1. Introduction
2. Writing Update: How I Spent November
3. Essentials of Science Fiction and Fantasy: 8-Revision and Editing Skills
4. Author Spotlight: Joanne Harris—Exploring Norse Myths and Winter Traditions
5. Writing Exercise: Mythic Winter Tale Revision
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to December Authors of Tomorrow! I hope you’re having a magical holiday season and enjoying the snow if you get to. There are so many great opportunities to connect with family and friends during this time of year, and I hope you’ve been breaking free of your hidey-holes to connect. I know that my schedule has been busy. I hope you’ve found the previous posts helpful on the practical aspects of publishing. Today, and the rest of the year, we’ll go over some more practical aspects of publishing.

Today’s topic is revising and editing, the eighth and final essential of science fiction and fantasy. After this goes live, I’ll also post a completed page with the summaries and maybe a little bit more. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see on that page.

We’ll also explore the works of Joanne Harris and her journeys through Norse mythology and winter traditions in her writing. Traditions and mythology create wonderful opportunities for inspiration and life experiences. So think about the traditions and mythologies in your own life as you read today’s post. Then, consider how you can use traditions and mythologies in your own writing.

Writing Update: How I Spent November

I thought I’d start giving you a weekly update on my writing. Since I’m starting this at a random moment, let’s look back at the past month.

While many writers used November to complete NaNoWriMo, I focused on practicing my outlining with the Story Grid Method. I’ve been reading Shawn Coyne’s book and find the Story Grid Method to be an excellent tool for planning, analyzing, or reassessing a previously written story. This approach is also helping me prepare for next year’s blog posts.

I’ve started outlining a few WIP projects with just the core plot outline. One of my favorite aspects of the Story Grid Method is its focus on the target audience and global stakes from the beginning of the process.

With my Beta Readers still working through Please Subscribe, I had a lot of fun exploring old stories and reassessing how I felt about them. After looking at Extoria through this lens, I realized I’m still not ready for this story. It also showed me that I want to complete another Epic Fantasy before returning to the Scroll of Stone series. Sometimes, it’s good to step back and give your stories an honest assessment.

For December, I’m going to focus on an Epic Fantasy inspired by a random conversation with my supervisors at work. The constant Story Mode Mindset gives me more ideas than I can keep up with, but it also keeps things fresh.

Essentials of Science Fiction and Fantasy: 8-Revision and Editing Skills

Revising and editing can be an author’s favorite part of the process or the most challenging. It’s easy to understand the latter because writing is such a creative process that many writers struggle to shift into the logical and analytical aspects of editing. I’ve been working to improve my relationship with editing with each story I write. No matter which side of the debate you fall on, the revision and editing process acts as a refinery that transforms your rough draft into a polished masterpiece. The goal of editing and revising is to ensure every word, sentence, and paragraph serves the story and enhances your reader’s experience.

Science fiction and fantasy require an attention to detail and coherence that can’t be found in first drafts. While you can create better and better first drafts as your experience grows, you will still need to depend on your editing and revision skills to help your story reach its full potential. You also have to keep in mind that many science fiction and fantasy readers expect more. Missteps in narrative, prose, and inconsistencies are more likely to be called out in reviews. These inconsistencies or errors often detract from the reading experience. In “Extoria,” I had readers pointing out that I’d mixed up different teams. What had happened was I didn’t edit and revise well enough to catch all the changes I made in previous chapters. Small things like this can make or break your book. Take your editing and revising seriously not only for your readers’ experience but also to help the world you’re building.

We’ve talked about how world-building is another key element of science fiction and fantasy. Effective world-building is achieved through rigorous revision and editing. Don’t just limit your concept of world-building to the commonly accepted definition of the term, but let it encompass the entirety of your story. Your consistency in world rules is just as important as your consistency in punctuation, grammar, and story structure. As you edit and revise, focus on the elements of fiction to strengthen your story in its base framing.

The critical evaluation and refinement of the editing process allows you to identify weaknesses and areas of improvement. Honing the craft of storytelling isn’t something that happens in a year, though focusing on it for a year is a great way to start. Revisiting your writing from the past is a great way to see where you have grown, and your present revisions will show you what you still need to work on. I look back at the story I started when I was 13 and laugh at myself, but I know that I still struggle with interiority in my early drafts. I know that in the revision process I’ll add a lot of that in because when I’m just trying to get it down on the page, that’s all that matters. The revision allows me to feel the story more, and that’s one reason my editing process takes a little longer than writing the first draft. Take some time to consider what you are still working on. What things do you focus on in your revision process?

The revision and editing process is an important step in creating science fiction and fantasy stories. It turns rough drafts into polished pieces, making sure everything fits together in terms of world-building, character development, and storytelling. Embracing this aspect of writing is crucial for creating captivating stories that appeal to readers of specific genres, even if it may be difficult at first.

As you progress, you’ll become better at recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Through revision, you can address inconsistencies, develop character thoughts, and enhance story elements. Editing improves the reader’s experience and helps authors grow, leading to better science fiction and fantasy works.

Author Spotlight: Joanne Harris—Exploring Norse Myths and Winter Traditions

Joanne Harris is an Anglo-French author best known for her novel “Chocolat” which was also adapted into a successful film. Harris’s work travels through fantasy and history, giving readers a unique experience that can be perfect for the winter seasons.

With its long nights and ancient festivals, winter has always been a great time for storytelling. Many of these tales involve gods, magic, and the unknown. We gather with family to share traditions and stories from the year apart and Joanne Harris’s works embody this sense of wonder perfect for December.

Joanne Harris and Norse Mythology

Harris’s Loki and Runemarks series retell Norse mythology from the viewpoint of Loki, the trickster god, offering a quick connection to readers who are already fans of these ancient tales. Loki is an inspired main character choice, with his witty and irreverent tone bringing the first-person narrative to life. Imagine a family member who’s the best storyteller, cozy on the couch sharing tales they’ve heard, experienced, or conjured up. That’s the feel of the Loki series. Joanne Harris breathes life into the Norse gods, portraying them as complex characters with rich backstories that explore their motivations, desires, and vulnerabilities. Through captivating storytelling and well-developed characters, Harris invites us into a world where gods and humans intersect, showing how these ancient myths still resonate today.

Norse traditions and gods are deeply connected to winter, such as the Yule celebration, Odin as a precursor to Santa Claus, and the significance of Ragnarok (the Norse end-of-the-world myth) and how it aligns with themes of death and rebirth common in many holiday myths. Harris weaves these elements into her storytelling, giving readers a modern yet mythic lens on the traditions and stories of ancient Scandinavia.

Recommended Read: The Gospel of Loki

The Gospel of Loki is a great holiday read, mixing humor and a new take on Norse mythology. Joanne Harris blends familiar stories with surprising twists, highlighting Loki’s clever tricks and lively character. His playful and unpredictable nature matches the fun of winter holidays, drawing readers into a world where chilly winter days are brightened by exciting adventures. The story also explores themes of belonging, rebellion, and destiny.

Loki’s character, amidst the laughter, challenges societal norms and emphasizes the importance of choosing one’s own path, prompting readers to consider their roles in life. His playful voice combines cynicism with wisdom, appealing to those looking for adventure and myth during the festive season. This engaging narrative entertains readers while encouraging them to think about identity and family bonds, making The Gospel of Loki a rewarding experience.

Rediscovering Ancient Myths for the Modern World

Winter has always been a time to share stories around the fire, particularly tales of gods and magic that explain the dark, mysterious forces of nature. Joanne Harris keeps the tradition alive by offering fresh ways to enjoy old myths, making her a captivating storyteller for winter.

Writing Exercise: Mythic Winter Tale Revision

Let’s practice your revision and editing skills while incorporating elements of mythology and winter traditions into your science fiction or fantasy writing. Remember that the times are just recommendations, write and revise at your own speed.

Step 1: First Draft (30 minutes)

Write a short story (500-750 words) that combines:

• A winter setting
• An element from mythology or folklore (e.g., a Norse god, a magical creature)
• A futuristic or fantastical technology

Don’t worry about perfection; focus on getting your ideas down.

Step 2: Self-Editing (20 minutes)

Review your first draft, focusing on:

• Consistency in world-building
• Character development
• Pacing and structure
• Integration of mythological elements

Make notes on areas that need improvement.

Step 3: Revision (40 minutes)

Rewrite your story, addressing the issues you identified. Pay special attention to:

• Enhancing the winter atmosphere
• Deepening the connection between mythology and your sci-fi/fantasy elements
• Improving character interiority
• Tightening the plot

Step 4: Final Edit (15 minutes)

Polish your revised story:

• Check for grammar and punctuation
• Ensure consistency in names, terms, and technological/magical concepts
• Refine your prose for clarity and impact

Step 5: Reflection (15 minutes)

Write a brief paragraph about:

• What you learned from this revision process
• How you integrated mythology/tradition with sci-fi/fantasy elements
• Areas you’d like to improve further in your writing

Tips

• Use all five senses to bring your winter setting to life
• Consider how your mythological element might be reinterpreted in a futuristic or fantastical context
• Think about how your characters’ backgrounds influence their perception of both the mythological and technological aspects of your story

Remember, the goal is to practice your revision and editing skills while exploring the intersection of mythology and speculative fiction. Happy writing!

Conclusion

The art of revision and editing is essential for creating engaging science fiction and fantasy stories. This process transforms your draft into a refined piece while maintaining consistency in world-building, character growth, and storytelling.

Authors like Joanne Harris show how powerful storytelling can revitalize old myths, making them appealing for today’s readers. As you improve your editing skills and seek inspiration from age-old traditions, remember that writing is a journey of constant growth.

As you conclude this year and look ahead, think about how to incorporate these ideas into your writing, blending rich mythologies and winter traditions in your stories. May your writing journey in the year ahead be as enchanting as the winter tales loved by readers for years.

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