NaNo 2012 is over. Not in the sense that, “It’s over when I say it’s over!”, but in the sense that about ten PM last night, I typed “The End” at the bottom of the last chapter of my novel, and that was that. Everything that’s been said is said, and it’s time to move on.
The novel is finished, there’s no more writing to do . . . and I’m feeling a little lost at the moment.
When I started the chapter last night, I was feeling a touch weepy. It wasn’t that I had written some heartfelt prose about my characters that left me an emotional shell–no, nothing like that at all. It was more the realization that I’d come to the end of the story, and I had maybe a couple of thousand words to write, and there was nothing more after that.
After finishing the chapter, and the novel, I felt pretty good. It’s always a good feeling when you finish writing seventy thousand words into the computer, and there’s a bit of a rush that hits you like a soft breeze on a warm spring days. It’s a good feeling, and you close your eyes and take in the wonder that is life–
But come the next day–which, if you’re reading this, is now–you start thinking about what’s coming next. You have editing ahead of you. You start having thoughts about if you’re going to send your story to a publisher for consideration, or if you’re going to try and self publishing–with each having their own particular issues one needs to hurdle.
But the biggest one comes–well, it comes about now . . .
What’s next, Sunshine?
I have an idea for a story brewing; hell, I have a few ideas brewing. There are a couple of things that are pulling me towards writing–but there are also a few things that I want to finish up before moving on to something new. I mean, it’s great to have a slush pile, but as we know in Northwest Indiana come winter, you gotta clear that slush, or you’re gonna track it into the house. And right now I have maybe three projects I should get out and get published, but to do that I have to set aside time from writing new material . . .
It’s one or the other, kids. You gotta do the work, you know?
Doesn’t mean I can’t do other things like prep work while I’m editing a story, or getting it ready for publication. But I have realized that I need to keep at this game, because as much as I feel like I may be spinning my wheels, I also feel that I’m gaining ground. This isn’t something I’m doing for a hobby, it’s something that I’m working towards as a career. Doing it as a hobby is fine, but why not do it for a living? There are worse jobs, right? Yep, there are, because I’ve worked them.
It’s never a question of what you’re doing, it’s what’s next? What do you want to do? What are you going to work on? Keep it going, baby, ’cause someone just might be waiting for that story you got bouncing about in the back of your brain–
Only they don’t know it.
Yet.
November 27, 2012 at 10:00 am
You’re right, about the story needs to come out, writers have to write, even while editing other pieces. You Go Girl! Gotta feel that accomplishment of meeting a goal, early too! *high five*
November 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Congratulations Cass!!!!!!!!!
November 27, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Thank you!
November 27, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Congrats for reaching THE END
The editing… when you look at it as such, it seems even harder than the writing process. I’m not here yet, but I bet it is! It’s more serious, because it’s all about polishing the novel…
And I often get other ideas too just like that… and it’s so active in my brain… lol anyway, I can relate!
November 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm
I’ve found that editing is very hard, because you need to be critical. So far I haven’t ripped out a whole chapter because I thought it needed to go, but I’ve rewritten parts extensively because they were very clumsy.
November 27, 2012 at 1:21 pm
A good start
Keep it up!
November 27, 2012 at 4:34 pm
You are my hero!
November 27, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Thank you! I love the new gravatar!
November 27, 2012 at 4:53 pm
It is at Cumberland Falls in KY. I am blogging about it this week. I am so happy for you! NaNo must feel like the post-Christmas/pardem blues. I know I felt it after I finished my first book. I need to do more. We should talk soon
)
November 27, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I was a little sad to finish it last night, but on to the next project. I’ve been to Cumberland Falls; was there maybe 10 years ago. Did you go to the first KFC nearby?
November 27, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I did. That is where all of my ancestors are from. It is a magical place. Also a garbage patch, which I will cove rin my blog. But a hell uva setting for a story to save the Earth.