Revision technique for writers – The Shrunken Manuscript

We writers are always looking for techniques to improve our writing and revision of that writing, and tools we can use.

Darcy Patterson, writer and writing teacher, teaches a technique to revise your manuscript called The Shrunken Manuscript. I haven’t taken her course, but I read her blog regularly. If you’re a writer, check out her blog; it’s a valuable resource.

The Shrunken Manuscript sounds interesting–a visual way to see the tension in your manuscript, what’s working and what isn’t. I haven’t tried the technique yet–I only just stumbled upon it–but I’m intrigued.

Author Sarah Miller tried out The Shrunken Manuscript, and you can see the result below. It involves the manuscript printed in a tiny font (Sarah used 4 pt type), some scribbling, and lots of sparkles.

You can read how to use The Shrunken Manuscript on your own manuscript.

Thanks to Fuse #8 for the video.

December 16th, 2008