Project update: The novel draft is at 93,000 words, and I project that it will be finished some time next week. Then, of course, it will need to be revised. At this point in the writing, I’m aware of certain specific things that will need revision, and I’m already thinking forward to that process.
I’m back and forth between thinking this is an exciting, original, fast-paced story, to thinking it’s an unpublishable mess. The experience of writing the novel has been much different from writing a short story, requiring for one thing a steady and long-term focus on the same world, the same conflict, and the same group of characters.
I know publication is an up-hill battle. I hear a lot about writers whose first completed novel never sold, and it’s discouraging to think that after all those hours, and all those words, my novel may be destined to languish in a three-ring binder for a long time, maybe forever. In the same period of time, I could have written a dozen short stories.
93,000 words? Incredible! Already thinking about what you need to revise and how-Amazing! Getting close to sending out a manuscript?-Mind-blowing!
I guess I’m saying this to keep you out of the sticky, negative, self-doubting soup that will psyche you out and allow the inner critic to win.
Be proud of yourself, be excited, and keep all the negative, difficult, self-doubtful things as far away as you can. They will only impede the process.
Realize fully that what you have already accomplished is a feat most mortals cannot and are too afraid to do. You are many steps ahead of the thousands. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and savor all the moments of your writing. If this one doesn’t get published, it’s hours spent towards a HUGE learning and life altering experience. Besides, writing a novel is really hard, and 93,000 words is a gift!!!
Keep writing and tell your inner critic to “SHUT UP!!”
Congrats! I know how excited I was when I neared the end of my book. Keep in mind that all writers doubt their own work, but you have to remember that we are often our own toughest critic.
Congratulations!!! On the other side of things, though, isn’t it exciting when you finish the first full length manuscript? I hate the rewriting, however, I have to admit that it gets better ever time I change something. So I guess it’s all worth it in the end. Good luck on getting it published. I’m in the middle of the same thing myself so I feel for you.
Oh yay! You are so close! We all doubt our work,and as someone earlier said, we are our own worst critics. You have accomplished a LOT with the completion of 93,000 words. It’s probably more cohesive than you think, but the editing process will help you figure that out. Your blog writing is quite good, so I’m betting the same aptitude runs through your fiction.
Best,
KJ
http://interminablewriter.wordpress.com
Congratulations! Finishing is a wonderful feeling.
And don’t be too down – some people do sell their first novels.
Revision is the pleasant stroll through the garden of your own creation. There are weeds everywhere and the cobblestones are crooked… but it feels like heaven to just sit and listen to the birds sing.
You’ll do fine
Thank you all for your words of encouragement!