by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew – Skinner House Books
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“Revision is the spiritual practice of transformation—of seeing text, and therefore the world, with new eyes. Done well, revision returns us to our original love.”
In Living Revision, award-winning author and teacher Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew guides writers through the writing and revision process. With insight and grace, Andrew asks writers to flex their spiritual muscles, helping them to transform their writing as they in turn transform into more curious and reflective human beings. Her expertly honed techniques, exercises, and personal examples will help writers invigorate their work and themselves as they engage the human heart within and across the page. Living Revision is no mere guide with tips and tricks—although it does have those—but a deep and reflective well for writers to draw from as they strengthen their relationship to the creative source.
Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew is not only an author you should read but a teacher you can trust. She knows how the tides run between the writing life and the life of the world and she will guide you in a way that frees your soul.
–Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Leaving Church, An Altar in the World, and Learning to Walk in the Dark.
As I read Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew’s Living Revision, I found myself breathing a sigh of relief. Here, finally, someone has articulated both the struggles and the joy of revision, in a way that makes me eager to dive back into the projects that have stymied me. In addition to using examples and wise advice from other writers, Andrew gives us practical exercises that enable us to truly invigorate our work and revive its elusive heartbeat.
–Brenda Miller, author of Tell It Slant: Creating, Refining, and Publishing Creative Nonfiction and The Pen and the Bell: Mindful Writing in a Busy World
Good writing comes from rewriting. Unfortunately, many beginning and intermediate writers lack the skills and inclination to go beyond mere copyediting and proofreading to explore the full creative potential deep revision can offer. Even experienced writers want to shy away from the love-hate relationship we have with the effort, agony, and commitment revision requires. Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew’s honest revelations of her students’ and her own struggles and successes offer solace. Her straightforward discussions of the theory and application of revision will inspire and motivate emerging and experienced writers alike. Living Revision’s practical techniques and pragmatic tools are a valuable addition to every writer’s skill set. Don’t just buy this book to adorn your bookshelf–keep it on your desk and use it!
–Rosanne Bane, author of Around the Writer’s Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer’s Resistance
In Living Revision, award-winning author and beloved teacher Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew demystifies the writing and revision process. I love this book. It’s full of inspiration but also practical tips and exercises to guide any writer into deep revision. With this book as their roadmap, countless writers will learn to open their hearts and transform their writing and, in the process, themselves through revision. It is a must-read for any writer serious about her craft. I know I will turn to it again and again.
–Kate Hopper, author of Ready for Air and Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers