to my surprise) that I still have textbooks from my college days. Though I graduated many years ago. To make things worse, much of the info contained in those books is either outdated or irrelevant. 

And when going through my closet? Well... my closet reveals that I am holding on to wardrobe items that are currently too small, as an incentive to lose a few pounds. In reality? Delusional thinking.

Consider too, What sentimental attachments do you need to break up with this year?

2. HAVE A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

In the popular book, Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home, the author/organizing guru suggests that organizing and cleaning should be done in specific categories. 

They are as follows:

• Clothes
• Books
• Papers
• Komono (miscellaneous items)
• Sentimental items 

She also recommends that we retain things that give us pure joy. I couldn't agree more.

3. START SMALL AND BUILD MOMENTUM

Take it from me. It's much better to start with purging your junk drawer than cleaning out the garage. The reason? If you take on too much too soon, you'll likely feel overwhelmed and get discouraged. This would be counter-productive.

4. CONSIDER THE R.O.I.

Everytime I engage in spring cleaning, I am rewarded beyond having a cleaner environment. Perhaps some of you can relate.

Sometimes I've found money in unexpected places; or I discovered an article in progress that I was able to finally finish and get paid for; or I lucked up on some treasured photographs that rekindled fond memories. Think of it as a treasure hunt.

5. FOR WRITERS, ORGANIZING OFTEN LEADS TO GREATER EFFICIENCY

Beyond typical, tangible household items, writers would do well to look at and eliminate the following:

• Online subscriptions to newsletters and blogs that we no longer read or follow (please don't let it be mine!)
• Clients' files that we no longer are in contact with or serve
• Multiple drafts of finished works
• Links on your website or blog that may be changed or relocated @ other sites
• Pens that no longer write

Get my drift here? Doing so saves time, relieves stress, and helps to meet  important deadlines.

IN CONCLUSION...

For more information on cleaning hacks and better mental health, visit Very Well Mind:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496

I hope that you found today's tips @ Pen & Prosper useful. If so, let me know in the comments.

Or please feel free to add a helpful tip of your own.

As always, thanks for reading!

Art Gallery Reflections* Poetry Month Tribute Part 2...

After posting some of the images from my night on the town @ Guichard Gallery, in my last update at Pen & Prosper, I found a few additional creative pieces that were overlooked. The photos are included here.

As an outcome, I became inspired to challenge myself to try my hand at writing an Ekphrastic Poem. I've actually written hundreds of poems in different styles and structures, over the years. But, never this kind.  

What is an Ekphrastic poem? You might ask.

According to Oregon State University College of Liberal Arts: "Ekphrasis is a literary description of art. Like other kinds of imagery, ekphrasis paints a picture with words. What makes it different from something like pictorialism is that the picture it paints is itself a picture: ekphrasis stages an encounter between representations in two mediums, one visual and one verbal.

One of the oldest examples is Homer’s long description of Achilles’ shield in the epic The Iliad."

In simpler terms, it's a poem written as a response to a work of art. It typically focuses on things like color, texture, composition. 

If you would like to compose your own Ekphrastic poem, here are some tips to optimize your efforts:

https://martyncrucefix.com/2017/02/03/14-ways-to-write-an-ekphrastic-poem/

 Wish me luck! Happy National Poetry Month.