Embracing the Waves of Revision

Today, I sit down to navigate the vast sea of revisions needed for the fourth (and final) book of the Elemental Artist series, titled Ink and Waves.

Although I don’t love the process of revision, this time, I’m surfing a blend of excitement and apprehension. Ink and Waves is the last (planned) novel in this series.

I’m excited about publishing this book and sharing the finale to Matthew’s story. I’m anxious about how the ending will land, but hopeful that my readers will find it satisfying.

This is the first time I’ve written the ending to a series. It’s unfamiliar territory for me to explore, which I find exciting. But endings are also hard. It’s saying goodbye to characters who have become like friends. To leaving a world I’ve enjoyed spending time in.

However, since it’s easiest for me to work on one creative project at a time, finishing the book also opens the door to other projects. To new stories that have been simmering on the edges of my imagination.

The Challenge of Revisions

Embarking on revisions feels like setting sail without a clear map. A voyage where each wave threatens to capsize my creative vessel.

The process of revising is not one I naturally love; it’s fraught with decision fatigue and a relentless quest for perfection that often leaves me overwhelmed.

The sheer volume of choices, from character development tweaks to plot adjustments, is daunting. For me, relentless self-doubt and the constant questioning of every decision I make plague me as I wade through the muck of my first draft.

This emotional whirlwind is exhausting. Often, it feels like an endurance test along the creative journey.

Perhaps you’ve felt the same way, caught in the riptide of revisions.

But it’s in these turbulent waters that the story crystallizes. Revisions allow me to dive deeper. Through this process, I get to explore the intensions of my characters and the nuances of the plot.

This phase is where the magic happens, where the raw material of the first draft starts its transformation into a polished story.
And so, I don my editor hat, and gather the story craft tools I’ve learned.

It’s time for Fictionary and for making hard decisions.

Despite the challenges I know I’ll face, my goal is to approach the process with a sense of purpose and optimism.

A Reminder

If I falter and wallow, this post is a reminder that revisions are where I truly get to craft my story, to fine-tune it into something that will resonate with my readers. A suggestion that my efforts are not in vain, but a crucial step in bringing the story of Ink and Waves to life.

In sharing this journey and these struggles, I hope to connect with you, my fellow story lovers and writers. I’d love to hear about your own experiences with revisions. Do you find them as daunting as I do, or do you have strategies that make the process smoother? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.

Revisions can be a turbulent part of the writing process. But they’re also where the heart of our story beats the strongest.

As I continue to shape Ink and Waves, I’m striving to embrace the chaos. Hoping to find joy in the journey of transforming my manuscript into the story it’s meant to be.

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash