D. Fierst

A new year and a new level of crazy. God only knows what’s in store for us. One positive I can take away is I’ve found it very easy to channel all the worry, anxiety, and fear into my rewrites. Not only does this outlet help me cope, but it’s making my book feel more authentic in its portrayal of tension and uncertainty.

After a whirlwind end to 2024, in signing a publishing deal and kicking off this wild ride, I’m now deep into the next phase: rewrites. It’s an exciting, occasionally nerve-wracking process that has led me to basically rewriting the whole book. Here’s why:

In discussions with my publisher, we decided the story would resonate more if the protagonist were slightly older, shifting the tone from PG-13 to R (USA rating system). This adjustment broadens the audience to include adults while allowing for more mature themes and grittier storytelling.

We also explored a major technical change: shifting from purely first-person journal entries to a blend of third-person narration with journal excerpts. Initially, I was a bit unsure if this approach would work. But now, I’m amazed by how much depth it adds. The third-person sections immerse readers in the brutal, zombie-ravaged world, while the journals retain the protagonist’s naive, evolving voice. Balancing the narrative through these two lenses has been a rewarding challenge.

The process has been liberating. With the story already outlined, I can dive deep into details and weave in themes that reflect today’s chaotic reality. It’s like Larry David said about his fictional self in Curb Your Enthusiasm: “I love that guy.” Writing lets me say what I wouldn’t in real life—unleashing frustrations and fears in a way that’s cathartic and constructive (…or sometimes destructive).

As of now, about one-third of the rewrite is complete. The length is expanding significantly. Not just due to the added maturity, but also to better suit the intended audience. It feels like I’m pouring my bedazzlement with the real world into my fictional one, and what a treat that is.

So, here’s to 2025: a year bound to keep us all on edge. What a time to bring a story to life.