Revising

For the past several days I have been immersed in revising the second part of my book, Beyond the Stone Eagle Gate. When I first wrote the story, I thought it might be a sequel. However, as it evolved it appeared to be so close a follow-up to David's story, nearly a year later in his life, I now feel it completes his story as a second part. Just yesterday, I rearranged the order of some of the chapters. It amazes me how this simple revision improved the pace and flow. The continuation of David's life now begins Part II and I don't introduce the new main character until chapter two. Of course, my new character is a girl. Her name is Sarrie and she is feisty yet loving as she cares for her younger brother and sisters. Revising involves reading aloud and closely examining sentence structure and word choice. Working over a completed story doesn't pop me out of bed like creating a new one, but it is important work. The bonus is falling in love all over again with my characters and the lives they revealed to me several years  past.