From First Draft to Final Product
When I began writing The Moonshot Saga: Earthbound, I thought I had a clear vision of what the story would be. I started with a solid outline, inspired by the concept of the Kessler Syndrome, and felt confident that I had a good roadmap for my novel. However, as any writer will tell you, things rarely go as planned in the creative process.
The First Draft: A Humbling Experience
I quickly realized that while I had a good outline, translating that into a coherent and compelling story was an entirely different challenge. I found myself constantly deleting pages—sometimes up to ten pages at a time—because the narrative wasn’t flowing the way I wanted it to. Characters felt flat, plot points seemed forced, and certain scenes just didn’t work. There were moments when I felt like I had to start from scratch, rethinking entire sections of the story.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during this phase was the importance of consistency. Staying true to the story you’re trying to tell is crucial. If something feels off, it probably is, and it’s better to address it early on rather than trying to force it to fit later. Consistency in tone, character development, and plot is what keeps a story cohesive and engaging.
The Editing Process: Trial and Error
Editing was where the real work began. After completing my first draft, I had to go through the manuscript with a critical eye. This meant cutting scenes that didn’t add to the story, rewriting dialogue that didn’t feel authentic, and tightening up the narrative to ensure everything flowed smoothly. It was a process of trial and error—trying different approaches until I found what worked.
One strategy that helped me was starting with the beginning and ending first and worrying about the middle later. The middle of the story can often be the most challenging part to get right, especially if you’re not entirely sure where your characters are headed. By solidifying the opening and closing acts, I found it easier to bridge the gap in the middle. The middle became less confusing once I knew exactly where the story was going and how it would end.
Tips for Other Writers
If there’s one piece of advice I can offer to other writers, it’s to stay flexible and open to change during the editing process. Your first draft is just the beginning, and it’s okay if it’s not perfect. What matters is that you keep refining and improving your story until it feels right. Here are a few tips that helped me along the way:
Be Prepared to Delete: Don’t be afraid to cut large sections of your manuscript if they’re not working. It’s better to have a shorter, more cohesive story than a longer one that feels disjointed.
Stay Consistent: Keep track of your story’s tone, character development, and plot points. Consistency is key to maintaining the reader’s engagement.
Start with the Beginning and Ending: If you’re struggling with the middle of your story, focus on getting the beginning and ending right first. This can help guide you through the middle.
Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from your manuscript for a few days or even weeks can give you a fresh perspective when you return.
Get Feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your draft with trusted friends, beta readers, or writing groups. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights and help you see your story from a different angle.
Final Thoughts
The journey from the first draft to the final product is never easy, but it’s one of the most fulfilling parts of the writing process. Each revision brings you closer to the story you envisioned, and with each edit, you become a better writer. For me, the process of refining The Moonshot Saga: Earthbound was challenging but ultimately rewarding. It taught me the importance of persistence, consistency, and the willingness to embrace change.
Remember, your first draft is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the editing process, where you have the opportunity to turn a rough idea into a polished, compelling story.
