Tuesday, April 30, 2013

*DONE!*


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:

Unknown said...

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!

Anne M Leone said...

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!

Kelly Hashway said...

Congrats! You deserve a pat on the back. :)

Anonymous said...

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!

helen said...

Congrats! Enjoy your java! I also do not read when I am drafting.

Anonymous said...

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!

Becky Shillington said...

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!

Jen Klein said...

Congrats! I love that feeling (and am simultaneously unsettled by it... you know how that goes).

Pamela Brunskill said...

Congrats, Mirka! That's a great feat.

Vijaya said...

Mirka, that's wonderful! You deserve not just one good book, but several, and some dates ... Enjoy this time!

Tina Cho said...

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.

Anna Staniszewski said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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!

Marcia said...

Congratulations on finishing your first draft! I love reaching that point!

Lily Cate said...

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!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Congratulations, Mirka! Getting that complete story draft down is huge!!

Yanting Gueh said...

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.)

Karen Jones Gowen said...

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!

Mirka Breen said...

Made me happy to share this^ space with so many fine and productive people. Keep trucking, everybody.

Evelyn said...

So glad you're over that big first draft hurdle. congrats. am looking forward to reading it when the time is right.