Completion!
Published by Deanna Hoak August 2nd, 2005 in blogI’ve added about five thousand more words to my novel, and I’ve taken out about four thousand that didn’t work anymore because the book ended a bit earlier temporally than I had thought it would.
And…I keep looking at this, thinking it can’t possibly be true, but…I believe I have a rough draft.
I have a lot of cleaning up to do, but if there are any more scenes I need to add, I don’t know about them yet. I have to add in setting in some places, and flesh out some bare-bones dialogue with character motions and interaction. I need to fix inconsistencies and in general do some editing. I’m not afraid of editing. :-)
But (I looked at it again just now, trying to make sure), I think I have a rough. I don’t think it’s hit me yet; I feel in shock about it, and I’m very cautiously giddy. This is a big deal to me, just knowing I could get that far. Huge. I can’t tell you.
It’s hitting me now, and I’m crying. You probably think I’m silly. But I have a rough draft.
20 Responses to “Completion!”
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I'm a freelance copyeditor specializing in fantasy and science fiction. SF/F novels I have copyedited have been finalists for (and have sometimes won) the Hugo, Nebula, Arthur C. Clarke, Golden Spur, John W. Campbell Memorial, Quill, Locus, Philip K. Dick, British Science Fiction, British Fantasy, and World Fantasy awards. In 2007 I was short-listed for a World Fantasy Award for my copyediting.
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YAAAY for you!
(did you get my message about Saturday?)
Thank you. And yes, I did. Steve and Scotti are still coming out, if your plans fall through. I’m sorry we won’t get to see you!
I don’t think you’re silly. It’s very cool.
YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY DRAFT!
Congratulations, Deanna! You rock. :-)
Yay you!
*\o/*
You are not at all silly and we loves you muchly for giving us hope, yes we does, my Precious…
- Wendy
Not silly. Super!
That is not silly at all! I had a big ol’ hyperventilation when I finished my first novel. And about ten minutes later, the waterworks started, you bet.
Hooray, Deanna!
Deanna! Yay, yay, yay! I am so happy for you.*g*
Finishing is a big deal and crying is not silly. I cried, a lot, when I finished both of my novels. Enjoy the feeling.
And did I mention Yay!
Yay, rough draft!
I’m almost there. I understand completely. *g*
Very cool! Don’t feel at all bad. When I finished my first ever (and only so far) first draft of “Nercropolis Faire,” I sat there in stunned silence, staring at the screen and thinking, “Well, that was interesting. I actually finished it.” I can only hope you never lose that feeling, no matter how many roughs and finished novels you have.
Wow! Congratulations and may the happy tears of joy flow!
::pats shoulder:: ’tis good you have a rough draft. Very good. Take a break, set it aside, let it simmer and give yourself a breather. :-D
I remember a time when you had despaired of ever writing anything. I am glad you hung in there! Congratulations and good luck with the polishing!
Congratulations on a huge success! Btw, I always get what I call PND or post-novel depression, much like the postpartum depression one can get after having a baby. It takes so much work to reach a finished manuscript that the aftermath can be … well, like bearing a brainchild. Tears (of joy or sadness) upon completion, and/or a moodiness that sets in about two or three weeks after (or sooner).
Sincere congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment!
I’m so excited for you! Good for you for getting through it and I don’t think you’re silly at all. You’ve invested so much time and love and thought into it and I so very pleased you got there.
Melinda
No crying! No crying! There’s no crying in — oh, wait a minute, I’m sorry, that’s baseball. What I mean is, congratulations! Good on you! ¡Felicidades! And many happy returns!
This is great, Deanna. I’m thrilled for you. :-)
So happy for you–I’m already counted among your fans who will buy all your books as soon as they hit the shelves. You’ve reached a milestone! Be giddy–you’ve earned it.
Diane
Heh. Thank you, very much. I’m glad I got it done. I never felt comfortable before saying that I was working on a novel, for some reason, but I love saying that I’ve written one. If it never sells, I guess I’ll get over that, but it’s nice for now. :-)