So I knew this day would come. The day when I reach 90,000 words on my WIP and have three chapters left to write. The day I’ve been (slowly) reaching toward is almost here. I could finish this book in a day or two and yet…I hesitate.
It’s stupid I know, but when it’s over there is always more work to be done. I’m going to do another edit before it’s off to beta readers and I have to admit—I’m plain ‘ole nervous!
When you work on something for years, it’s inevitable that you get emotionally attached to it. When I’m close to finishing a book I normally feel two things—elation: I finished my book and it’s great! It’s my best work yet! Or dread: I spent all this time and effort on this book and I’m scared. What if it’s horrible? What if it doesn’t sell?
What if I have to write it over…again?
Right now, I’m teetering more on the dread side. I’ve always been a Negative Nancy, seeing the worst possible scenario in every situation. But I’m working hard to change my way of thinking, to be a Positive Polly and start seeing the bright side. My goodness, I finished (almost) my book! Twice! That stands for something, and no matter what happens, whether it sells or not, I write. Meaning, I still have to write my next book, no matter the outcome on this one.
So I’m keeping positive. I’m almost finished with my book. And now I’m off to actually finish it…
I just found your blog and… I love it! Your honesty and real talk is inspiring for a new author soon to be published. I wish you, your readers, and myself mucho success! I hope I will be a blessing to many as your blog helps my journey. P.S. Still 90,000 words are impressive. I’m at 50,000; I have two more chapters and plan to add more words during edit and revision. God willing, this Christian novel that I received through a dream will be out by the end of the year.
Thanks so much Masika! It’s funny, I’ve been busy with so much stuff that I haven’t been giving the blog the attention it deserves at times but it’s comments like this that make me want to keep on pushing! Keep writing, and stay encouraged, it’s a lot of hard work, but so rewarding!