I patted myself on the
back yesterday, because, frankly, there was no one else to do it. When I write
not to a deadline set by another, but to a self-imposed discipline that is its
own reward, I am alone to raise the virtual glass and say, “done!”
I am referring to the
first draft of my new novel for middle grades. Nothing is really “done” here,
except that I have a story with beginning, middle and end. The ever-present
doubts that threaten to creep in every single day while working on very first
preliminary drafts (whether the shortest picture book texts, chapter books or
novels) were kept at bay. I “brought it home.”
It’s a very good
feeling.
For the next week I
won’t even look at it, though I have already jotted down a few thoughts to
consider when revising. In a week I will do an once-over revision. It is not
ready for anyone else’s eyes yet, but it won’t be that long.
A first draft is also
the time I don’t read any fiction. Just a habit I formed that works for me- I
need to “clean out the voices,” if that makes sense. So I celebrated last night
by starting to read a new book. The other
narrative voices are not an issue for me when revising.
This is my way of
communicating with you as to “where I am,” (how California.) and what I've been
up to. I‘ll spend the morning having coffee with a longtime friend who has
moved to the city. (Here this means San Francisco.) I have two other coffee
dates this week with neglected friends. All this caffeine-, which I happen to
think is perfectly fine BTW- and re-connection, makes me feel like I’m on
vacation. Funny. The laundry is still there and I will have to get up at 6:00 AM
everyday to drive DD. But my inner-world is different.
‘Nuff about me. Tell me
about you.
20 comments:
Congrats! It's such a great feeling to have that first draft done. Even though you know you've got to revise or rewrite portions. Doesn't matter. The hard part is now over. Pat that back of yours until it feels like a massage!
Wonderful news, congrats! What a great feeling. I hope you're going to celebrate the occasion by something other than just reading a book (though that in itself sounds like a wonderful celebration to me!).
As for me, I'm putting the final final final finishing touches on Project Fun, in preparation for the NESCBWI conference this weekend, and then hopefully sending out queries. Eek!
Congrats! You deserve a pat on the back. :)
I love the back patting device. I may have to make one! I, also, do not read when I am in the throes of a draft. Happy editing next week! Enjoy the java!
Congrats! Enjoy your java! I also do not read when I am drafting.
Wow! First draft finished - what a lovely milestone. Enjoy your week away from the story so you can return with fresh eyes. Wish I could have a cuppa with you!
Congratulations, Mirka! I hope you have a fun, relaxing week! I used to follow the "no reading while drafting" rule, but now I just make sure I read something WAY different than what I am writing. Anything too similar gets in the way. Enjoy your reading this week!
Congrats! I love that feeling (and am simultaneously unsettled by it... you know how that goes).
Congrats, Mirka! That's a great feat.
Mirka, that's wonderful! You deserve not just one good book, but several, and some dates ... Enjoy this time!
Yea, Mirka! The hardest part is over. Enjoy your "vacation" with your friends. Thanks for sharing your writing process!! I'm almost done w/my book for Legacy Press.
Yay, congrats on finishing the first draft! I'm hoping to be in the same boat in a week or two--fingers crossed. Enjoy your break!
I love your phrase "my inner-world is different." It's such a luscious feeling, walking around knowing that even though your outward appearance and mannerisms may not have changed noticeably, you have done something AMAZING, and your soul knows it!
Congratulations on finishing your first draft! I love reaching that point!
Well done on the first draft!
I know what you mean about not reading during that first draft stage. I can't stop comparing my manuscript to whatever I'm reading, even if it's totally, wildly different!
Congratulations, Mirka! Getting that complete story draft down is huge!!
Well done, Mirka! Enjoy your coffee dates and the book you've picked up to read. (I'm the opposite, when I'm writing, I need to be reading other writers.)
I'm in the process right now. First drafting, horrible, just get the words on paper, worry about revising later. I can feel your excitement and the celebratory air of this post. I look forward to when I'm there, hopefully sometime in July. Cheers to you, Mirka!
Made me happy to share this^ space with so many fine and productive people. Keep trucking, everybody.
So glad you're over that big first draft hurdle. congrats. am looking forward to reading it when the time is right.
Post a Comment