I Did It! (53,137)

Actually, I crossed the finish line a couple of days ago and hoped that I could actually finish the story by tomorrow. I did add another 3,000 words, making this year's total more than I've done before. That's due to the times when the words were coming together that much more easily than before. But then there were the times, like tonight, when I knew some conflict needed to happen (or as another writer said, a disaster had to fully 'disast') and I found it difficult to take the plunge. I'm too nice.

I guess that's one of the things I've learned from this year's experience: as much as I've improved with character and setting, I still need to work on conflicts and antagonists. Which points to another lesson to be learned: how to create a more complete outline and structure before diving into the writing part. I need a better plan for a book (or screenplay) so that I have a better idea of where its going at each stage. I'll work on that.

In any event, this novel still feels like the best I've done. It seems like less of a throwaway for the sake of learning, and more of the beginnings of something I should really try to finish and publish. So, that is the next step. I will come back to this and finish it. Probably right after the holidays.

Thanks again for everyone that has to put up with my disappearance each November, especially Judy, who's trying to get other projects done around the house with only limited help from me.

God bless,
Bill