The Second Draft: A Journey of Rediscovery, Laughter, and Occasional Despair
Navigating the treacherous waters of editing the second draft of my novel has been an eye-opening experience, to say the least. I embarked on this journey with a blend of naivety and optimism, underestimating the sheer volume of work required to polish a manuscript. And now, I find myself oscillating between pride and horror as I sift through over 60,000 words that I've penned. It's a wild ride—one that has taught me invaluable lessons about writing, resilience, and the art of storytelling.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Editing is not for the faint of heart. One moment, I'm marveling at my own genius, whispering to myself, "Yes, girl, you did that!" The next moment, I'm cringing so hard I could fold into myself, questioning, "Who the heck wrote this?" This emotional rollercoaster is both humbling and hilarious, filled with moments of self-doubt and self-congratulation in equal measure.
Lessons from the Editing Trenches
Through this tumultuous journey, I've gleaned some hard-earned wisdom that I hope will resonate with fellow writers:
The Vomit Draft Phenomenon: Embrace it. That initial draft? It's supposed to be messy, chaotic, and yes, a bit repulsive. It's your story's raw form, unpolished and untamed. The beauty comes in shaping it.
Genre Shifts Happen: My novel took a sharp turn from YA fantasy to something more mature, reflecting deeper themes and richer narratives. It's okay to let your story evolve beyond its initial scope.
Killing Your Darlings: This painful process means letting go of beloved elements that don't serve your story's progress. It's about refinement and sometimes, necessary sacrifice for the greater good of the narrative.
Characters Over Plot: A compelling story is driven by well-developed characters. Investing time in understanding your characters' motivations, fears, and dreams is crucial. They are the soul of your story.
The Magic of Themes: Themes like unity have become more pronounced in my writing, reflecting the world's current state and the power of collective action. Let your story be a mirror to the world's complexities if that makes sense to you.
Revamping the Magic System: A magic system should evolve just like your characters and plot. It's okay to rewrite the rules as your story's universe expands.
Embracing the Chaos
Editing this novel, amidst the demands of motherhood and my professional life, has been a Herculean task. Yet, it's a labor of love, four years in the making and still counting. The process has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting my journey. Some days, finishing feels like an impossible dream. Other days, the finish line seems just within reach. But one thing is clear: this book has taken on a life of its own, and it will be completed in its own time.
The Joy of Discovery
Despite the challenges, the process of editing my second draft has been incredibly rewarding. I've laughed at my own quirks, groaned at my mistakes, and marveled at the twists and turns of my own story. It's a reminder that writing is not just about putting words on paper; it's about breathing life into ideas, exploring new worlds, and discovering truths about ourselves and the world around us.
So, here's to all the individuals out there, navigating the beautiful chaos of creation. May we find joy in the journey, learn from our missteps, and emerge on the other side with stories that resonate, entertain, and inspire.
