Yes ... that little inky tool. Yes ... I'm going to write a whole blog post about it.
If you are a writer, there are so many great uses for highlighters. A while back I had read that during revisions, a writer would cut apart her printed manuscript and organize it by characters to make sure the writing was consistent. I read somewhere else that another writer did something similiar during revisions for dialogue.
That all sounds great - - but a bit too ambitious for me.
Then, I realized, I could do something similiar with highlighters! So, here's what's happening for my current revision process/project:
1. I revise the ms (about 15 pages at a time)
2. First critique partner rips it apart
3. I revise again
4. Second cp rips it apart
5. I revise again
6. I print it out
7. I highlight the passages. I have a different color highlighter for each significant character in my story.
8. I three hole punch the pages and put into a binder.
9. I am letting those pages sit as I continue the revise/critique/revise/critique/revise process 15 pages at a time. (I know, seems like a long tedious process. But it really is working well.)
10. Once all of the pages are printed and highlighted in the binder, then I will do one more revision. I will go through working on ONE COLOR at a time, making sure the character traits, dialogue, and voice are distinct and consistent.
I'll let you know how it works. Feel free to tell me if you think I'm nutso, or if you have a better system. I'm not cutting apart the pages and taping them to my wall. I've seen pictures of writers who do that!
Here's another great use for highlighters in the writer's life ...
When reading a book on the craft of writing, I am in love with these:
I don't think I can read a "craft" book without one any more! I use the highlighter tip to mark a passage, tip, or tool that strikes me. Then, if something really stands out that I want to implement into my own writing right away, I tag the page with one of the little post-it notes. No more pages with folded corners! YAY. I love these pens!!
What do you use a highlighter for?
