So, if you happen to be following me on Twitter, Facebook, or GooglePlus, there is a chance you have already heard the news…
…But I am proud announce that the FIRST DRAFT OF MY NOVEL IS DONE!
Sorry, I don’t mean to shout, but I am so incredibly excited!
As you can see, I have taken down my deadline button because I am actually ahead of schedule! Plus, I’m only 10 days later than my initial deadline.
I finished the story Saturday night and it was an amazing feeling. I actually cried! To tell you the truth, it means a lot to me that this story got completed. I had started this novel when I was 15…(yes at the age of 15) and I had put so much of myself into it. But, I couldn’t go beyond Chapter 8. So, between the ages of 17 and 24 I wasn’t writing this book at all (I call those the dark ages). But at the end of November, early December I decided it was time. I wanted to finish it. I needed to finish it.
And you know what? I did.
And I am so incredibly proud of myself.
I have a lot of work I need to get done. First of all, I need to type it (yes, I hand wrote it). See? Look there (okay a portion is typed, that spiral notebook edged paper is the handwritten part):
And since it’s a fantasy novel, there are also certain elements of the world I created that I think I need to develop a bit further. It isn’t a big enough plot hole that readers would see it right off the bat, but I’m thinking any fantasy enthusiast might wonder about it.
There are some parts of the story I know I did right, and other parts I think I need to take away or change.
So, should I have a new deadline? Well, I do have a date in mind that I would like this completed by and that is: August 3rd – 5th. Why? The Willamette Writer’s Conference in Portland!
I mean, it may be a little soon for me… I know editing can take years depending on how much work needs to be done. But you know what? It took me ten years to get this far with the book. I want it to just be ten years. By the time I turn 26, I want to know I have reached the next stage of my novel.
But, in the mean time? Time to celebrate!
First a victory dance:
A round of applause:
A song (of course):
Despite the work I know I have ahead of me, I am so proud to have this novel’s first draft completed!
How are you doing with your writing goals?
Congratulations!! That's wonderful news that you finished the first draft. 🙂
Thanks Cherie!! I'm so proud! 🙂
Yay!! Congratulations! Enjoy this moment before you dive into revisions. You should be proud. 😀
Congratulations! You definitely deserve to celebrate! Thank you for taking the time to link up at the Follow Your Way Blog Hop.
I am following you through Facebook, GFC, Networked Blogs, Twitter, Google+
Way to go!…
A completed goal is always reason for celebrating.
Congrats that's awesome news!!
Congratulations!! Keep up the good work, it sounds like you're on a roll!
Congrats, Nicole!!! That is WAY exciting! You should be proud! Keep dancing, because you've accomplished something so many people haven't! And it's great to have deadlines for yourself. You can do it – look how far you've come already!
I'm dancing with you…okay, I'm done. My hubby and dog are looking at me crazy now.
Congratulations! That's a great achievement. I need to take some inspiration from you. I did a fast first draft during NaNoWriMo about six or seven years ago, and I'm stuck about a quarter of the way through the second draft. I keep telling myself it's time to bring up those files and do something with them. You should take a little time to enjoy your triumph and celebrate before thinking about the next deadline. Good luck!
Oh my goodness! Big congratulations to you! That is phenomenal … the hard slog is over and now is all about refining …
This is so unbelievably exciting! Wow! Good luck for the road ahead …
http://unpublishedworksofme.blogspot.com/
Congrats, Nicole! I know you are super excited and you should be. It took me 12 years to complete my degree, with working full-time and raising kids. 🙂
Keep celebrating, you have every right!
Congratulations and merriment to you! And you seriously hand-wrote it? Impressive! I can barely keep a pen in my hand for more than 5 minutes without getting writer's cramp anymore. Kudos!!
Thanks Kelly! Definitely true – I will for sure be taking a break before my next stage. Although my break will probably only be a week. 🙂
Thank you Vicki! Thanks for dropping by!
KT, Party of Four – Thank you both!! I'm so excited to have completed this – I feel so relieved like a burden has been lifted!!
@The Desert Rocks – I sure hope I am!!! I have a fear that it will come to a dead stop for me, but I keep that worry at bay!
Thanks L.J.!! You are right, I do seem to do a lot better with deadlines!! My goal right now would be to have a presentable draft by June, have someone read it, and spend the rest of that time of June and July preparing it for August! Fingers are crossed!! *Thanks for the dance too!! 🙂 I'm still in victory mode!
@Elaine – Oh I hope you return to the novel that you have worked on! It's so worth it. This story had been tormenting me for so long that I knew I couldn't grow as a writer without disciplining myself to write it. It was so worth it!!
@UnpublishedLife – Definitely! Let the refining begin!! I hope this road is not quite as long as the last one though! 🙂
T
Thanks Diane!! I'm glad to know someone doesn't think it's too weird that I spent so long on this draft. 🙂 And I am so glad to be done!!
@Ashley – I know can you believe it?? I can't believe I handwrote it either!!
That's great Nicole!! 🙂
Big congrats on finishing! Definitely revel in the joy of knowing you've done something not everyone does, and worry about editing in a couple of days. It's important to celebrate each step, I think!
Congratulations! I know it is a great feeling. This is a big accomplishment. Now, good luck on the editing part! Anyway, put it away for a few days, enjoy, relax and come back refreshed before you tackle it. Take care!
Thanks DL!!
I keep reminding myself of that, Lara! I still can't believe I finished. The editing part I feel like will be my biggest challenge, but I'm still dying to complete that by June!
Thank you Lena! I'm taking about a week break, but the next stage I plan on working on is the history of the world I create and sharpening the magic. Not so much because the plot needs it, but I just need to do it for myself. Anyways! I am definitely looking forward to the next stage!!