PJ Seminar: A Master Class on The Invisible Art: Re-seeing Revision with Peter Ho Davies

The old adage, offered by everyone from Ernest Hemingway to John Green, “All writing is rewriting” suggests the importance of revision to the writing process. And yet, since all we usually have access to is the final draft of a published book or story, revision is something of a hidden art. In this seminar I’ll try to draw it into the light, calling on examples from life, literature and even pop culture (from remakes to reboots to retcons), as well as offering a range of strategies – ‘Save’ your darlings, Revising Titles, Getting to Done – for how to re-see re-vision.

This class is appropriate for any writer who’s ever balked at revision as a chore (“tidy your room”), or despaired of it as a Sisyphean task (“the never-ending story”), or shuddered at the blood-thirsty idea of “killing your darlings”. Through examples, exercises and discussion, our evening will aim to reintroduce you to revision as a fun, inspiring, and vital activity.

Please support Peter and purchase his book A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself from Bookshop.