One cannot revise a manuscript (go into the belly of the beast) without a plan, a tactic, or training. Writing well is both a science and an art. There are certain skills that are integral to good writing before a courageous writer can take risks and propel forward to great writing. Revision is a scientific, laborious task and must be done page by page. Step One: Circle or highlight all the verbs on one page of manuscript. Identify each verb as a passive or an active verb. Step Two: Eliminate as many passive verbs as possible by rewriting the sentences, using active verbs in their stead. Step Three: Circle or highlight all adverbs. (Remember not all adverbs end in –ly.) Can the verb and its accompanying adverb be replaced by a stronger, more energized verb? Eliminate unnecessary or redundant adverbs. Can any of the remaining verbs (those without adverbs) be replaced by a more energetic or descriptive verb? Step Four: Circle or highlight all repetitions: verbs,