Revision - Because you're not going to nail it on the first try.

For most writers, revising and editing are the worst and most dreaded parts of what they do. However, it is probably the most necessary. I personally am an exception, and rather enjoy going through my work and revising things, and I am going to explain why revising is one of the most important part of writing. Not just for novels and stories, but for any kind of writing in general. When I first began writing, I literally did no revising or editing, and now looking back at my old writing, it really needs it!

Your first draft is going to be pretty rough. You're not going to get it perfect on the first try. If you just write it all down in one shot, you're writing is very likely going to have many errors and things that could just be better. It's not going to look very professional. Your first draft is just getting the basic idea and story down. Revision is editing that and making it better for others to read and enjoy. That's exactly why revision is so handy and necessary.

How do we revise when writing a story?

Everyone revises differently. When writing stories, the best way I find to revise is to go through one chapter at a time, fleshing things out, taking things out, and rewording. And just tweaking a few minor details or errors, like misspelled words or the wrong punctuation. I know when I revise, I sometimes take out whole scenes, and add completely new ones! I rather enjoy this process, however tedious it may be.

Another great way to revise is to send your writing for another writer to review and give feedback for. Learning to receive criticism and feedback is very important. Other writers may spot an error or something that you did not. They may find that this paragraph or section wasn't very clear, or that it was just unnecessary and boring. While you don't always have to accept their feedback, because every writer has different tastes, it's still a good idea to get their thoughts and opinion. It's very helpful!