Learning About Rewrites by Sandra Rafuse

 

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash 

 

Several years ago, many several years ago actually, I took a painting class during a summer session at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. One of the assignments we were given was this one: we were to start a painting of anything we chose and, as we worked on it, we were to jot down notes of how it changed as we worked on it. I was reminded of that class when I first read the prompt for May.

 

The prompt suggested that I keep track of my rewrites and it asked if I enjoyed doing them. It wanted me to count the drafts I did before I pushed "send" for the final copy. As I read, I realized that I really am a beginner to writing like this. It's been years since I wrote something and then spent time doing rewrites for it.

 

My mind went back to the painting assignment in the Art class. I recalled that each day, as I painted, I would add new details to the picture and then I would also paint over parts that I thought I had liked but that I didn't like now. The assignment lasted only a few days but the changes I saw happening, using my paintbrush, and seeing the changes take place right before my eyes were amazing to me.  The picture I had had in my mind at the beginning was no longer there. How did that happen? When did it change so much? Where did it go? And the finished piece was so much better; more alive, more colourful, more interesting.  

 

I felt the two assignments were very similar. The painting had required new input everyday and the picture had changed every time I worked on it. The blog, when I started it, would also be looked at everyday and I would have the freedom to add, delete, and/or change any of the words and ideas I used in it.

 

I repeat that my level of writing experience is that of a beginner. I realized very quickly that I will need a lot of practice tackling the rewrites and observing how they change and improve my blog. I started on a lined paper writing pad. I double spaced to leave room for corrections and additions. I decided that even if what I wrote didn't make sense, I had better put it down on paper anyway. I needed something to build on.  

Well, I see now that I have lots of learning to do about rewriting.  Did I actually rewrite? I'm not sure. Words and paragraphs were inserted and crossed out, and pages were numbered so I could write "go to page 5 after the 3rd paragraph on page 2" to find the order of my writing.  When I thought I was finished,  I asked myself, is this enough? I didn't think so.

 

Sharon had said, "'Don't count the words."

I counted the words. I needed to know about how many I had. It turned out there were about 10 words on each line of the first sheet of paper. I stopped counting. That's all I needed to know. I was satisfied with what I had.

Did I enjoy doing the rewrites? I did. I was learning so much about how I could work on them. This was WORK. Good work. I needed this. Will it be difficult to let it go? For me and this blog, for this time, the answer is yes. 

I am so very thankful that the Lord gives us new beginnings everyday.  I wake up knowing I can start over, keep going, not give up. I have another chance every morning.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23 NIV

 

Sandra lives in Rockglen, Saskatchewan with her husband, Bob, a dog and a very old cat. She is enjoying writing to share experiences from her life where God has been teaching her so many things.