Writing a book isn’t a straightforward path; it’s a meandering journey.
For me, it starts with an idea—a kernel of inspiration that I tease into a few early chapters. These rarely survive the later drafts but serve as a compass. If the idea gains legs, I develop it into a full story. Then comes the hard part: revision.
My process involves several drafts, with the third being my so-called “completed” version. But even then, the manuscript is subjected to the ruthless scrutiny of my trusted group of reader friends. Their feedback can be brutal—identifying errors, suggesting cuts, or flagging anything non-politically correct—but it’s invaluable. These critiques often lead to vast improvements, transforming the manuscript into something I’m proud to share.
Take Ripples of Revenge. Years after its publication, I reread it and felt dissatisfied. The language felt clumsy, and a few typos had slipped through. I savagely re-edited it, paring back unnecessary prose and addressing the issues. The result? A second edition that is leaner, sharper, and, I hope, a better read.
Revision may be tedious, but it’s where the magic happens. It’s the process of refining raw ideas into polished art.
