My Journey Through the Revision Process of "Tainted"

Even though I am writing into the empty void of the internet, someone may one day stumble upon this. And just maybe they'd be interested to know how my progress has been on my revision process. If that lucky person is you, thank you in advance for hearing my complaints.

The Reality of Revising a Novel

When I last wrote my post, I was filled with wishful thinking about a progress outline. I was underprepared, and let's be real, I was over my head. No one tells you that when you’re writing a 130k+ novel, it can very easily slip into the 140k realm—fast and without mercy. I know I'd be a traditional publisher's enemy because they'd want to limit my word count so quickly.

Then, when you think you're done with a chapter, you're never truly done with it. I've rewritten chapter one a solid eight times over the years, and here I went again, editing chapter one. Then I edited chapter five, only to go back and edit chapters two, three, and four. This was after I was already on chapter 27 revision, but something about the front end just said no! We cannot go on until you come back to us.

The Endless Cycle of Revisions

What I'm trying to say is we're not there yet. Once I finish these revisions, I will still have another set of revisions to do for line editing. Pray for me.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing

Writing is not just about putting words on a page; it’s an emotional journey. There are days when I feel like a literary genius, and others when I question every word I’ve ever written. The highs and lows can be dizzying.

I often find myself lost in the world of my characters, feeling their pain and joy as if it were my own. This connection drives me to make every scene perfect. But perfection is a moving target, isn’t it? Just when I think I’ve nailed it, I find another flaw.

Finding My Voice

As I navigate through this process, I’m also discovering my voice. It’s a blend of gothic romance and dark fantasy, and it’s uniquely mine. I want to captivate readers with my debut novel, "Tainted." I aim to build a loyal community of fans who appreciate my storytelling style.

Every revision brings me closer to that goal. I’m learning to embrace the chaos of creativity. It’s messy, it’s frustrating, but it’s also beautiful.

The Importance of Community

I’ve realized how vital it is to connect with fellow writers and readers. Sharing experiences, struggles, and triumphs can be incredibly uplifting. I often turn to online forums and social media groups for support.

These interactions remind me that I’m not alone in this journey. Many writers face similar challenges. We’re all in this together, navigating the winding paths of our stories.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Despite the challenges, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Each revision brings me closer to the finish line. I can almost hear the whispers of my characters urging me on.

I’m excited to share "Tainted" with the world. I want readers to feel the emotions I poured into every page. I hope they’ll find solace in my words, just as I have found solace in writing them.

Conclusion

So here I am, still revising, still dreaming. I know the journey is far from over, but I’m ready to embrace whatever comes next. Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Your support means the world to me.

—A writer who thought revision had an end.