So I’ve managed to do it! I’ve completed a first draft of a novel for the first time in my life. Whoohoo! Lets throw a party.
Okay, let’s not throw a party just yet, the hard bit is just around the corner.
Yes, I have 52,000 words of writing that sort of follows a plot line and gets my characters from where I wanted them at the start of the book to where I wanted them at the end of the book.
Yes, all my characters have appeared in that 52,000 words.
Yes, most of the major events have been included.
NO.
The last chapter has not been written.
The character development has as much meat on it as an emancipated stick-man.
Most of the characters barely do anything except those major scenes and the rest seems a lot like fluff without much relevance.
Result:
Redrafting is needed in abundance.
But on the bright side. I’ve written 52,000 words so I have something to work with. Maybe I will throw myself a small party. I shall go brew a celebratory pot of tea.
I’ve achieved something I hadn’t before. I know know that I can get this far so why not further.
Carol J Forrester is a writer and a history geek. Her debut collection 'It's All In The Blood' came out November 2019.
She has a 2:1 BA degree in history from Bath Spa University, enjoys judo at least twice a week, and tries to attend poetry events around the Midlands when she can.
Her flash fiction story ‘Glorious Silence’ was named as River Ram Press’ short story of the month for August 2014 and her short story ‘A Visit From The Fortune Teller’ has been showcased on the literary site Ink Pantry. Her poems ‘Sunsets’ and ‘Clear Out‘ were featured on Eyes Plus Words, and two of her poems were included in the DVerse Poets Pub Publication ‘Chiaroscuro’ which is available for purchase on amazon.Her poem ‘Until The Light Gets In‘ was accepted and published at The Drabble and her poem ‘Newborn’ was published by Ink Sweat & Tears.
She has been lucky enough to write guest posts for sites such as Inky Tavern and Song of The Forlorn and has hosted a number of guest bloggers on her site Writing and Works.
View all posts by Carol J Forrester
7 Comments
Congratulations! This is a huge step. You totally deserve a party.. then get back to work. Mull things over a little. Have a break to reenergize so to speak. And because party! 🙂
Oh I’m not a big fan of editing! I love writing and everything but when it comes to editing, to keep going over it!
Okay I’m not making this better for you 😅
But wow it’s amazing you’ve written that much! I hope you can finish it with a flourish 😉
I hope so too. Thank you for commenting.
Don’t worry, you’re not putting me off. Editing isn’t much fun but it can lead to some amazing gems along the way.
You’ve done well! I think my first attempt at a novel was around 40,000 words. Yup, it was real skinny. Keep going, Carol. The rest of that story is in you, and it must come out 🙂
Congratulations! This is a huge step. You totally deserve a party.. then get back to work. Mull things over a little. Have a break to reenergize so to speak. And because party! 🙂
Haha, thank you for saying so. Indeed, it’s good to have a little space to recharge and refocus. Thank you for the comment, and the follow. 🙂
Congratulations! How about some ice cream too?
Not living with my partner. I’m lucky if there’s even a scrap left in the tub.
Oh I’m not a big fan of editing! I love writing and everything but when it comes to editing, to keep going over it!
Okay I’m not making this better for you 😅
But wow it’s amazing you’ve written that much! I hope you can finish it with a flourish 😉
I hope so too. Thank you for commenting.
Don’t worry, you’re not putting me off. Editing isn’t much fun but it can lead to some amazing gems along the way.
You’ve done well! I think my first attempt at a novel was around 40,000 words. Yup, it was real skinny. Keep going, Carol. The rest of that story is in you, and it must come out 🙂