So last week I was all on fire to get my first draft written out to the end.
But how do I know when I've reached the end?
Sure, the action climax is over. The main character made all his important decisions. The consequences fell. The last bits of tension are resolving. Confessions are being made. Details are being cleared up. Happily-ever-after (or at least happily-until-the-sequel) looms on the horizon.
But I love these characters. I love this setting. I keep thinking up more scenes. How will I know when to stop?
I mean, if I'm not careful, I'm going to end up writing half-way into the next book.
It's like art. You're never done if you truly love it, but someone you trust often has to tell you to stop. Don't worry. You'll find the right spot. However, why not keep writing into the new book? It sounds like a great story if your characters won't let you stop.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...sometimes it's hard to know when the story ends, or when the next book begins! :)
ReplyDeleteI think I should simply write out everything that comes into my head, and then cut stuff in the second draft. I do have a final scene in mind, and when it feels right, I'll write it.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know there is enough story left to keep going for a book 2! :-)
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. Sometimes I don't want to come back to reality. Especially when things are all happily ever after. :)
ReplyDeleteI finished! I finished! And then to celebrate I made chicken parmesan and mashed potatoes and asparagus for dinner.
ReplyDeleteWoot! Woot! Bucketfuls of congrats and asparagus to you! So very happy for you. :)
ReplyDelete*happy dance*
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leisha and Sue!
ReplyDeleteI was so sad this morning when I realized there wasn't any more to write. So I went ahead and jotted down a pick-up scene that's probably going to go in the middle of the book. Hee hee.
Now I'm off to repair the window screens and assemble a couple of harps!
There's always more to write, Rebecca... book 2 if you want fresh tracks, or rewriting if you're looking to groom!
ReplyDeleteI need just a teensy break before I start in on re-writing. Two days after finishing the first draft I'm still in the throes of "OH WHAT HORRIBLE DRIVEL HAVE I CREATED NOW???" If I start revising already I'll kill the poor thing before it even has a chance.
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