If getting a contract was relatively straightforward, writing fiction was far harder than I could have imagined, and there were moments during the long and torturous edit process when it seemed that ‘Zulu Hart,’ the first of the trilogy, would never be fit for public consumption.

The quote highlights the significant challenges faced by a writer after securing a contract to write fiction. The initial phase of obtaining a contract might seem relatively straightforward, but the actual process of writing a novel and going through numerous revisions can be exceptionally daunting and time-consuming.

At its core, the quote underscores the often misunderstood nature of creative work and the rigorous editing processes that are essential in crafting high-quality literature. It speaks to the difficulty writers encounter when transforming ideas into coherent narratives, facing criticism during the editing phase, and striving for perfection before a manuscript is ready for publication. This reflects the reality many authors experience, where the journey from idea inception to final product involves countless hours of hard work, self-doubt, and perseverance.

The quote comes from Saul David, an accomplished British historian and novelist known for his works that blend historical fact with compelling fiction. His expertise spans military history and biography, making him well-versed in both factual documentation and creative storytelling. This dual perspective allows him to offer insightful commentary on the writing process and its inherent challenges.