It’s been a while since I gave a personal update. I am sure you are all grateful, but the time for gratitude has come to an end. Believe me—after this post those of you who can do so without combusting will probably pray that I revert back to a state of sullen silence.
I’ve been quiet with good reason, you see. No, one of the minions did not escape and ply my mouth with duct tape, though that would have been fun, would it not? I’ve hit the final stretch of my novel. We are talking mere teens when it comes to word count. While most would see this as a cause for mass celebration, I’ve done little but panic. And write…and panic some more. Not to mention the cleaning and shopping sprees that I use by means of procrastination.
Why can I not have one of these?
I wonder what pressing it does. Would the world end? Would the ceiling open up and vast amounts of confetti and glitter rain down in a sparkly shower? Hmm…perhaps blood. Yes, that’s it. Blood and feathers. Surely panic looks like the inside of a chicken coop once the fox slips in and all the birds realize they are about to fall victim to a slaughter. *small smirk* Poor little dears.
As for me, I am wondering how to wrap things up. I’m struggling with how to tie up loose ends without cinching them off completely. It is not something I’ve had to do before, but a second book is already begging to be written, and perhaps a third before these characters have had their full say. I don’t think anyone would complain. Seir is quite amusing between his contradictions and sarcasm. Not to mention his unique take on the world and its occupants in general.
I must find a way to be a clever, clever girl and present this in a way that it could stand on its own, yet beckons to readers to return for a second helping. PANIC. I don’t even want to think about marketing right now, or where to turn when it is all said and done. All of this is truly beyond my ability to comprehend at the moment.
Hell, the mere thought of ME actually finishing a novel, let alone in under a year is unthinkable. Brace yourselves, darlings. This may very well be a sign of an impending apocalypse. I’m sure those who know me will agree.
In the meantime, feel free to share any input, as well as your stories about that shiny red button and what it might do! I truly AM curious.~Best wishes always~
It's not often that I say congratulations for panicking, but I believe this time it's warranted. I know this novel and any that follow are going to be world class literature, and I can't wait to open the first page.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to release the book independently, there are many wonderful resources to aid you, not the least of which are your friends. If you decide to go traditionally, I know you'll have no trouble securing an agent, and after that your marketing woes are over.
The panic button - it doesn't really do anything. It's there to be a reminder, a guide of sorts, to ensure you're on the right path. The more you want to hit it, the more right you are.
Congratulations again, and I'll keep saying that as you leap over each new hurdle.
Hang in there, champ! You're just traveling down a marvelous road. Everything is going to be great!
ReplyDelete-Jimmy
I'm so excited for you!! You are a passionate and clever writer, so I know with 100% certainty that you'll sew the story lines up with monofilament threads that readers won't notice to the final page. All they'll see is the world you've created, and they'll swoon, lost in the character dances you've choreographed. I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteYou're inspiring me. Which, I have to say, is pretty incredible considering nothing has been able to get my writing juices flowing again since vacation!
Looking forward to cheering you on through the coming phases of this project!!
((hugs)) Nicki
I felt the same way before I finished my first novel. I'd been writing for so long without ever finishing anything, I honestly believed that I never would. And then I did, and it was pretty scary and exhilarating all at once.
ReplyDeleteJust keep trucking. You'll get there, it'll feel amazing, and then you'll have this core of knowing that you can do it again (and again and again).
As scary as the whole process is, I am still beyond excited! Jason, your support is unparalleled. :) James, you are like the coach cheering a running back down the field! Your book is next on my summer reading list. ;) Nicki, I have nothing but the strongest faith in you. You can DO it! Summer, thank you so much! Your tweets always make me smile.
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