Jennifer Gregson

Young Adult Indie Author

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From Draft to Publication: My Writing Journey

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 by Jennifer Gregson

Every book starts with a single spark of inspiration. For me, it began with a simple question: What would happen if a girl was born into a famous flying family, but she was scared of heights? That idea lingered in my mind, and soon enough, Roz was born—the protagonist who would lead me on a winding, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling journey.

Draft One: The Beginning

With the idea in hand, I started drafting the story. Roz took shape, and alongside her was Louise, the daughter of a famous clown family. The story bounced back and forth between Roz’s world and Louise’s, weaving together two different lives within the circus. But as the draft grew, so did my doubts. Something wasn’t clicking, and deep down, I knew the story needed to evolve.

Draft Two: A Major Change

That’s when my editor stepped in with a suggestion that would change everything: focus more on the big three-ring circus where Roz auditions at the end of the original draft. It meant scrapping Louise’s storyline and bringing more attention to the heart of Roz’s world—the circus. This shift brought the story back to the drawing board, forcing me to rethink the direction of the narrative.

Draft Three and Four: Finding the Flow

After revising and expanding the circus setting, I finally felt like I had a more cohesive storyline. Roz was stronger, the world felt more vivid, and the supporting characters were coming into their own. But there was still something missing—especially in the ending. My editor came to the rescue once again, offering guidance on where the story could go and how to bring the narrative full circle. With those new insights, I dove back into revisions, determined to find the perfect conclusion.

Draft Five: The Final Version

After many drafts and countless hours of rewriting, I finally had a book that felt complete. The journey of this book wasn’t easy—writing rarely is. It’s about pouring your heart and soul into every word, figuring out what works, and pivoting when needed. Through all the changes, revisions, and rewrites, I held onto that initial spark—the reason why I started writing in the first place. And although Roz is no longer afraid of heights, she spoke to me through the whole process begging me to tell her story and I’m so glad she did!

Now, I’m thrilled to share that my book is available for you to read. Check it out on Amazon, where you can read it for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Category: Fiction, Writing

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