Just two more!!
It's a really messy first draft and is going to need a LOT of work in revision. But I'm trying not to think about that now. I am so close to the end, I can taste it. One chapter today. One chapter tomorrow. And then, I can do my Christmas cards and bake cookies and go shopping, while the book rests.
I'm a big believer in that "resting" time. Even if it's only a few weeks, stepping away from the manuscript can help you see the story with fresh eyes.
I bought Cheryl Klein's book about revision, Second Sight, so I'm looking forward to reading that while the manuscript sits for a while.
I Skyped with some teens at the Salem Public Library last week and many of them asked about how you finish a draft when you feel like what you're writing is so bad. I told them, it comes down to total will. There really is no magic answer. Most of the time, it's just powering through. I told her ALL writers hit those low points where we feel like there is no point in finishing. Even Neil Gaiman.
I had a number of those moments throughout this manuscript. But I kept writing and now, I'm almost finished! Whew.
I best get to work!
Good luck with drafting :-)
ReplyDeleteEven the famous authors have their moments.Maggie Stiefvater wrote on her blog that she deleted over 39,000 words and started over. So all writers have their processes to work through.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with revisions!
Congratulations, Lisa. Keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel -- or in this case, the Christmas cards and cookies.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about "Second Sight." I'm dying to read it. Maybe if Santa brings a gift card ;)
Congratulations! I love the feeling of the home stretch!
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