Ciara Knight talks about Revisions and how she tackles them. She has a new book out, His Daughter's Faithful Companion.
Ciara Knight is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes heart-tugging, faith-filled romance with a dash of hope and a whole lot of love. When she's not wrangling swoon-worthy cowboys or crafting small-town drama, she's navigating life as a proud mom of three spirited (and now grown!) boys.
In a major plot twist no one saw coming, Ciara and her tech-savvy husband recently traded in their empty nest for open waters—purchasing a boat to live aboard full-time. Together, they’re setting sail on the greatest adventure yet: the next chapter of life, love, and a few waves of inspiration. Anchors aweigh!
Ciara Knight on the web:
Revisions are probably the hardest part of writing for me, but they’re also where the story truly comes to life.
When I first open an edit letter and see all the red marks on the page, I’ll be honest... my heart sinks a little. I think that’s normal for most writers. So instead of diving in immediately, I give myself twenty-four hours to process everything. I read through the notes, close the document, and step away long enough to clear my head and open my mind to the changes being suggested. (Side note, I truly trust my editor and I think that is so important.)
That pause helps me shift from emotional reaction to creative problem-solving.
Once I’m ready, I start with the biggest content issues first. Those large changes usually affect everything else in the story, so it makes sense to tackle them before worrying about smaller details. After that, I move into plot threads—character arcs, timelines, emotional continuity, and anything else woven through the story that needs strengthening or adjusting.
Only then do I narrow my focus to individual chapters and scenes. Sometimes a tiny scene change can suddenly make an entire storyline click into place When I finish, I read through the manuscript all over again to make sure the story still feels seamless, emotional, and true to the characters’ journey.
It’s definitely not the fastest part of the process, but revisions are where rough drafts become the stories readers eventually hold in their hands, and hopefully enjoy.
His Daughter's Faithful Companion
Begins with a special dog
Single dad Ryan Tanner is fiercely protective of his daughter. So when a dog at the local rescue farm saves Ellie from a life-threatening allergic reaction, Ryan is determined to adopt Max as an allergen detection dog. There’s only one problem: trainer Brooke Sanders. She thinks Max’s unpredictable behavior makes him unsafe to place with a child. Convincing Brooke to give Max a chance isn’t easy, but convincing her to give Ryan a chance might be even harder. As Ellie bonds with both Brooke and Max, Brooke can see what being part of this family might be like. But is she willing to take the risk?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
K-9 Companions
I'm always amazed and slightly jealous of anyone who takes the step to downsize to living on a boat. I imagine the move will come with lots of fodder for a writer. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I'm enjoying the life so far. :)
DeleteI think one has to be quite structured to be a writer/editor. It sounds like you are. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having me. It does take discipline to keep focused and work when there are dolphins playing in my back yard. Haha.
DeleteI would think having an editor give feedback would be really helpful. Nice to learn a bit about the writing process here!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. I'm glad you found it enlightening.
DeleteThis was interesting, but having your 'baby' criticised, even in the most constructive way, must be hard.
ReplyDeleteI have a tough skin, but every once in a while it can get to me.
DeleteThat cover is so cute.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I thought so. Harlequin Love Inspired has some great covers.
DeleteI agree with Mary ... it is a very cute looking cover.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks. I loved it when my editor sent it to me.
DeleteThis looks to be a delightful read. Happy Writing and Safe Sailing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm finishing up a Christmas book now for HQ LI and it's 90 degrees outside. It felt wrong writing it. haha.
DeleteGreat post
ReplyDeleteI can well imagine that this break is important and helpful for the correction process!
ReplyDeleteAll the best from Austria 🤗.
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/06/reisebericht-2025-wilder-pazifik-und.html