As a child, I never had any trouble dreaming. The ideas I dreamed up, often during the excellent opportunities afforded by afternoon maths classes, had a way of growing to alarming proportions and becoming projects that allowed me little sleep. Since then, I’ve almost always been working on one large project or another. But something I noticed about the trajectories from dreams to projects is that there was never any real division between the two stages. The idea generator could never be turned off and actually seemed to increase its output as the results of building led to new inspiration. I think most idea-driven people are like this because the objective is not only to finish the job, but to make something special.
I wouldn’t be altogether surprised if the inventor of the wheel began by drawing and then building a square block as a kind of support, but then realized he could move it around more easily if he knocked off the four corners and gave it an axle, and then realized he could knock off the next eight corners … until he had the first wheel and the beginnings of the first racing cart.
Writing is like this for me. As the book takes shape, I begin to understand what it wants to be. Corners get knocked off, spokes are added, and I realize the original idea described the starting point more than the final product. There were other projects I worked on where I didn’t have this luxury and had to race for immovable deadlines. While the results weren’t necessarily bad, there was seldom anything special or magical about them either. I find that creativity only really breathes when given space. If, however, the breathing starts to sound like snoring, we have a different kind of problem.
I have a number of music albums I can listen to over and over, and then I have a few by the same artists that I can’t. Usually, when I go back and dissect the production, it becomes apparent that the ones that keep growing on me are the ones that were made with far greater labour. Occasionally one finds exceptions to this, but those exceptions are normally mysteries to artist and audience alike.
The writing of book 2 has been a very different experience to the one I imagined. At more than 50% longer than the first book, which was already on the long side, it’s been my biggest creative challenge to date. I know that, as a reader, the length of the process can be trying in a different way, because the progress isn’t visible. So I’d like to take you behind the scenes for a glimpse of what is happening and what to expect. I’ll do my best to keep this free of spoilers.
An overview of the writing log
I wrote the rough draft at speed in about four months, but it was very rough. I didn’t stop to research or embellish anything, so if there was a passage that had to do with nautical terminology, my text would read something along the lines of, “The captain bellowed for the men to [adjust the thingummy and get the ship to do whatever ships are meant to do in these conditions]”. I have a smattering of sailing knowledge, but that’s from single-masted hobie cats, not these tall ships that are all flapping canvas and knotted spiderwebs. The same omissions occurred in the specifics of cooking, language, culture, architecture, and many other fields which would leak parts of the story if named. It wasn’t just technical detail I put aside. I also skipped over sections that I didn’t feel ready to write, that weren’t dripping from fingers to keys. The first draft held the kernel of the story, but it wasn’t readable, not even to me.
So when it came to the first rewrite, most of my attention went into plugging the holes and completing tricky parts of the narrative. Following this, I took a deep breath and approached the research mountain that glared down with a cruel smile. This stage took easily twice as long as either of the preceding two. Some of the research, I handed over to members of the team, without whom I could never have borne the load. To be frank, this was a tough and not entirely exhilarating process. I don’t mind research, but digging for obscure details under pressure is not great fun.
Many will know that infusing research into a novel is nothing like presenting it for a report. It requires far more digging. You could, of course, try something report-like by bending the story around the first mounds of information you discover, but that generally comes across as data dumping. You could also avoid details by using summary-style dodges – “The storm was furious, but using remarkable skill, the captain held his crew together and they eventually managed to negotiate all the dangers of the waves and rocks.” It doesn’t burden the reader, but neither does it allow the reader to stand on the deck and share in the world of sailors.
I find it pays to dig and dig until you unearth the information that feels right, that feels like it belongs. Detail is always more convincing than the absence of detail, but a few of the right details are more engaging than heaps of digressive ones. It’s ironic that it can take more research to present less information, but in the end, it takes the laboriousness from the reader’s shoulders and puts it on the author’s – where it belongs.
Another aspect to the research is that, when writing fantasy, you don’t want details to hearken too strongly back to any particular culture in our world if you can help it. I’ll use an example from the first book. When researching sword-making, there was a wealth of information on Japanese techniques. It was easy to find, and there was more than enough for my purposes. But I realized that if I drew from only this, it would ring too many bells and people would be reading “Samurai” instead of “grey marshal”, ejecting them from the fantasy world being created in their minds.
I felt the only way to get past this was to collect information from a range of cultures across the world. I churned it all together so that it was, in effect, cultureless, and then drew out what seemed to fit with the Castath people and their level of technology. I’ve tried to adhere to the same principle with the second book. I think this makes for a more convincing sense of new cultures, which very strongly impacts a reader’s sense of place, of being somewhere otherworldly that still seems real.
Once the narrative was tied together and the details worked in, it was time for the first edit.
With the second rewrite (version 3) done, I was feeling quite spent. Usually, I don’t let anyone read the manuscript at this stage, but I needed help. It came in the form of a developmental or big-picture edit. I’ve always shied away from this kind of thing because outside comments on an incomplete process can bring more confusion than clarity. When a project is in a rough state, people tend to misunderstand, and their feedback conflicts with the objective which can be difficult to express. For an outsider to be able to see not just what it is but what it wants to be and how to get it there is like looking at a wriggling white larva and being able to say “Honey bee!” or “Harvester ant!”, and hopefully not “Dung beetle!”
A good friend, who has been the team’s PR manager for some time, took on the task, and I don’t think I’ve ever had such helpful feedback on any project. It was the rope thrown down to haul me out from a creative mineshaft. That edit gave me the perspective I’d lost over the past few months. What followed was no small revision. It wasn’t about sandpapering rough edges but rather bashing corners from a wheel that wasn’t turning properly. Many parts of the manuscript went through a radical transformation, while others were simply removed and replace with better ones. The resulting book is something that finally rolls along without jarring. For the first time, I’m looking at it and thinking, “Yes, that’s what it was meant to be!”
The process from here
Two members of the team are currently working through the manuscript, compiling tables of names, places and times for the purpose of checking internal consistencies, as well as highlighting and commenting on anything in the text that needs attention. These comments will be added to a list I’m currently working through – corrections and ideas built up during the past few months.
Many of the items on the list are sparks of inspiration. They arrive at odd and often inconvenient times for note-making, like when I’m trying to sleep, hanging from a climbing wall, or in a cinema. Artists often comment on the randomness of inspiration. When it alights like a drifting leaf, you can brush it off, but you won’t likely find it again. I make sure I snatch and record all those little ideas when they flit by. Digital notes work well, but there’s something about the immediacy of scratching thoughts on paper. There is one tiny note book that works well for me on hikes. It’s slightly bigger than a credit card, very thin, and holds about 60 pages. It was actually the inspiration behind Kalry’s walkabout diary – something small and light enough to hang around my neck.
Once I’ve finished with the current list of notes, I’ll use the compare document feature to check all the additions, and changes to the manuscript that appeared in the last stage, improving the flow and fixing the typos. The team will also check the whole manuscript. Then I’ll do at least one more deep rewrite. Much of what I look for is explained here. Around a hundred chapters later, the alpha readers will hear the call to action. I’ll go through the manuscript again while they are busy. Once their feedback is incorporated, it’s time for the second edit – more of a fine comb type of edit. Then the beta readers will step forward and I’ll do another revision as they read. Graphics, sketches, print setup and so on will be happening in the background. Once the beta’s feedback has been worked in, it’s print setup, audiobook recording, and the stores.
Expectations and timeline
Readers and authors basically want the same thing – a good book as soon as possible. A few people have suggested that I split this sequel in two, or even three, so as to reduce the waiting time. It would be less stressful and I would actually earn more that way because nobody minds paying 3 x $4.99 but we all deliberate when presented with an ebook of $10 or more. However, when I consider breaking this book into parts, it just doesn’t feel right for the series. Something of The Wakening’s identity would be lost.
I’d originally hoped to complete the book in about the same time as it took to write the first (around two and a half years when factoring in the revisions and chapter additions that took place in the first months after the initial release). But that was when book 2 was around 650 pages. When it grew to well over 1000 pages, any thought of completing it within that time faded. I’ve learned my lesson and I’m not going to suggest another date until all variables are dealt with – nobody appreciates it when expectations aren’t met. When I look back and look forward, there is still a healthy distance remaining. It is, however, the stage of the process when everything starts fitting together.
I’m working as fast as I can – attested by the typing cramps in both hands – but also as conscientiously as I can. I’m just reaching that energising stage where the overall form has begun to emerge and it inspires me afresh to make sure this this book is allowed to develop into all it wants to be. (And don’t anyone dare say dung beetle).
While waiting for book 2 I have been reading Robin Hobb trilogy’s. I’m on my third trilogy Live Ship Traders and have been amazed by all stories. I am still looking forward to book two, but these books have made the wait much less painful.
You just named a whole stack of my favourite authors. If you like those, you really need to read A.C.Doyle’s historical romances. And the Sherlock Holmes stories … but that’s just stating the obvious.
Thank you for your enthusiastic endorsement. That kind of support is something any author would be privileged to have.
We’ll see about price. Generally speaking, a higher price means fewer sales and a smaller readership, and for someone who has only one book in the market, readership is more important than profit. Though I wouldn’t complain if both could be achieved 🙂
I’m not a person who normally writes comments. But I can’t help it. Mr. Renshaw you are a brilliant story teller and writer! I am an avid Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare, Sanderson, Michael Sullivan, C.S. Lewis, Rowling, Tolkien (fan doesn’t capture it…) reader+consumer+emulsified enthusiast+admirer+advocate…oh I could go on!
I shared Dawn of Wonder with so many people, including my avid reader sisters. My sisters and I have read and reread your book 3 times now. I expect I’ll read it at least one more time before your next book is released. Then I will, tail wagging like mad with excitement, anticipation and joy, reread Dawn of Wonder before I immerse myself in book two. I usually wait to start a series until at least 3 books are released because waiting it torture. But I find new aspects of your story to ponder upon, and discuss with my sisters each time I read, which makes me glad I decided not to wait.
So, being one who checks your progress on your fan site regularly…I will say…way to go! Keep it up! Don’t rush because you have so many begging for the next part of the story. Heck yeah! Make the second one 1,000 pages (or more)! Yes please keep Book 2 one book and don’t split it into 2 or 3. I’ll pay way more than $10 for the e book (I have book one in all of its forms…yes…it’s true!)…you’re selling yourself short only charging 10$! Your story contains eternal truths (written so beautifully) that places you upon equal footing with the greatest of authors in my above list.
Thank you so much for writing this story.
I was trying to see when book 2 will be out. I am hooked on this book, just reread it again. I need to see what happens to Aedan and will he find her in time? I guess I will have to read another book until you finish the next book please hurry.
I have read your first book six times now, and listened to the audio book twice. I just want to say that your writing style is masterful and I can’t wait to read the second book. I guess the only question is, how is the beta readers list decided? Or is it people that you know from the real world (not the internet orcomments section of your website). I’ve started the book again for the seventh time today. It never ceases to astound me how well written this book is and I’m growing more excited for book two every day.
I loved the Dawn of Wonder immensely the first time I read it and now I’ve just started the second reading of the book. I absolutely love the book, and I eagerly await book 2 but I won’t ask you to hurry. I’d much rather you take the time needed to create a work that will absorb us readers and that you yourself can take pride in. Thank you for the progress update and good luck with the upcoming work. We will be here waiting for as long as it takes.
Just popped in to say ‘ Hello ‘ .. and I’m looking forward to The Wakening Book 2.
David
If you need any research on making yarn, I am a spinning teacher. Did love the first book.
I read the first book of “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan just after it first came out in 1990. I faithfully bought every other book as soon as I could get my hands on it. When he died in 2007, my heart sank at the thought I would never get to finish the story! Thanks to Brandon Sanderson, I was able to finish the story. My point is, I have had my patience tested for having to wait for “the next book”, so I am confident I can hang on until book 2 is out. Thank you for keeping at it, and DON’T DIE ON ME before it’s done!
…..Dung beetle!
Someone had to say it….
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and am having a very hard time waiting for the second. The book is very much on par with Jordan and Tolken, in the style of writing. Only thing I have found to do, while waiting for the next book, is getting through the Sanderson series’. I am currently through the Stormlight series, and almost through the Mistborn. I check back in, on occasion, to see how much longer it is to wait. Glad to see much progress, and wish that I could be apart of the test readers; even if it is currently full! 🙂
Thanks for writing!
I am anxiously awaiting Book 2! I wont be able to review it on Amazon as the have judged me and decided that I know all the authors I write reviews for! And I don’t think they like that when a product is one that doesn’t work like it is said to do I tell it like I see it and they are not happy! BUT I’ll still review where like minded people can see the results! I think the Awakening was awesome! and it was one that Amazon offered Free one month! Your imagination is like my own (I an am artist) and you see things differently that the average person! that is what makes your First book so splendid!!! Just the idea that if we could stumble upon prehistoric beasts in this day and age!! WOW mind bending!!!!!!
Now would you speak to your web designer and ask that forms like this have BLACVL Font!!!! I have way less than 20/20 vision due to macular degeneration and trying to read light grey font on white is murder!!!. In fact the only books I can rea now are on Kindle!!!!!
First book is awesome. Hope for the second book soon. I know you don’t want to break up books though I’d rather have smaller books each year than wait 3. I do audio books for my commute and have listened to the first book twice. Please keep T.G.R. as the narrator!
To Francesca and others who are looking for good alternatives while you wait… I think I have a few that might appeal to you guys. I like some fantasy, and some sci fi, but I guess I like the stories of the underdog using smarts, determination, and some help to rise to power. The first one I’d recommend “Cast Under an Alien Sun” (the Destiny’s Crucible series), although the latest novella addition is a bit of a hiccup. The Expeditionary Force series is amusing, and has a bit of a split personality. The Extracted series gets very interesting, especially with its character building. Oh, and I wish there was a sequel to Perilous Waif, another sci-fi book.
I read the first book 6 times know please get the 2 game done
yeah…well….ok..shoot…oh no…arghh
but
all will be fine
at the end.
…still – you are sharing…means a lot when checking weekly on updates 🙂
No need to panic though…I WILL WAIT UNTIL DEATH CLAIMS ME TO READ EVERY SINGLE ***** SEQUEL
Thanks a lot for this story.
With warm regards from Black Forest Germany
Volker
For years I’ve been reading books by the same author and once I caught up in both his series I wouldn’t read any books I would wait until the next one came out it’s been about 6 or 7 years I’ve been doing this because no other book ever caught my attention until I started reading this one. Dawn of Wonder is the first book get my attention the same way the books I’ve been reading and rereading did I was disappointed when I realized book 2 wasn’t out yet and I can’t wait for it please hurry!
#1: I love reading all of these comments and seeing that so many others loved this book as much as I did! As ive told my husband over and over, it’s like a whole series packed into one book, but without losing any of the nuance or details.
#2: I’m looking for another series to read while I (not so) patiently wait for book 2. Do any of my fellow Dawn of Wonder fans, or the Renshaw team, have any recommendations? My own recommendations are below, and I’d love to hear what the rest of you have been reading while you wait!
For others waiting, I recommend Brandon Sanderson (though you’ll also be in for a long wait for the next book in the Stormlight archive series, I think 2020? But it’s still worth it! His other completed series are also great). Also, I’ve really enjoyed books by Will Wight, whose fantasy is more outlandish and awkward/comical than Renshaw or Sanderson for sure, but offers really unique world building and story telling, and entertaining characters (bad description, but if you like fantasy, check him out). N. K. Jemisin is also AMAZING and her work speaks for itself. If you loved the realness of the emotions and depth of research in Dawn of Wonder as much as I did, I think the Broken Earth trilogy by Jemisin would be a great read while you wait! It’s raw and unforgiving with lots of science/geology based fantasy, overlayed with themes of colonization, oppression, and sacrifice (and, of course, the struggles of fighting back against the oppressors, etc etc). Jemisin is also a woman of color in a genre largely dominated by white men, and offers a refreshingly real and different take on fantasy.
I’ll keep checking back to see if anyone else has recommendations to share, and to check the progress bars on book 2 (which I check just about every week anyway).
Thank you Jonathan for writing such a wonderful book and for getting us all hooked!
I’m wondering if you have a conservative ETA on when Dawn of Wonder 2 will be ready? I know this is redundant, and others have asked before, and you have your progress posted elsewhere on this site. But I don’t think I can sleep at night without knowing that I at least pestered you in some way, just to keep you focused.
Take all the time required to fulfil what must be a life’s dream. I read Patrick Rothfuss novels when they were released and have waited patiently for book 3 from him, so I think I should be able to wait for book 2. I understand that masterpieces take time. And your explanation of the work done so far and the processes to come was beautifully crafted. I almost wish I had read it when it was originally written! Enjoy your novel whilst writing it, and we will enjoy it all the more when reading. I hope inspiration continues to strike and you are never with out something to write with and something to write on.
I’m excited and pleased by all of the effort and desire for perfection that Mr. Renshaw and his team are giving to the creation and release of this story. My hope is for a result that will satisfy and continue to give joy until the last book is published. The dawn of wonder reminds me a great deal of The name of the wind. It was a nail biting couple of years before book two, but well worth the wait. I’ll be extremely proud of Mr. Renshaw if he’s able to hold on to the humility needed to see this through. I’m convinced that in addition to a good team or a wild imagination with high creative standards, it’s an authors humility and commitment, that bring books 3, 4, and 5 into existence. I have high hopes. Stay humble.
I have never left a comment on any blogs before. So i just want to let you know (and i mean this in the most kind and loving way possible) if i die before book 2 comes out, i Will haunt you.
But just so i can peek over your shoulder and read it that way!
All o f these readers have my feelings displayed in relation to Dawn of Wonder! When I realized that the book was ending I had a sad feeling but owing that you were not done made me happy!!!!! I can’t Imagine not6 finding out how the rescue goes etc. and to see Aedan grow even more! Some thing that would help in writing and reading your web pages would be black font not light grey! I have a very hard time seeing grey on white!!!! Just please keep writing as you have a real gift!!!!! I write poetry and was amazed at the tiny notebook because at one time I re-scribed all my poetry and wrote them in such tiny font that I have a very hard time reading them even with a magnifying glass! Hope that never happens to you!!!
Same! I recommend it to friends all the time but with a solid warning that it will leave them needing more and that the second book isn’t out yet.
I got your book on audible and was really glad I took a chance. I absolutely loved it and have been coming back periodically to check on the status of book 2. For me I don’t care how much it costs I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next. I really appreciated the thoroughness of the world you created and the research put in to building it so it was fully immersive. I hope that every reader values your writing and you’re able to do well with this series. Self publishing isn’t easy. I would definitely have missed out on this had you not gone ahead with the audio book as well so I hope the second one can also be comissioned thank you.
Any news? I understand life happens, and degrees need fulfillment, but we the fans are starting to get a little frustrated. We fear the likes of Rothfuss, Martin, and…now…Renshaw in the ranks of those that release a book every 5-10 years? I do appreciate the graph and transparency, but…as much as I hate to cast shade, I regret buying a book whose sequel may not see the light of day for 5+ years.
Feel free to delete this comment and not let it see public viewing, my goal here isn’t to cast you in a negative light, but I do genuinely feel somewhat cheated, anticipating a trilogy, or at least a sequel within a year or 2 of having invested myself in this book.