From Seed to Story: What Tu B'Shvat Teaches Us About the Writing Process

Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees, is a celebration of growth, renewal, and the cycles of nature. This year the holiday falls on February 12 to 13. The Jewish New Year is a reminder that every tree begins with a single seed, nurtured through stages until it stands tall and strong. For writers, this concept mirrors the journey of crafting a manuscript. Just as a tree doesn't grow overnight, a story evolves through cycles of development, refinement, and care. And like a skilled gardener, an editor or writing coach helps your story flourish.

The First Draft: Planting the Seed Every story begins with a single idea—a seed planted in the fertile soil of your imagination. The first draft is about getting those initial thoughts down on paper. It's raw, messy, and imperfect, but it's full of potential. Much like a newly planted seed doesn't resemble the tree it will become, your first draft is a starting point, not the final product.

An editor or writing coach can help you nurture this seedling. They provide guidance and encouragement, helping you see the possibilities within your early ideas. The goal isn't perfection but creating the foundation for growth.

The Second Draft: Strengthening the Roots In the second draft, the focus shifts to the structure of your story. This is where you dig deep, strengthening the roots by refining the plot, clarifying themes, and addressing inconsistencies. Like a tree developing roots to anchor it firmly in the ground, your manuscript begins to take shape and gain stability.

This stage often involves pruning—removing scenes or ideas that don't serve the story. An editor helps you identify weak points (plot holes) and guide your narrative toward cohesion. With their help, your manuscript becomes sturdier, ready to support the weight of its growing branches.

The Third Draft: Branching Out By the third draft, your story starts to bloom. This is the stage where you refine character arcs, deepen emotional connections, and enrich subplots. Just as a tree's branches and leaves reach out, creating a full and thriving canopy, your story's elements should work together to form a harmonious whole.

An editor ensures that every branch of your story serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative. They help you polish the details, ensuring your manuscript is ready to face readers with confidence.

Writing is a Cycle of Growth Tu B'Shvat teaches us that growth happens in cycles. Trees endure seasons of dormancy and renewal, just as writers experience periods of drafting, revising, and reflecting. Each stage of your manuscript's development is essential to its ultimate success.

As an editor and writing coach, I'm here to help you navigate these cycles, providing the tools and guidance you need to nurture your story from seed to masterpiece. Whether you're just starting out or ready to refine your latest draft, let's work together to make your story flourish.

Plant the seed of your next writing project with confidence. Contact me today for a free thirty-minute Zoom consultation or explore my editing and coaching services to take your manuscript to the next level. Let's grow your story together!