Just finished a workout (yes, I’m slightly sweaty, but let’s ignore that) and figured it was the perfect time to talk about my latest round of edits.
My agent sent over her notes, and while there are some minor tweaks, the big focus is on deepening my characters’ arcs—aka making sure my heroine isn’t just sassy, but actually has a strong, satisfying journey from start to finish. Because if the ending doesn’t land, does anything else even matter?
Right now, I’m working on softening my female lead so her growth feels earned, strengthening my male lead’s arc so his choices make sense, and making sure key setups happen earlier so the big emotional payoffs actually hit.
I’m also pacing myself with lighter edits first, so I don’t immediately spiral into revision fatigue. One thing that really hit me during this process is how much my acting background influences my writing. Characters aren’t just a collection of personality traits—they’re shaped by their motivations. And sometimes, even when you think you’ve nailed a character, you realize you need to dig deeper.
Revisions can be overwhelming, but whether you’re editing a novel for an agent, polishing your manuscript for submission, or just trying to strengthen your storytelling, it all comes down to character motivation and payoff.
Takeaways
Characters Drive the Plot. A story isn’t just about a great idea; the characters make it come to life. Every action they take should be motivated by something real, even if it’s not explicitly stated on the page.
Know Your Characters Inside and Out. Understanding their motivations for *everything* they do is crucial. If you don’t know why they’re acting a certain way, the reader won’t either.
Acting Can Help Writers. Taking an acting class (or just thinking like an actor) can be a game-changer for writing believable characters. Acting teaches you to step into a character’s mindset, which makes their decisions feel more authentic.
Earned Growth is Key. Especially for my female lead, I’m making sure her journey *feels* earned. She starts in a weaker place, so when she reclaims her identity and falls in love, the reader can see the transformation. Even if someone doesn’t fully *relate* to the character, they should be able to see and feel her growth.
Tackle Lighter Edits First. Quick, small edits take less energy and can be done right away. Save the big rewrites for later because…
Let Rewrites Percolate. Instead of rushing into major rewrites, let your brain sit with them. Over time, better solutions will come, and you won’t just be reacting to the first idea that pops up.
Don’t Take Edits Personally. As much as you might feel connected to your character (I definitely do with my female lead!), feedback isn’t about *you*—it’s about making the story stronger. If something isn’t coming across, it’s worth reconsidering so the story resonates the way it should.
This is just a quick peek into where I am with revisions, but I’ll be sharing more about my editing process, agent feedback, and the behind-the-scenes realities of getting a manuscript submission-ready for paid subscribers. If you want the full breakdown of how I’m tackling these edits (and my strategy for not losing my mind in the process) as well as some actual examples of my changes in my manuscript, you can subscribe for access!
Thanks for being here!
Love, Brie xoxo
P.S. If you have any questions about writing or my process, leave a comment.
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