How do you know when it is time to set down the pen and declare your novel ‘Finished’?
I am not sure there is one right answer – there are many opinions out there and a different one fits each writer. For me – perfectionist and my own harshest judge – the answer is when I say so, which translates directly into when it feels right.
It is five years since I started this journey. There are people in my life who probably stopped believing some time back that I would ever finish it. You know how it is with some people: an endless list of excuses, most of them beginning with, “I just need to . . .” At some point you just roll your eyes and think, yeah right.
Newsflash: sometimes those excuses are in fact valid reasons.
All writers have their struggles, some of them more public than others and I am no exception, but I persevered despite them and despite the rolling of eyes and the yeah right‘s. And guess what? It’s finished … or it will be after one final check for howlers and obvious grammar /spelling mistakes.
(Did I see an eye-roll? O ye of little faith!)
So how can I say it’s finished, you ask? How do I know?
It’s quite simple. Last Sunday, when I got through the final scene for the umpteenth time, a sense of elation infused my being. Perhaps it is like true love – you just know.
No doubt there are some people who would disagree with me. There are always those who think something could be changed or improved, but for the first time I am not one of them.
Now for the next phase: putting it out there.
This is the business end of writing. Over the past five years I have gathered a pile of notes and useful links to articles that cover a range of topics from pitch, synopsis and cover letters to e-publishing and what to look out for when choosing an agent. I shall haul it all out, dust it off and put it to use, and endeavor to share it with you along the way.
As one journey ends, another begins. It is time to turn my manuscript into a novel.
theresewelch.com 