Creating something from scratch is filled with highs, lows, and countless moments of inspiration and boredom. I've come to realize that the process itself is as rewarding as the finished product, or at least I think it is now, because I dont have a finished product yet.

One of the most enriching aspects of writing a novel is the opportunity to truly understand the characters that inhabit its pages. They be

come real in a way. As their stories are crafted you start delving into their backgrounds, motivations, fears, and dreams. Every detail, from their quirks to their speech patterns, contributes to shaping them into living, breathing individuals. As I immerse myself in the lives of my characters, I often uncover surprising twists and turns in their narratives. These moments of revelation add depth to the story and also fuel my passion for the creative process. It's akin to solving a puzzle where each piece fits perfectly, revealing a bigger picture that captivates both the writer and the reader.

One of the less glamorous but equally crucial aspects of writing is editing. While the initial burst of creativity is exhilarating, the real work begins in refining and polishing. This often involves making tough decisions, such as deleting thousands of words to maintain continuity and narrative flow. While it may seem daunting at first, I've come to view this process as a positive experience.

Deleting sections of the manuscript is not about erasing progress; it's about building upon strong foundations. Every word, sentence, and paragraph serves a purpose in shaping the story. By being willing to let go of what no longer aligns with the character's journey, I create space for new ideas to flourish. It's a process of refinement that leads to a more cohesive and engaging novel.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of editing is staying true to the characters. Every decision I make, whether it's a minor tweak or a major revision, is guided by the characters' personalities, flaws, fears, goals, and capabilities. This is the point, when an author truly understands each character, when that phrase 'it wrote itself' starts to come to fruition, because the characters emerge from the page. You cannot write anything else other than what they are capable of.