[stylist] Novel Writing and Editing

[Amy Krout-Horn]

Chelsea,
Having completed two novels and in the process of working on a third, I wanted to say that your list of tips is right on point. I found myself smiling and nodding in agreement as I read it. It always amazes me , when I visit creative writing classes and writers' workshops, how few people actually are readers. It seems like a no-brainer that one would study the writing of other authors in order to learn new techniques, but I find far more students laboring under the false assumption that they can write without possessing a hunger for the written word. I also love that you included the idea of passion. It's pretty clear to me when someone has created something for which they feel no passion. It seems contrived; usually a bit boring, too. 
Please tell me that, with your insight about the process, you either are, or will be soon, writing a novel.
P.S. As far as revision is concerned, I begin each day (my best writing time is in the morning) by reading and revising whatever I wrote during my last session. When I feel satisfied, I forge on. Usually, I do a read through and additional revising at the completion of each chapter, as well. Someone once said that there's no such thing as writing; only rewriting. I like this idea because from the time the concept is born in my over-active brain, in the wee hours of the morning, until it appears on a page, a million revisions take place.
Good Luck and Good Writing(rewriting),
Amy