During my one and only visit to the house museum of Lev Tolstoy, the legendary Russian author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, I experienced a profound revelation about the importance of rewriting in the literary process. Tolstoy, a multiple nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Peace Prize, devoted much of his life to perfecting his works, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to literary excellence.

One fact that struck me deeply was learning that War and Peace, the colossal 1,240-page novel considered by many to be one of the pinnacles of world literature, was rewritten six times before it was published. Tolstoy began writing this masterpiece at a young age and took seven years to complete it. This relentless process of revision taught me a valuable lesson: being a writer requires more than talent—it demands perseverance, self-criticism, and faith in one’s work.

Rewriting as an Act of Commitment

Tolstoy didn’t settle for the first version of his work. Each rewrite was a step toward a narrative that was more precise, profound, and true to his vision. This tireless act of revision led me to reflect on my own literary practice. I realized that if I want to be a responsible and committed writer, I must ensure that my novel conveys exactly what I intend, both in form and substance.

Writing a novel is not just about inspiration; it is a process of continuous refinement. Every revision is an opportunity to discover new ways to tell the story, to improve the coherence of the plot, and to deepen the characters. It is an act of humility and also of faith—faith that, in the end, you will have created something worthy of being shared with the world. 

Advice for New Writers

To everyone embarking on the challenge of writing a novel, I offer the most valuable advice I’ve learned from Tolstoy and my own experience: never settle for your first draft. The first version of a novel is only the beginning. The true magic happens during the rewriting process.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Take your time. Don’t rush to finish. A good novel is the result of patient and meticulous work.
2. Read with a critical eye. When reviewing your work, approach it as if you were an outside reader. Ask yourself if each chapter, scene, or dialogue contributes to the story.
3. Listen to your characters. Sometimes rewriting helps you understand your characters better and give them a more authentic voice.
4. Seek feedback. Share your work with trusted readers and listen to their comments. This will give you new perspectives on how to improve your novel.
5. Accept that there is always room for improvement. Even great masters like Tolstoy knew that perfection is an unattainable goal, but one worth striving for.

The Art of Giving Your Best to the Reader

Rewriting not only improves the quality of your work but also shows respect for your readers. When you take the time to polish every word and every idea, you ensure that you are offering them an experience that resonates in their minds and hearts.

As writers, our duty is to find the right way to tell a story and deliver it to the audience with the certainty that we’ve done our best. Tolstoy teaches us that writing is an act of love and commitment and that only through perseverance can we achieve greatness.

So, whether you’re writing your first novel or have several under your belt, remember: rewriting is not a secondary task but an essential part of the creative process. Make it your ally, and you’ll see your stories reach new heights.