I started working on After the Fire in mid-January. I finished the first draft at more than 70,000 words a little after 5:00 AM on February 22. ( For the record, I took a week off in the middle to deal with personal issues, and I have a full-time job.) Over the weekend of Feb 19-21, I cranked out more than 14,000 words. I think my previous weekend high output was about 10,000 during NaNoWriMo.
This story came out whole. I knew where I was going with it from the beginning, although (happily) enough plot twists emerged in the writing to surprise me and keep me engaged. Having an outline and road map helped in writing the first part. Once I figured out exactly how the climax and denouement would play out, it was just a matter of pounding out the words.
I'm exhausted and also a little sad. Writing a novel in this speed-demon fashion is kind of like giving birth. It's scary and exciting, and very emotional. After you've finished with the birthing, you are faced with the knowledge that you have a whole hell of a lot of work ahead of you to bring this new creature to maturity.
Enter postpartum depression. (But, I don't have time for that.)
Meredith
I'm always a little sad when I finish a book...
ReplyDeleteI get the blues whenever I finish any project I've worked on for a while. I think it's a normal part of letting go of a task you've devoted yourself to for a while.
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