As you know, I've been working on a new book called House of Ivy and Sorrow. I hit 60k yesterday, which means I'm in the last 15k or so. Maybe 20k. Who knows? I know the rest of the story, and I'm writing scenes that I've been thinking about since the beginning. I can't believe I'm already here.
I love/hate this part.
I love it because I can finally see this book coming together. Not that it's perfect, but all those elements I laid out in the beginning are almost weaved together, and the result is much better than I hoped it would be at this point. It's so satisfying to see that, wonder of wonders, you have a real live story in front of you.
But I hate that it's almost over. I always end up dragging my feet through the last part just because I want to hang on to the characters. I'm starting to realize our first journey together is practically finished, and I love them and I don't want to leave them and WHY is this only one book because I just want to be with them FOREVER.
What can I say? I'm a first drafter. I do enjoy going back to the book and revising, but there's nothing like that first time. For me, it's the closest I can get to "reading" my own work. I love figuring everything out, getting to know my characters, seeing it all come together seemingly out of nowhere. It's magical, even if it's also frustrating at times.
That's all I got today. Time to get back to the story and revel in all that coming togetherness stuff. I know, I'm so eloquent.
I'm also a first drafter. Haven't found the groove to complete a round of edits yet. (shame) I write my fast drafts at a gallop though, so I don't have time to be sad. After the last 30,000 words in 10 days or less, there's only time for exhausted.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the home stretch. Or condolences, I guess.
When did you start this book?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 60K! And for the record, I'm still madly in love with your title.
ReplyDeleteB, my computer says I created the file on 2/20/2011. So like two months so far? I'm a quick first drafter, but long in edits.
ReplyDeleteI write my first drafts in under a month (8 time NaNoWriMo veteran here), so I don't really get a chance to enjoy my novel during that phase. Later on, when we're spending long hours together working out our difficulties and figuring out if this relationship can really work, that's when I fall in love with my book.
ReplyDeleteNow, where's this chocolate bar?
I know exactly how that feels, Natalie. I'm getting towards the end of my work in progress, and I don't want to stop writing!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great for you though! You're so close to completing this journey. Write on!
ReplyDeleteTotally just heard the Beatles "Come Together" in my head...not the weird lyris, just the chorus.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're there! Someday I will be again.
Oh Natalie, I know just how you feel. It's so difficult to say say goodbye to your characters. It's a true love story. A real relationship of the mind. I've been done for a while & just can't seem to cut the cord to my babies.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on those last 15-20K!
Can I just say, I totally envy your first draft experience. It sounds infinitely better than the hell I end up putting myself through. *jealous*
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. The first draft is always the most magical part for me, too, and writing the last chapters is completely bittersweet. Sometimes you're just not ready to let go of the characters and their journeys just yet.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every moment of wrapping up this step of your book! :)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI'm a first drafter as well. Sure, I get to revisit the characters and the story in revisions, but it's no where near the mad dash that my first draft normally is. When I'm writing it for the first time I definitely feel like I'm reading the book, uncovering things as I come along them. It's just not quite the same in revisions. Enjoy the story while it lasts and know there will be another one waiting for you soon. ^_^
ReplyDelete