Turning Revision Up to 11: Sara F. Shacter on Resilience, Joy, and the Long Road to Publication

Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4!

What keeps a writer going through fifteen years of rewrites, rejection, and uncertainty?

Middle-grade author Sara F. Shacter joins me to talk about the long journey behind her debut novel, Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign, and how revision became less about “fixing” the story and more about uncovering its emotional heart.

We discuss resilience, imposter syndrome, comparison, and the challenge of staying connected to joy while navigating the publishing process. Sara also shares practical revision strategies, the importance of community, and why progress—not perfection—is what really moves a writing life forward.

If you’re stuck in the messy middle of revision or questioning whether your story is worth continuing, this episode is a reminder that persistence matters more than getting it right the first time.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why Revision Matters

10:09 – The Premise of Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign

13:48 – The 15-Year Road to Publication

22:23 – Revision Tools and Strategies

26:49 – Doubt, Comparison, and Staying the Course

31:52 – Making Time to Write

35:44 – Identity Beyond Publishing

40:44 – Progress Over Perfection

44:07 – Current Projects and Where to Find Sarah 

To connect with Sara and read her debut novel, go to her website

Links Mentioned: 

SCBWI: Society of Book Writers and Illustrators