As with anyone who writes a series, I receive quite a few questions about progress which I try to answer as best I can, but I thought it would be helpful to post something with a bit more detail the actual process of writing. The process itself isn’t the main reason why the second book is taking longer than expected to finish. The main reason is simply the length of the book. It’s a colossal manuscript. At its current length of 420,000 words, it’s going to be one of the longest fantasy books on the shelves. There’s more on the details and progress of the book here.
The rough draft of book 2 took about four months to write. It held the basic plot (with gaps) and the general character arcs. The term, rough draft, though, is somewhat misleading. A better description would be a horrible, unreadable, rubbish draft. To the writer, it’s a magical draft because the writer sees the intention, and it is without doubt the most important draft. But if anyone else tried to read it, the experience would be most disappointing ― no, infuriating. The story is in there, but it takes the writer a great deal more work to extract it from the thorns. Enter rewriting.
“I have rewritten — often several times — every word I have ever published. My pencils outlast their erasers.” ― Vladimir Nabokov
“The only kind of writing is rewriting.” ― Ernest Hemingway
Rewriting is the process of going through the manuscript with infinite care and seeking to improve wherever improvement is possible. It’s more than editing, though that is a part of it. As the term suggests, much of the book is replaced and written with more care. There comes a point when one needs to let go, but that point is far removed from the first draft. I did several rewrites of book 1, the first being a massive overhaul and the last being a subtle tweaking of words to ensure that sentences sounded right, that the tones of adjacent words interacted well.
When it comes to rewriting, different authors have different foci. Here are some of the aspects I concentrate on, the things I try to achieve. To an extent, I look for anything that can improve at any point in the rewrites, but certain stages favour certain elements. (What follows is a heavily abbreviated description. The full list is several pages long.)
1st draft (Version 1). Rough story. Layers of potential. Unreadable.
1st rewrite (V2). Add detail – specific replaces general (requiring a ton of research). Continuity of plot and realness of characters. I find that characters are revealed and known best by the relationships formed with other characters. If those relationships seem real, then the so do the characters. The most comprehensive list of qualities and mannerisms can’t deliver a fraction of the sense of personhood as a compelling interaction. Relationships are also the strongest root of a reader’s concern for the people in the story, leading to a far deeper emotional engagement. Perhaps even more important, relationships are one of the most effective ways to achieve resonance – that “I know exactly what you mean” sensation. When you read of people interacting in ways that ring true, the story begins to seem a lot more real, not in the sense of breaking fantasy, but of making the fantasy more believable. This, when it’s done right, leads to the experience we are always searching for as readers – immersion.
2nd rewrite (V3). Depth, magic, sparkle, flow, atmosphere, word usage. This is where I try to get settings and characters to float up from the page. I also work hard at eliminating hackneyed, lazy forms of expression. I can spend hours on a few sentences, searching for fresh ways to convey ideas. This often entails throwing out a hundred or more attempts that seem awkward before finding one that blends into the style of the book. Sometimes it’s the first idea that works best, flowing naturally off the page; often it takes much thinking to reach an idea that flows as if it were the first one that came to mind.
Internal test-reading / developmental (big picture) edit. This gives me a chance to step away for a while and work on something else. Getting away from the project enables me to come back to it with fresh eyes and usually a huge collection of fresh ideas.
3rd rewrite (V4). This one draws from feedback as well as the reams of new inspiration and ideas. In both book 1 and 2, I made significant improvements, cut scenes and wrote many additional ones.
4th rewrite (V5). General fixes. Restoration of continuity following the surgery (or butchery) in the previous revision. Again, I work on imbuing each page with more sparkle, magic, depth, emotion and resonance, both in characters and their settings.
Alpha readers and 5th rewrite ― based largely on feedback (V6). By this stage there shouldn’t be many major fixes necessary, but some tweaks will inevitably be needed. The rest of the revision will be smoothing out and finding typos. I’ll put an emphasis on “sounding” the book – getting rid of unwanted echoes and other tonal problems. Reading aloud is an important part of the process, for several reasons, not least of which is the need to consider audiobook production. Some combinations of words just sound richer than others, and some intersections of consonants can be impossible to pronounce.
Beta readers and 6th rewrite ― again driven by feedback (V7). Primarily addressing the areas that have been pointed out, this revision is lighter than the others.
Editor and necessary tweaks (V8) This is more of a line edit than a developmental one, so the rewrite will be more about typos and other errors.
While I’ll probably keep relatively close to this process, it’s more of a guide than a rigid structure, and there are sections that could be rewritten dozens of times. The nature of writing often demands a combination of linear and non-linear approaches. When focussing on a specific thread, one has to move between sections that can be hundreds of pages apart. It happens constantly when working to create depth, richness or layers of mystery in a character or sub-plot within the story. In parallel to this, there’s always a start-to-finish scouring process. So in reality, a single rewrite can actually contain at least two full rewrites, and in some sections a great many more. I rewrote the first chapter in the début perhaps 40 times before I was happy. First chapters are notorious. Book 2 now also has a few sections that have seen numerous rewrites within a single stage as they’ve been brought to life.
I’ve been advised by many to release as quickly as I can, even if the quality suffers. But I’m not comfortable with that. My thoughts constantly return to the books on my shelves I can re-read, that inspire me anew every time I return to their pages. The writing of those books required much time and great labour. If the authors that most inspire me had to put such effort into their writing, it brings a different perspective to the table. Their voices are quiet, but there’s great authority when they tell me to just knuckle down and work on the manuscript until it’s right.
One last quote:
“What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.”― Samuel Johnson
The effort going in on my side, will, I hope, be appreciated in the end. Thank you, everyone who has mailed, telling me to get it right instead of shoving a half-finished book onto the shelves. It really is encouraging to know I’m backed up in that way. Patience is a rare thing these days and I value the understanding more than you can imagine.
As a side note, does anyone know of some good resources for ancient (pre-cannon) sailing ships? I have a dozen or so books on the subject, but if you know of a gem or two, please mail me. Thanks.
Wow. Quite the ride. This book kept me flipping pages like a fiend, before we even really got into any use of the juicy magic, that says it all. You have acquired a new fan, sir. I’m awaiting book two.
All the best,
Steve
I just bought your first book today and haven’t started it yet. The positive feedback of so many of your fans is what made me pick it up, but I was hesitant to get started on it after seeing this epic series is a collection of one at this time.
However, I really enjoyed reading about your progress and your process. The passion and dedication you have for your writing is wonderful, but most intriguing to me as a reader who has not yet started your first book is that I love the flow of your writing in just reading these blog posts. I anticipate loving your book for that simple reason. No more hesitation – I’ll be starting this epic series shortly. Thank you for connecting with your readers in such a personal way. I have a feeling you will be quickly elevated to join ranks with other authors I love to follow like Kevin Hearne and Patrick Rothfuss.
Happy Writing!
I am another nearly 70 almost never review writer. I despair at the really great [in potential] indie books that lack basic grammar, consistent spelling and syntax. Their creativity and their book’s potential becomes tarnished. This causes me to lose my willingness to complete a journey with a story teller, who is willing to neglect nurturing those critical things that are only possible with the passage time.
Like many of your other respondents, I wish I did not have to wait for book two. However please take as long as you believe you need. Make it as close to the book that you desire to produce as you can.
For me a good book needs to be readable multiple times and I am looking forward to re-reading your Dawn of Wonder more than once, as I await its sequel.
Thank you for the gift of your world and its interesting characters.
You did a Great job on Dawn of Wonders I was honestly greatly impressed. I found it funny you used Sanderson as model to compare the time it takes to write a book. I have read all his stuff and I think your first book is better then all of his work (especially that Elantris garbage he produced”. I May be prejudiced I’m still mad at Sanderson for his efforts in Finishing “The Wheel of Time”.
I really Wish you or Patrick Rothfuss were around when Miss Jordan was trying to choose who to finish those books, I like your attention to detail and ability to add colour to the worlds you create.
Any way I’ll stop ripping on Sanderson and say once again how great your first book was and how eagerly I’m awaiting a chance to read book 2. I really want to get my hands on it, but if it takes you longer to do it write then please do so.
Ahh this is killing me!!!
First and foremost, I wanted to say that I enjoyed your book to such a level, that I’ve only felt that enjoyment with a very select few. At first I thought the beginning of it was slow, and it was a bit of a struggle, but as I got to the middle and the end I saw all these seemingly useless threads be drawn into a beautiful tapestry making an amazing work of art. I loved the details of the martial training and schooling (I felt as if I were a classmate there) and the tactics schooling I loved! And the how the Lightning effects things. I loved.
But as I mentioned earlier. The wait is killing, but if the last book is any indication. The wait is worth it…
But outta curiosity do you have a time line or like a percent completed?
Keep it up 🙂
Nick
Hey Nick! Fancy you should ask – we have just created a progress bar that does just that! Also have a look at the Works in Progress page 🙂
This may be out of the blue but I would like to become a beta reader.
Hi Tyler. Send us an email with the subject as “Beta Reader” and we will get back to you.
I really enjoyed your first book, Mr. Renshaw. I had gotten disenchanted with modern fantasy novels. I mean holding them up to the Lord of the Rings, they were disappointingly boring and too extreme. Your book had the proper amounts of everything I enjoy in a book. Suspense, humor, compassion, and above all a Christian aspect I miss from the majority of modern books. I discovered your book quite by accident on Audible.com and it was a most surprising discovery. I am very excited about your next book. You talked about studying Krav Maga, and I can tell you from experience it is an extremely interesting and effective form of hand to hand combat.-
Good book about sailing technology evolution is “Guns, Sails and Empires”.
Loved your first book. Any chance your next book will be out sometime next year?
Hi Nate. At the moment, Book 2 should be out second half of next year, but you can read more about it here.
I just wanted to express my appreciation for the fact that you didn’t rush through or skip the training period that your characters are going through. Fast forwarding through this phase seems to be something that most writers do, to the detriment of their characters’ development. This book reminded me (in a good way) of Enders Game, without the sudden lurch forward that skipped the most interesting part of that story, the training and war games. Excellent story.
Hi Jonathan. Well done! Just finished Dawn of Wonder and am looking forward to the next book. I have been an avid reader of scifi, fantasy and alternate history since about age 10 and have 1200+ paperback and 1500+ ebooks of same. My wife and all three children are also fans of all three genre. Take your time and keep up the good work. I also have a fair collection of books like Peanuts, Andy Capp, Calvin, B.C. and The Wizard of ID etc. Dawn of Wonder is definitely a re-read.
Hi, I listened to book 1 and enjoyed the audible format for this book. Is book 2 going to be released on audible.com simultaneously with the kindle version?
Hi Veronica. That depends on the audiobook publisher and the availability of the narrator. A simultaneous release would be ideal, and we will try to make that happen, but we can’t make any promises yet.
Hi Jonathan,
The paper is patient for words well considered.
Here is a book about older vessels.
Cogs, Caravels and Galleons
Book by Richard Unger
Cheers
Any chance you need more beta readers?
The more the merrier! Send us an email with the subject “Beta readers” and we will get back to you on how to become one.
Any plans for a hardcover release of book 1?
Hello Johnathan. I loved your book. I had ran out of things to read and your book showed as recommended on my kindle. I downloaded the “sample” and after the first few chapters i had to buy it. I devoured the book in a few days. (less interesting books take a few weeks of reading on lunch breaks) When i went looking for the second one i found out this was your first book…….AMAZING. I will be looking forward to your books. It will be really cool to tell my fellow readers about a new author to follow.
My experience was almost exactly the same.
Also please don’t rush.
Why would anyone hate a young reader?
Quite the opposite I would expect, in an age where more kids play video games than read books.
I started reading dragonlance and forgotten realms at age 12,
and feel I would have missed out greatly if I had not.
J.Renshaw:
Book.1 was amazing, with a depth so tangible I simply couldn’t put it down.
I eagerly await book 2, the suspense I will have to bear until it’s release :p
Thank that boosts my confidence on posting my opinion of other books.
So I’m a 13 and read a lot of books and find myself forgetting little details in books.
As I read more, the majority of books I read are short quick reads that you could just
as easily forget as enjoy (seems to be the current book trend) but sometimes I stumble into a book that is a little bit more. When I was reading “Dawn of Wonder” I found myself admiring
certain conversations that were so well put together that I couldn’t help but feel like they were real historical interactions between real people. I admire that. You quoted Samuel Johnson
“What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.” I rate that. As I said before,
I often forget little parts of books, but in “Dawn of Wonder” I find myself even months after reading it remembering every page. That says a lot to me. Great job on creating a great story.
P.S please don’t hate on me being a young reader
We don’t hate on any readers 😉 Jonathan is thrilled that readers of all ages can relate to the book. Big ups on getting in touch, and we hope you enjoy the second book as much as you did the first!
Hello Mr. Renshaw,
I just wanted you to know I absolutely love your book. I’m an audible addict and have over 80 audio books and no matter what your book is my absolute favorite and I’m obsessed with it. I listened to your book often when I would do my long runs, cooking, cleaning, driving and it’s been so fantastic. I just wanted to say thank you for your amazing mind and creativity. Their will never be another one like you in my lifetime but I also wanted to say please know people like myself exist and support you, although I’m excited for the second book I want you to take your time writing an amazing story I will re listen to your book over again and wait patiently, thanks for creating such a masterpiece.
Abigail
I took some time away from writing to digest your book. What can I say, I am disappointed.
Why? Great question, why would anyone be disappointed after reading this book?
Because I could not go to the next one in the series. Because I read this one at every spare moment, (I even stole a few moments at work when no one was looking), I stayed up late and I devoured it. I began to envision Aedon, Liru, Peashot and the rest of the characters. I loved the weakness you gave Aeden to overcome, it made his character grow realistically, rather than just suddenly be stronger and always win.
I will say, the ending has me quite curious as to where you are taking this and how are you going to get there, so, Mr. Renshaw, I am waiting patiently, anticipating the next book.
Well done, Sir, I believe General Osric would approve!
You made me feel like a kid again, thank you for this wonderfull adventure!!!. Can`t wait for the next installment!!! Some of the very best fantasy I have ever read, and I´ve read A LOT 😀
Thank you for such an amazing story! It’s a long book but not once did I wonder when it would end. Instead I kept hoping it would last longer!
I can’t wait for book 2 am scroll definitely check often for news. I ok with it taking a while yet but I might whine about it anyway 🙂
Aloha Jonathan,
This is the first time I have ever felt compelled to write to an author. I have just finished reading your book (about 10min ago). I could not put it down. Not to say that I havn’t felt that with hundreds of other books, but yours was different. I read it in less than 4 days, taking up every waking hour and any spare moment I could find. I even found myself hanging up the “Will Return Shortly” sign on the door of the art gallery I work at just so I could read for another 30 minutes undisturbed. I found myself laughing out loud and wiping silent tears from my cheeks throughout. I’ve fallen in love with this world you’ve created. Like everyone of your fans here, I’m already desperately awaiting your sequel. Though I am also so greatful to read here, that you will be taking all the time you need to make it as amazing and seamless as the first. I often get enchanted with a series only to watch it fall in quality with each new release. I am not at all expecting to see this happen with you. I will be here patiently waiting. So take all the time you need to prepare for Kalry’s rescue. Much Mahalo from Hawaii.
Jonathan Renshaw–
As a fellow author (albeit unpublished), I was quite excited to find that some authors still care about the quality of their work. I have seen too many novels written with such low quality of work that I was beginning to feel discouraged. Your writing is a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
Trivia Ither