Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Finishing

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm afraid of finishing this novel. It's been a whirlwind. I started writing in December and today or tomorrow, the book will be completed. I've never written a full-length novel so fast.

And it scares me.

Well, the story is awesome, but I've been so caught in it that I wonder where I'm going to get my next adrenaline rush from when I have nothing to look forward to other than editing. Yeah, editing and revising. It's the evil twin of writing. Some people love doing it. I find it a necessary chore.

You know, it's funny. When I'm in the middle of writing a story, I wonder if I'll really get it done- especially in the time frame I've set for myself. Yesterday when I realized that I only had one or two more days until THE END I felt sad. Sad that the ride was over- and it was an incredible ride. Intense. I love this story. And now all I have to look forward to is cleaning it up.

It's sort of like cleaning the house. I love a clean house but I don't adore scrubbing dirty bathrooms, vacuuming, picking up moldy apples that found their way under the sofa and the list goes on forever.

But when the cleaning is done and my carpet is visible and the mirrors actually reflect again- I feel great. I love having a clean house.

Yeah, I know, I could pay someone to clean my house if I was rich enough. I could pay someone to edit my novel if I was rich enough too.

The biggest difference between houses and books is that pretty often people are willing to help you clean your book for FREE. Don't ask me why. I mean, unless I'm physically disabled, nobody offers to come clean my house.

But a book? Oh yeah.

There exists in this world a select group of people who find joy in editing books. Bless their hearts. I don't think I'll ever be one of those. I sort of missed the editing boat when they were handing out talents. Yeah, I probably raised my hand for writing and ran off before I even heard the word editing. If I had known you couldn't have one without the other I might not have raised my hand.

Anyway, here's to spring cleaning. Books and houses. Which reminds me, I need to switch the laundry....

3 comments:

Synergy Girl said...

I know it isn't the same...but I feel that way when I am finishing a book. I feel sad that the story is over...and that reality has to come back. As far as the house cleaning goes...I think half the problem is that everyone we know that could help us clean...is in the same boat...maybe we just need to go clean each other's houses...I swear it's better than cleaning your own junk and dirt!!

fredamans said...

Congratulations on being almost finished. It will be great and you can relax and enjoy it now.

Anonymous said...

I feel the same way when I get to the end of writing. I hate for it to end but I do feel a great sense of accomplishment. Congratulations! I'm so very proud of you!