Tuesday, August 28, 2007

100%

Something strange just happened.

I had said that this story, the last one of my novel, had another 4000 words to go. I based this figure on the word count of the previous three stories that I had written. But last night I had told the Ours that I didn't think it would stretch that far. The story was a more compact one - the narrative and plot didn't require a heavy hand. It was what the characters didn't say or do that mattered.

So 2000 words in this morning I realised that the story was coming to a natural end. I was a little taken aback, and stretched it as much as I could - but at 2433 words it was all over. I couldn't wring another word out of it. (I realise now that I should have finished earlier - but at the eleventh hour I just wasn't ready for it to end. Strange, as this day has been my guide since the beginning.)

I called the Ours, explained that I had reached the end a little earlier than I had forseen, and he told me he was proud of me. I then put down the phone and started writing this post. Then I stopped for a little cry, not a miserable one, a release.

So there it is. 100% of my first draft is now written. 90,967 words. I won't be moving onto the next draft until I finish my course. Part of me wishes that I could have reached the 4000 words that I had readied myself for. But a bigger part of me knows this wish betrays my writing instinct. Sometimes you can't plan for the end. It just happens.

10 comments:

laurie said...

oh my gosh. what a wonderful, wonderful feeling that must be. i would weep, too. happiness and accomplishment and just a tiny sense of loss and bewilderment.

good job, hellojed!

(and thanks for the wonderful words on my blog today.)

congratulations!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations darlin!! Delighted for you. Very much looking forward to reading it :)

Anonymous said...

Horray!! Great news, well done!

Ginafish said...

WooHoo! Congratulations on 100% of the draft being done.

Angie said...

Yay! It sounds like you were underwhelmed by the abrupt arrival of the finish, but how exciting to be done with the first draft after all that hard work. Sounds like some bubbly is in order.
Cheers :)
x

Yvonne said...

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comments! I was a little underwhelmed at first - or perhaps just shocked that it was finally over - but soon afterwards I felt great. I went for a walk, came across my favourite bar and read The Great Gatsby over a pint, then met the Ours for a meal. Bubbly is to be had shortly. Very happy.

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Yeah, yahoo!
Well done you!

Macoosh said...

i am so, so proud of you. hope i get to read it someday!!! i was in grand central for the last time last night and thought of you and that time we were both there at the same time. :)

congrats; what a wonderful thing you've accomplished!

Angie said...

That sounds like a lovely way to finish off a momentous day.
x

Rebecca said...

how great! is this your first book?