By Dalyn Weller, @DalynWeller
The delights of a first draft are many. Don’t we love it when we finish that thing? No joke, it’s an accomplishment. We sit back, fold our hands, and smile. Because it cost us everything!
But veteran writers know the celebration is premature. Writing a first draft is just telling yourself the story. When it’s finished, the real work begins. We roll up our sleeves, brew a fresh cup, and remind ourselves that all good writing is rewriting. Because it is.
Next, in no set order-we all have our process for heaven’s sake-come the revisions, edits, proofreading, then we read the story aloud. Finally, we send our baby to our critique partners. Then more tweaking and it’s off to your editor where it all starts over.
If you can picture the first draft as a mannequin that needs dressing, or a painting ready for the shadows and shading, you’ll learn to enjoy the prospect.
Every pass you add a layer of emotion, take away a word or phrase or paragraph. You rearrange, polish, and watch bare bones become beautiful. I love to see the transformation now. I forget my word goals and take joy in adding personality to my characters and zingers in the dialogue. This is the place to set aside the wide picture and zoom in on the finer details. You’ve been honing artistic skills that you need now. Suddenly revisions and edits aren’t a chore but a dig for treasure.
Certainly, they are part of the job, but even more, they are part of the journey. Susan May Warren says if you haven’t been changed by the writing journey then you’re missing the point. She’s boiled writing for the Christian down to the essence of relationship with Jesus. Co-writing. Transformation. Isn’t that what all good stories are? A telling of transformation? In our stories, we are the MC, and the writing craft is our road to redemption.
I’ve come to think of the process of writing a novel as a chapter of my life. A part of my story. There’s something to overcome, learn, gain, and an elixir of knowledge to share at the end of each finished book. When the story is as good as I can make it, I take a little rest and turn the page to a new chapter.
The real work begins when you think you’re done. There’s always more to learn.
The Rancher’s Resilient Heart, Apple Valley Ranchers Book 2
Come to Apple Valley, a small town that has existed on handshakes and morals for generations.
Evan McClure is a combat-wounded veteran rancher who wants to reclaim his position on his family’s ranch. But getting back in the saddle proves dangerous. After recovering from being thrown and snake bitten, he agrees to one last surgery. But if this one doesn’t work, he’s out of options.
The last thing Evan wants is to be stuck inside, behind a desk, keeping the Three M Ranch accounts while other cowboys do the real work.
Libby Halverson is a lonely physical therapist who wants to put down roots. When she’s contracted to work for a wealthy ranching family, rehabilitating the rancher’s oldest son, she must guard her heart. She’s been secretly in love with Apple Valley’s golden boy since they were in Sunday school.
Libby’s gotten good at protecting her heart but keeping everyone at a distance has cost her happiness. Maybe love is a matter of faith over fear?
If you like clean romance with pinches of grit and humor, you’ll love the Apple Valley Ranchers Series.
Their lives are about rodeos, ranches, and second chances.
Dalyn Weller writes small-town romance with sweet sizzle and a pinch of humor
from a small horse ranch in Washington State with her own tall, dark, & handsome.
Like any self-respecting PNW woman, she’s a coffee snob.
website: dalynweller.com and be sure and sign up for her newsletter: Writing from the Ranch
Comments 1
I so enjoyed this post, Dalyn. especially your insight that “the writing craft is our road to redemption.” YES!!! We storytellers have the great privilege of being co-laborers with Christ as He transforms us into His image through our own writing journeys.
Blessings to you as you write for King Jesus!
MaryAnn