A Guide to Surviving Novel Re-Writes

​Welcome, to my first writing update post this year. I  usually avoid talking about a novel until I finish writing. However, I wanted to share my journey on this one. This post is going to be personal in nature, unlike the posts I usually write. 

If you’ve read my Twitter updates, you know my next book is a psychological thriller. I’m working towards a late March release. Writers and deadlines have been enemies since the beginning of time, and now I know why.

I finished writing the first draft of my novel in November. The biggest lesson I learnt was, first drafts suck. That leads to the second lesson- writing is re-writing. So, here I am, re-writing my book. I’m more than halfway through the re-write as of today. 

Here are a few things that helped make this process tolerable and even enjoyable. 

The first is Adele’s new album, 25. I’ve been waiting for this album since 21. It’s a great album, and if you haven’t heard it, you need to. I listen to it, at least, six times a day. Her soulful music has helped me live through this arduous process. 

Other albums that helped me were Sam Smith’s Into the Lonely Hour, Emeli Sande’s Our Version of Events, Taylor Swift’s 1989 and Hozier’s Take me to Church. I don’t know why I’m addicted to British music. 

A book that helped me during this process is Fire up your Fiction by Jodie Renner. Though I’m not at the editing stage yet, her advice helped me ‘show, not tell’ (and I know I’m guilty of that). I reviewed the book on my Booklikes blog if you want to check it out. 

Another thing that helped me was guided meditation. I did Deepak Chopra’s 21 Day challenge in November. I do random, guided meditation videos now. I also read positive affirmations every day.

It’s easy to drown in self-doubt during the writing process. When I looked at the first draft, I almost gave up. That’s why I re-write and edit. It makes me feel hopeful. Overall, I enjoy re-writing more than the first draft. At least, I don’t have blank pages staring at me. 

I also found the secret ingredient to re-writing success: chocolate. I’ve eaten so many candy bars in two months that I probably have sugar pumping through my veins. In my defence, I try to eat dark chocolate and protein bars (who am I kidding?). Sometimes, all you need is a sugary burst of energy to stimulate your brain. 

Those were my four ingredients to re-writing success: Adele’s 25, Fire up your fiction, guided meditation and chocolate. 

The year is almost coming to an end, and my deadline is fast approaching. It was a wonderful year. I’m going to end it with a trip to China. You can find pictures on my Instagram account. 

I’ll do a yearly round off post next week. Thank you for your support this year. Keep going. The end is near. 

Until next Friday, 
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