I’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.
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. :-)