I finished writing the first draft of the fourth book in my Gift Legacy series last week. The process didn’t end with a thunder clap and popped cork, like I’d hoped. More like a wet splat with cold tea.
Why? I have no idea, but it did make me think about how I’d felt when I finished writing the other three books.
The first one was a shock. I actually Googled whether or not to type “the end” or let it be assumed. I remember sitting there with a grin on my face for ten minutes before I told the cave master. The second one snuck up on me, coming sooner than I anticipated, and pulled me along in its wake. The third…ah, the third. I loved the third one. Saw it coming a mile away and enjoyed every last second of writing it, and then I celebrated full out with a lovely bottle of Amarone. It was the end of the trilogy, after all, no small feat.
But this fourth book of the trilogy (yes, I know…arithmetic isn’t my strong suit) has been a marathon right from the start. I’m not sure why. I had a rough outline, so I knew where it began and I had a handful of the in between scenes. I also knew where it ended, but still, it was a tough slog getting it out.
That could be why typing “the end” on this one left me out of sorts. For a day or two afterward, I felt bluesy and out of sinc, and ever since, I’ve been bumping around the house in a daze I’m only now coming out of.
I celebrated the accomplishment a few nights later with my better half and a dirty martini, straight up, three olives, half vodka, half gin. I’m happy to report, though it may have been late and low-key, it was a pretty good ending!
That’s a huge accomplishment. I think a writer lives for a while in the writing, and the book, story or novel becomes more real than the life we live. I am not surprised you couldn’t get back to your daily routine. Writing takes one over completely. This is really good reason to celebrate. I wish your new book many readers!
You’re right – it does become your life. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
Regardless of anything else, congratulations on finishing, JP.
There was a reason (an extra one that you can’t quite see) for you to write this book — else you would have stopped at three. One day it might sneak up behind you and give you a hug, letting you know why it was important. 🙂
Thank you, and what a refreshing way of looking at it. I appreciate you dropping by.
I’m in awe. I’ve only just managed to crank out one. I’m just about to look for a publisher. Got a bit of catching up to do.
The first is truly special. Savour it, and congratulations.
It was enjoyable to read how each book’ sending affected you. Each book is like a child with it’s unique personality. Fun!
Just goes to show it’s hard writing comments on an iPhone. My thumbs are too big. 🙂 “each book’s ending”
That’s a good way to look at it. So true.
…interesting comparison on each book as you finished them, m’Lady… when I completed my first, I was four feet off the floor on the pin cloud, and didn’t come down for weeks…weeks, I tell you! … I thought the subsequent books would be a bit of an anti climax , but I’m delighted to say I felt equally light headed, and really pleased with myself… I hope that feeling never goes away, no matter how many ‘The End’s I get to … thanks for sharing :):)
I, for one, hope you get to many, many more ‘The Ends’. Thoroughly enjoyed SAVAGE PAYBACK and am looking forward to reading more of your work. Thanks for your comment.
I’ve written two books, both stand-alone novels and they just seemed to roll along until they announced they had come to the end of the journey, a bit like your first three, but my third one, which I’m now writing is being a grumpier beast altogether. If I actually manage to finish it in anything like a decent shape, a think relief will be my dominant emotion.
Best of luck with #3, Peter. I’ve got your “Living Life Backwards” on my TBR list, and thoroughly enjoy your blog. Thanks for commenting.
I think you’re right and not too books are the same. Some seem to write themselves and some you have to sculpt out of wherever they are hiding. I imagine it’s also saying goodbye to friends you’ve been spending a lot of time with… At least au revoir.
So true, Olga, and I do miss the characters. Of course, I’ll be tired of them after the inevitable edits.
Aah, what a feeling 😉 Congrats, JP x
Thanks, Bianca.
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Thank you for following. I don’t write Rock n Roll Autobiographies or True Crime, but I enjoy reading them and I’m happy you enjoyed the post. I’ll check out your blog!
Thanks 😉