Monday, February 25, 2013

Reaching the End



I'm sitting at my computer, fingers tapping on the keys. The Crystal Tree sits open before me, and I'm writing my way towards the end. It's been three weeks since I started the draft and I'm making my way towards the end. We're in the final scene. I'm trying to compose the last words. Endings are so hard in so many different ways. My fingers are moving quite slowly at the moment. I don't want the story to end. Not yet. I don't want to leave my characters and my world just yet.

But there, the last words are typed. Probably the worst last words in the history of writing. Endings never were my strong point after all. But it doesn't matter, that's what editing is for right? I sit back then and look at my nice long document and think over the story just written. It has to be the best first draft that I have ever written, thanks to a bit of planning.

And suddenly I'm not sad any more. I'm happy. It's done. It's finished. I wrote this draft, made up this story myself. It's not the best story, not yet. But it's getting there. And there is editing to do. Hang on, don't I not like editing? I should be cringing at the thought. but instead all I want to do is jump straight back in and edit the book until it shines and matches the beautiful picture in my head.

Nope, can't do that now. Must let it sit and stew for a while. Now it's time to be proud of finishing the draft, and then I'm ready to jump straight into planning the rewrite of another novel. Time to start laying the groundwork for another great story. That's the good thing about writing. The fun never really ends. When one story finishes, there's always another to take it's place.

And there's always a chance to make a mock cover for one's book too...

6 comments:

  1. Here's to completing your MS! Take the feelings that come with that accomplishment and run with them. It's the reason I keep writing. :)

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    1. Thanks David. Those feelings have to be some of the best part of writing, aside from having a legitimate excuse to pretend you're living a whole other, adventurous life of course!

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  2. Congratulations on finishing that first draft! Always a good feeling.

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    1. Thanks Alex. It is a great feeling. Maybe that's why I like writing first drafts so much. i don't really get quite the same feeling from editing.

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  3. Odd mix of emotions comes when finishing a first draft. And then there is that mix of comfort and anticipation knowing that another first draft awaits. Congrats!

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    1. Exactly. It's one of those things that keeps me writing, the discovery of new characters, new stories to write and finish. It's always sad to finish the stories of old friends, but it's always exciting to meet and make friends with new characters!

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