From Chaos to Clarity: The Uncharted Journey of Turning Journals into a Novel

I wrote The Rise of the Ocean three times. The first draft drowned. The second caught fire (literally). The third? That’s the one you’ll read.

Phase 1: The Deluge (2015-2018)

In the stormy sea of creativity, I discovered my unique voice. Writing during these years was like riding waves—dynamic, chaotic, and relentless. I filled 27 journals and over 400 pieces of paper, capturing every passing thought and idea. This turbulent journey was filled with potential and energy.

As I plunged into the first draft, I allowed my imagination to flow freely. I embraced every idea, no matter how wild, and poured out scenes, dialogue, and rough thoughts without hesitation. This freedom was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Each surge of inspiration brought me closer to my vision.

I quickly learned that writing a novel is more than delivering a polished finish; it is about cherishing the creative journey. The messiness of this phase taught me about character development, plot twists, and crafting emotional depth. This foundation was crucial, but I soon realized that my adventure was only beginning.

Phase 2: The Ebb (2019-2021)

As I moved from the deluge to the ebb, I encountered one of the toughest phases of writing. Holding a draft of 90,000 words, I made the heart-wrenching choice to cut 60,000 of them. Characters disappeared, entire chapters were lost, and I faced a painful reality check regarding my initial vision. Each cut felt like removing a part of my creative self.

During this editing phase, I grasped a critical lesson: the first draft is just a starting point. It is a rough message in a bottle that needs refinement. Embracing the discomfort of cutting forced me to reevaluate what truly mattered. Who were the central characters? What themes spoke most to me? The revision process was enlightening, as I refined my narrative to reveal a clearer story.

With each deletion, I uncovered cleaner pathways throughout my plot. The remaining prose became sharper and more impactful, allowing the narrative to resonate deeply with readers.

Phase 3: The Tide (2022-2023)

In this final stage, I watched the tide turn. I gained clarity about my story's core: a woman speaking to waves, a man fearful of his reflection, and an ocean full of memories. This focus transformed my writing approach.

I crafted scenes with intention, ensuring that each word pushed the story forward. My characters became more than mere figments of my imagination; they represented universal struggles and emotions. I found deep connections between my characters' journeys and my own life experiences.

As I honed my manuscript, I developed a sustainable writing routine that balanced creativity and discipline. I set concrete goals, established a regular writing schedule, and allocated time for reflection. Participating in workshops and engaging with fellow writers kept me motivated and opened new perspectives on my work.

Reflecting on my journey from journals to a structured narrative, I realized that every unexpected detour and challenge added richness to my novel.

My Advice

If you are where I once was, I want to share an important lesson with you: your first draft is not yet a book; it is merely a message in a bottle. Embrace this initial phase, but prepare for the refining process. It may seem daunting at first, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Consider these essential tips as you navigate your writing journey:

• Embrace the Mess: Write without fear or judgment. Gather every idea and fragment. These are the building blocks of something greater.

  
  

• Be Brave in Editing: Cutting your work can hurt, but it is necessary. Trust your instincts about what serves the story best.

  
  

• Set a Routine: Establish a consistent writing schedule that nourishes your creativity.

  
  

• Seek Feedback: Connect with fellow writers, join workshops, or become part of writing groups. Constructive feedback can provide fresh insights and encouragement.

  
  

As you embark on your own writing journey, remember that it is filled with unpredictable tides. Embrace the waves, accept the ebb and flow, and treasure the transformation of your creative chaos into something meaningful.

With patience and persistence, you too can convert your journal scribbles into a novel that captivates and inspires.

A calm beach at dawn, capturing tranquility amidst creative chaos.