First Draft - Check!

I just wrote the final words of my first draft. I’m done. It feels weird to say. I’m done! I’ve written a novel. I’ve heard people talk about how exciting it is to write “The End”, once they arrive at that point. For me, it was definitely exciting. And a little unreal. And slightly dizzying. But I haven’t been able to stop smiling since.

It came in at 77,500 words. I wonder how many of those original words I will be able to keep, as I go threw the process of revising and editing. I have a lot more work ahead. But today, I’m celebrating.

A Failure or Success?

My original goal, for finishing the first draft of my book, was my birthday in February. In early December, I got the idea that it would be great to finish by the end of the year instead.

On December 12^th, 2009, I reached my 50,000-word milestone. Estimating that my first draft would come in around 70,000 words, I had 20,000 words to go. I counted the days on the calendar, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that there were 20 days left. That meant if I wrote 1,000 words a day, I could finish by December 31^st.

I kept up with my schedule pretty well. I’d fall behind a couple hundred words one day, but make it up the next. In the end, did I pull it off? Yes. And no.

I did complete my 20,000 words in 20 days, placing my manuscript at 70,000 words. But it’s not finished yet. Upon further review, I now estimate another 10,000 words to finish it off.

My goal was to reach 70,000 words by New Years, THEREBY completing my first draft. I accomplished one of the two. Fifty percent. Did I fail at my goal, or succeed?

I’m chalking this one up to a huge success. I could have rushed through the final chapters, in order to finish the draft, but I didn’t. I took my time, trying my best to do it right.

I wrote a total of 29,450 words in the month of December. That’s 16,000 words more than any other month. There is no way I’m going to say that I failed.

I have so many revisions to do, once I do get it finished, that my head starts to spin just thinking about it. But it’s a first draft. My very first, first draft.

I’m just excited to be allowed to hang out on the writing field, with so many accomplished authors. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again; the support system for aspiring authors in Utah is amazing!

I’m so excited for 2010. I have so much to learn, so much to grow, and so much to write. It’s going to be wonderful.

Fifty Thousand

I just reached a new mile marker, pushing past the 50,000 word mark. I'm excited about where the story is going, and have enjoyed watching, as it unfolds. I have always known how it will end, but getting there has been an adventure for even me.

My original goal was to finish my first draft by my birthday, in February. Now I keep thinking that I would love to have it done by the New Year. It sounds crazy, and I don't know if I can pull it off. I know that it won't be full length by then (around 80,000-90,000 words), but it's just a first draft, right? I have a lot of revising to do, as well as some major character building.

But for now, I plan to just keep hammering on the keyboard, and not look back. Revisions are what next year is for.

2010: Here I come!

Word Count

I just reached 40,000 words on my first draft!!! Yay for me. I think I deserve a treat... :)

Reading and Writing

I’ve been working on writing my first novel for the last several months. Today I reached the 30,000-word mile mark. I’m very excited. I need to get to at least 80,000 words, eventually. I’ve learned so much since I got started, and I must say that the writing community here in Utah is incredible. There is an abundance of support out there for aspiring authors, like myself. I’ve met published authors and new beginners, as well as everyone in between, and they all have the same thing in common. They love to write, and they love to support anyone else who loves to write. What a great community.

A few weeks ago I attended a writers class at a local library, taught by published author Michele Ashman Bell. She took time out of her schedule to meet with people like me, who hope to someday be published. I learned a few new things that night, but most importantly, I came away with confidence and motivation to keep going.

I follow several writer’s blogs, all out there to offer support and encouragement to fellow writers.

As I’ve submerged myself into the writing world, I’ve discovered authors I had never heard of before, as well as re-discovered some I’ve read. Recently, I’ve read some exciting new books, and wanted to pass them along to you. They are all in the LDS Genre, which is what I'm writing in as well.

Mini Book Reviews:

Lemon Tart and English Trifle,

by Josi Kilpack (LDS Fiction – Mystery)

I loved the main character of this book. Sadie is a spunky middle age woman who feels it is her personal responsibility to know all of the going-ons of her neighbors. And she’s tends to be a trouble magnet. I look forward to the 3^rd book in this series, when it comes out next year.

Eyes Like Mine, by Julie Wright (LDS Fiction)

With a half-pioneer/ half modern world time setting, this book was a lot of fun to read. Julie Wright used this story to show the importance of how family is here to support us through our trials. Not just our living family members, but also those who are on the other side of the veil.

Abinadi, by H.B. Moore (LDS Historical Fiction- Book of Mormon Fiction)

This is my most recent read. Heather Moore has an incredible way of bringing the story of Abinadi to life. I recommend it to anyone who wants a better look into this Book of Mormon story. I’ve already started reading her newest novel, the second in the series, called Alma, and love it.

I’ll continue to post my latest reads, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.